Plano rally ends Keller's season

By Mark Goodson

mgoodson@star-telegram.com

DENTON -- Keller and Plano both had their share of big innings in their Class 5A Region I finals series.

Plano had them at the right time and came away with a sweep to earn a trip to next week's state tournament in Austin.

The Indians (31-8-1) let a seven-run lead disappear Friday night in Game 2 as Plano rallied to win 9-8 at Texas Woman's University.

A six-run fourth inning gave Keller a commanding lead, but Plano responded with a seven-run sixth inning to tie it and then won it in the bottom of the seventh.

Plano junior outfielder MacKenzie Velasquez delivered the game-winning blow with a hard-hit grounder that scored Chelsea Sorter from third.

Plano (39-4) had 17 hits. Eight of nine players hit safely.

In the bottom of the seventh, Keller pitcher Katie Ramsay almost pitched her way out of a bases-loaded jam when Plano's Tori Seasor held up at third with one out. Keller sophomore outfielder Tori Charters had made a diving stop to hold Sorter to a single.

In the top of the seventh, Plano's Velasquez and shortstop Taylor Jensen made key catches on liners by Brittany Lee and Kristin Watkins.

Keller built an 8-1 lead on the offense of first baseman Jessica McClaskey (3 for 4), shortstop Carly Allerheiligen (key double and two RBI) and Ramsay (two-run homer).

Keller scored six runs on six hits in the top of the fourth to establish a 7-1 lead.

Ramsay struck out four and walked two in seven innings. Junior Balee Kaderka came on in the sixth and faced two batters before Ramsay re-entered the game.

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