Alton Takes Early Lead but Gillespie Answers Back Strongly

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ALTON - Gillespie used a massive fifth inning to pull away and defeat Alton Redbirds 12-2 on Friday.

Alton jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning, capitalizing on patience at the plate. Gabby Gonzalez drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home the game’s first run, and another walk later in the inning made it 2-0.

Gillespie answered in the top of the third to take a 3-2 lead. A groundout by Paxton Reid brought in a run, and a defensive miscue allowed two more to score.

The game broke open in the fifth inning, when Gillespie erupted for nine runs on seven hits. Reid highlighted the inning with a two-run home run to right field and later added an RBI single. Ava Rakers delivered a three-run double, Ava Parish doubled in a run, Lyla Shaw singled home another, and Reid capped the scoring with an RBI double.

Makenzie Rayfield started in the circle for Alton, allowing three runs (one earned) on two hits over three innings while walking three. Sadie Sholtis started for Gillespie, giving up two runs without allowing a hit in two-thirds of an inning while striking out one and walking five.

Lilly Henkhaus and Izzy Hernandez each recorded a hit to lead Alton, while Gonzalez and Sydney Moore drove in a run apiece. The Redbirds showed discipline at the plate, drawing five walks in the game.

Gillespie finished with 10 hits, led by Reid, who drove in four runs and went 2-for-5. Parish, and Helaina Scott.

Alton will look to bounce back when they host Breese Central on Monday.

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