The Cuthbertson Cavaliers suffered a heartbreaking loss to Porter Ridge on Friday, as the result of a sixth-inning rally that saw the Pirates come to life just in time to snag the victory. Cuthbertson held a 4-1 lead for most of the game, holding Porter Ridge scoreless in four innings, allowing a score in the first, seemingly setting the pace for a decisive Cavalier victory.

Porter Ridge broke the tension early in the sixth with a home run from senior Makayla Cuthbertson. As the Pirates began to rally, the Cuthbertson pitching began to falter, sending several batters in to play on walks and hits by pitches. As Porter Ridge batters continued to rain down base hits, the air was visibly taken from Cuthbertson’s sails. A game that seemed to be a sure victory slipped out of the Cavaliers grasp, as the Pirates took control.

Leading the way at the plate for the Pirates was senior Makayla Cuthbertson and junior Lauren Love, who both batted for .750 on the game. Cuthbertson earned three RBIs in her four plate appearances and crossed the plate for two scores of her own. Junior Calyn Mincey earned three RBIs in her three at-bats. The Pirates were .920 in the field, suffering two errors in the game.

Porter Ridge’s Lauren Love pitched a hard-won complete game, striking out only two batters, and allowing four runs against, in five hits. She earned two put-outs and two assists. Love earned three hits in four plate appearances and an RBI. Hailey Jernigan, Calyn Mincey and Madison Stamper had a double each on the night. 

Cuthbertson will begin conference play this week against Weddington. The Cavaliers will host the rival Warriors on Tuesday, March 10. The loss to Porter Ridge puts Cuthbertson at 1-2 on the year, with a loss to Mountain Island Charter, and a win against Cox Mill. Porter Ridge is currently undefeated. They will begin their conference play against the East Meck Eagles on Tuesday.