Things got a lot more interesting in the race for the 9-3A district title on Tuesday, as Kaplan’s Lady Pirates dismantled visiting Berwick 9-1.

Brittany LeBeouf got the start in the circle for Kaplan (19-4,9-1). LeBeouf pitched a complete game, giving up one earned run on three hits with three walks. She struck out three.

LeBeouf kept the Lady Panthers (12-12, 5-5) hitless until the sixth inning.

Mallory Hebert, Katie Ledoux and Renase Frederick all scored in the first inning to give Kaplan a 3-0 advantage early.

Hebert led off the second with a single and Ledoux reached on a sacrifice attempt. Hebert scored on an error before Frederick plated Ledoux on a fielder’s choice grounder to get the score to 5-0 Kaplan.

Bailey Sellers scored in the third for Kaplan when, after reaching on an error, Malory Hebert knocked a fielder’s choice for an RBI.

Kaplan got its lead to 8-0 in the fourth on the strength of runs scored by Lexi Breaux and Frederick.

LeBoeuf helped her own cause in the sixth when she launched a no-doubt home run over the center field fence.

“It was just another hit that helped the team’s score,” said LeBeouf, who had a similar sentiment about her near no-no.

“I just want to get the win for the team,” she said.

With the win, the Lady Pirates keep their hopes alive in the district chase.

They next play at Erath (7-14, 4-5) on Thursday, April 5.

Should Kaplan win that game, the scene will be set for dramatic conclusion to the 9-3A season for the Lady Pirates and NV’s Lady Patriots, as Kaplan will visit NV (16-6, 11-0) on Saturday, April 7.

When those teams last met, NV won 3-1 in Kaplan to take control of the district.

The Lady Pirates have not lost since that game.

“It’s a big game,” said LeBeouf. “We’ll be coming out with a lot of intensity.”

..............................

Tuesday Scores

Softball

Lady Panthers ......... 8

Westgate ................... 1

Taylor Trahan pitched a complete game for Delcambre, allowing three hits and striking out five.

Payton LeBlanc and Makayla Viator were 2-for-3 with an RBI each. Courtney LeBlanc had two RBIs.

Lady Bobcats.......... 23

Franklin ....... 7

Thursday Softball

Abbeville at Berwick

Kaplan at Erath

Laf. Christ. Ac. at NV

............................

Tuesday Scores

Baseball

Patterson .................. 6

Wildcats .................... 3

Comeaux ................ 11

Panthers .................. 1

Bobcats ..................... 6

NV .............................. 3

Thursday Baseball

Abbeville at Patterson

Erath at NV

Kaplan at Franklin

NV at Erath