The Bauxite Lady Miners moved to 2-0 on the young season Tuesday with a 4-1 win over Saline County foe Benton.
Despite being outhit but the Lady Panthers 5-4, Bauxite took advantage of a 3-run fourth inning before tacking on an insurance run in the sixth.
Benton took an early lead in the second inning with a solo shot from freshman Tuesday Melton. The smash would be the highlight of Benton’s day, however, as Bauxite ace Bailey Buffington kept Benton in check for the most part, tossing a complete game.
The senior would allow a run on five hits, striking out seven while walking two.
At the dish, Buffington was big with a solo home run in the sixth to help the Lady Miners to the win.
The senior pitcher would push across the Lady Miners first run of the game in the fourth with a sacrifice bunt. Destiny McClain drove in Bauxite’s second run with an RBI single, followed by another RBI knock, this time from freshman Olivia McDade, to put Bauxite ahead 3-1.
Benton put two on with two outs in the fourth, but couldn’t muster any runs.
Benton will take on Bald Knob at 4:30 p.m. Friday on Field 4 in the opening round of the annual Drew Melton: Forever Young Memorial Scholarship Tournament. All games will be played at Riverside Park in Benton.
Bauxite will take Field 4 at 6 p.m. Friday against Green County Tech in the opening round of the tournament.