The Sonic Drive-In Player-of-the-Game for Friday, April 6, is Byrn Thomas of the Trenton softball team.
The junior helped lead the Tigers to the Class 1A-District 7 regular season title with a 10-0 win against visiting rival Chiefland.
Thomas went 4-for-4, including an RBI single to left field to end the mercy-rule game in the sixth.
“She had a great game,” said Tigers’ coach Todd Bryant, whose team improved to 17-2 overall and 8-0 in district play. “She shut down the running game and had the clutch hit to win the game. It’s hard to go 4-for-4.”
Thomas, who is uncommitted but has multiple D-I offers from mid-major schools USC Upstate, Lipscomb, and Stetson, had a bunt single RBI in the bottom of the first inning as the Tigers built a 3-0 lead after one. An inning later, she doubled to right field and drove in another run to help extend the Trenton lead to 6-0 after two innings.
The Tigers’ starting catcher would finish with three RBI in helping Class 1A No. 1 Trenton to the district-clinching win against No. 7 Chiefland.
“As a whole I felt we played pretty well,” said Thomas, who entered the game with a .391 average. “They’re (Chiefland) always good competition, and it’s always good when you can beat your rival.”
Freshman Darian Ingram picked up the win in the circle by pitching six innings and allowing no runs on just four hits with only one walk and seven strikeouts.
With the win, Trenton clinched the regular season district title. However, they will likely see the Indians (14-4, 6-3) two more times, with the final meeting determining who will advance to the state semifinals in May.
“This stuff is a grind,” said Bryant. “Keeping the kids up game to game is tough. I’m proud of them. They showed up focused and ready to play.”
Chiefland will host Taylor County (Perry) on Monday, while Trenton will travel to Class 7A #7 Columbia (Lake City).
Every game The Prep Zone will recognize a Player-of-the-Game. The recipient receives a $10 gift certificate courtesy of Sonic Drive-In of Gainesville & Ocala.
