Pine Prairie trounces Northwest 15-0; await district fate

It has been a tough grind for the Pine Praire Lady Panthers the last seven days, as they have played eight games over that span, culminating in a 15-0 run rule win over the Northwest Lady Raiders Thursday afternoon.
The Lady Panthers went 3-5 in those games, including a 3-1 record in district play.
Against Northwest, Pine Prairie took out all of their frustrations on the Lady Raiders and blasted past Northwest on their way to the route.
Brandy Manuel picked up the win for the Lady Panthers on the mound. Manuel was nearly flawless in her shutout victory, as she only gave up two hits, while striking out two and walking none.
After Manuel shut down the Lady Raiders in the top of the first inning, Pine Prairie came out of the gate swinging away.
Jacie McFarlain opened the game up with a solo home run over the left-center field wall. Julia Chaddrick and Sara Tate then reached base on a hit-by-pitch and an error by the first baseman respectfully.
Macy Harvey walked, bringing up Shaina Boutte, who doubled scoring two runs. Tori Johnson then singled to bring in Harvey.
The next two Lady Panthers were put out for the first two outs of the inning. Maddie O’Connor doubled, scoring Boutte. McFarlain flied out to short stop, but the damage had been done, as Pine Prairie had opened up a 6-0 lead.
Manuel once again took care of business in the top of the second, allowing the Lady Panthers to come to bat with a run-rule in mind.
Pine Prairie batted around in the bottom of the second inning, scoring nine more runs to go up 15-0.
In the inning, Harvey, O’Connor, and Allie Fontenot all doubled, while McFarlain, Harvey and Boutte singled to add to the Pine Prairie total.
Manuel came out in the top of the third and promptly mowed down the Lady Raiders in order to close out the game and the win.
With the win, the Lady Panthers move their record to 22-5 on the season and 8-1 in District 5-3A.
Pine Praire was scheduled to play Port Barre on Friday in their final district game of the season. A win coupled with a Church Point loss to Port Barre on Thursday would give the Lady Panthers the district title.