Katy Tompkins Takes Game 1 Over Goose Creek Memorial 4-3 in Playoff Series Opener

A two-run home run in the fourth inning made all the difference as Katy Tompkins edged Goose Creek Memorial 4-3 in the opening game of their best-of-3 playoff series Friday night.

The game remained scoreless until the third inning when Nic Piazza found the gap in left center, rolling the ball all the way to the wall for a double. Two batters later, Luke Simon hit the gap on the opposite side, plating Jacob Owens to give Tompkins a 1-0 advantage.

Goose Creek Memorial answered in the top of the fourth with a perfectly executed squeeze play. Bryce Brody laid down the bunt with the only play going to first, allowing Easton Brunson to score and tie the game at 1-1. The Patriots then took their first lead when Michael Reed slapped a ball just over the first baseman's glove into right field. Jeremiah Vialva crossed the plate as Reed slid awkwardly into second for a double, scraping his chin in the process, making it 2-1.

Tompkins responded immediately in the bottom of the fourth. Bryson Henneke got a pitch he liked and drove it over the left field wall for a two-run shot, giving the Falcons a 3-2 lead they would not relinquish. Tompkins held on for the 4-3 victory to take a 1-0 series lead.