OKLAHOMA CITY — The culmination of the 2018 USA Softball All-American Games resulted in the title staying with the Southwest Region as Region 5 Blue edged out Region 2 Blue in the Championship Game. In a weekend that saw thrilling victories, rain and lightning delays, a four-run first inning was all the momentum Region 5 Blue needed as they held on for the 4-3 victory.
Region 5 Blue earned a spot in the championship game after outscoring opponents 43-9 in bracket play. Posting a 17-1 victory over Region 9 Red, the All-American Games champs went on to blank Region 1 Red 13-0, defeated Region 3 White 5-2 and then earned a 4-3 win over Region 4 Red to put them in the championship finale. For Region 2 Blue, a 9-1 win over Region 6 Red, 7-4 victory over Region 4 Blue and a 9-0 shutout over Region 2 Red landed them in the title game.
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Region 2 Blue jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after taking advantage of defensive miscues by the Region 5 Blue defense. Cameron Kaufman led off with an infield single and came around to score after an error on a ground ball off the bat of Ava McKee. A triple from Julie Gossett allowed McKee to score before a grounder from Maci Smythe plated the third run of the at-bat.
Region 5 Blue responded with four runs in the bottom of the frame to take the lead after producing timely hits with runners in scoring position. Moriah Polar led off with a single, stole second and came around to score on a fielding error off a Townsen Thomas single to left field. Sa’Mya Jones followed suit with a line drive single to left to plate Thomas to put Region 5 Blue within one run.
The scoring didn’t stop there as Ava Brown delivered a line drive up the middle for a single, and a fielding error resulted in Jones tying up the game at three runs all. Maddox McKee then drove in what would be the game-winning run with a single to left field to bring Brown home.
Brown earned the win for Region 5 Blue, pitching three scoreless frames with two strikeouts and only one hit allowed. Allison Couch and Aubrey Brown also saw time in the circle for Region 5 Blue. Brown also had a perfect day at the plate, going 2-for-2 for her team with one run scored.
— Courtesy of USA Softball