After pulling off the improbable run to reach the state softball tournament, Bartow's season ended with a 7-1 loss to Tate.
The Yellow Jackets were hoping to deliver the ultimate birthday present to Coach Donna Byars with a victory in the Class 7A state softball semifinal.
And it looked good early on for Bartow as they took a 1-0 lead in the first inning with Lexi Sims RBI single to center field.
Tate, however, battled back in the top of the third when Casey McCrackin tied it up at one-all with an RBI double. Bartow made a pitching change after that with sophomore Brooke Olinger replacing freshman starter Denice Wright. Olinger stranded a Tate runner on third with two-straight strikeouts. Wright would retake the mound in the sixth after Tate took a 3-1 lead with an RBI triple and single.
The Aggies tacked on four more runs in the top of the seventh when McCrackin smacked a two-run homer over the left field wall, followed by pitcher Victoria Perkins two-run homer. They were the first home runs of the tournament.
Wright was once again replaced by Olinger who closed out the inning. Tate retired three of the final four Bartow batters to clinch the win.
The Aggies will play for the 7A title LIVE on BHSN Channel 47/HD 1147 Thursday at 4:30 p.m.