Lady Patriots Rally for Thrilling Walk-Off Win to Open District Play

Jacy McKown in the circle for the Lady Patriots [Steven Liles/Sideline Sports]

LUBBOCK – The Liberty Lady Patriots kicked off district play in dramatic fashion Tuesday night, overcoming a six-run deficit to stun the Estacado Matadors 9-8 with a walk-off single by Harli Stone in the bottom of the seventh.

Trailing 8-2 in the fourth inning, the Lady Patriots refused to back down, chipping away at the Matadors’ lead before tying the game in the sixth on a clutch double from Hagen Walker. With the score knotted at eight in the final frame, Stone delivered the decisive hit, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Early Struggles, Late Heroics

Hagen Walker catching

Liberty struck first in the opening inning when Jacy McKown launched a solo home run to left field. However, Estacado responded quickly, taking a 3-1 lead in the second with RBIs from Avain Sulaice and Zaylee Gutierrez. The Matadors then extended their advantage with a five-run third inning, highlighted by an Ariana Hernandez two-run double and a costly defensive error.

Facing an 8-2 deficit, the Lady Patriots began their comeback, clawing back with two runs in the bottom of the fourth before Walker’s sixth-inning double tied the game. The momentum carried into the seventh when Stone’s single sealed the victory.

Key Performers

McKown earned the win in relief, tossing five strong innings while allowing just one run on five hits, striking out four. Stone started in the circle, surrendering six hits and seven runs over two innings before McKown took over to steady the ship.

At the plate, Walker led the Lady Patriots with three RBIs, while McKown, Ella Contreras, and Chloe Edwards each collected two hits. Edwards was a menace on the base paths, swiping four of the team’s nine stolen bases.

For Estacado, Hernandez led the charge with three RBIs on a 3-for-4 performance. Gutierrez and Sienna Gonzales also tallied multiple hits, while the Matadors remained solid defensively, committing no errors.

Coaches Thoughts

After the come from behind win, Coach Limmer said “I’m extremely proud of the fight the girls showed today. We had a slow start for the first few innings, but they never gave up on themselves or each other. We had quite a few players step up in big moments when we needed it. Our pre-district schedule was tough up to this point, so to be able to start district with a win is a great morale boost, and I hope it will give us confidence for the remainder of district play.

Looking Ahead

With an electrifying win under their belt, the Lady Patriots (1-0 in district) will hit the road Friday for a showdown against the Big Spring Lady Steers. Estacado will look to bounce back on Thursday against Shallowater.