South Caldwell took game one of the NCHSAA 6A Softball Championship on Friday night, defeating Union Pines 5-2 behind a big third inning and a complete-game effort from pitcher Madi Moore.

The Spartans broke a scoreless tie in the top of the third inning, scoring four runs to take control. Madi Harrington delivered the biggest swing of the game, finishing 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBIs. Her blast accounted for most of South Caldwell’s offense and helped the Spartans build a lead they would not relinquish.

South Caldwell collected nine hits in the victory. Harrington led the way with two hits, while Moore helped her own cause by going 1-for-4 with a triple and an RBI. Madi Yount, Macy Winebarger, Tatum Trivette, Chloe Yount, Bailey Smith and Alyssa Clontz each added a hit. Winebarger doubled, Moore tripled and Trivette also stole a base.

The Spartans added an insurance run in the seventh inning. Chloe Yount scored one run, Bailey Smith finished 1-for-3 with a run scored, and Clontz went 1-for-3 and crossed the plate as well. Courtesy runner Ava Whisnant also scored for South Caldwell.

Moore was equally effective in the circle. The right-hander worked all seven innings, allowing two runs on nine hits while striking out five and walking two. She threw 99 pitches, 60 for strikes, and stranded five Union Pines runners.

Union Pines managed nine hits of its own. Kileigh Cameron led the Vikings by going 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored, while Emma Auman was 2-for-3 with an RBI. Addison Jessup added an RBI hit in the sixth inning as Union Pines scored twice to trim the deficit to 4-2.

South Caldwell answered with a run in the seventh and Moore closed out the victory. The Spartans finished with five runs on nine hits and one error, while Union Pines totaled two runs on nine hits.