Softball: Oak Ridge wins pitcher's duel with College Park

OAK RIDGE NORTH, Texas – Oak Ridge High School softball freshman Cheyenne Cavanaugh delivered a two-out, walk-off single, scoring Gabby Davila with the game’s only run and the Lady War Eagles upended No. 10 state-ranked College Park, 1-0, at home Thursday.

Cavanaugh belted a 2-0 pitch to the right-field fence on one hop, chasing home Davila, who opened the bottom of the seventh inning in the District 14-5A clash with a bunt single.

It made pitcher Jessica Rodriguez a winner in the circle. Rodriguez was locked in a pitcher’s duel with College Park’s Payton Hutchens.

“Both of them did a great job,” Oak Ridge softball coach Amanda Brimberry said. “J-Rod stayed strong and we’re really proud of her.”

Rodriguez scattered seven hits while striking out seven in going the distance to keep Oak Ridge unbeaten in district play at 2-0 (10-6 overall).

Hutchens pitched out of trouble in the early innings and struck out three in the district opener for College Park, now 12-3 on the season.

“It was an amazing game,” College Park softball coach Danna Rice said. “We fought and fought and fought. We have a lot of talent. They have a lot of talent. They got a key hit and that was it.

“I’m very happy with our game tonight. Of course we’d like to be on the other end, but it didn’t work out that way.”

Rice said she was also pleased with Hutchens’ outing.

“Rock solid,” she said. “This is my 20th year (coaching) and I’ve coached a lot of extremely talented pitchers and she’s right up there with them. She is a perfectionist and she is going to outwork anybody.”

Davila and Amber Serrett had two hits each to pace the Lady War Eagles while Nikki Giles led the Lady Cavs with two hits of her own.

The Lady War Eagles visit Conroe for a 6:30 p.m. game before hosting A&M Consolidated on Tuesday.

College Park hosts Conroe at 6:30 p.m. Friday before traveling to A&M Consolidated on Monday. The Lady Cavs then turn around and host Lufkin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.