THOMASVILLE — Coming off a season-opening loss to Southwest Georgia Academy, Thomasville softball defeated rival Cairo 7-2 on Wednesday night after a one-hour lightning delay.

The win marks the first time the Bulldogs have defeated the Syrupmaids since 2013.

“This is huge for what we’ve been talking about,” Thomasville coach Ron O’Quinn said. “Laying a foundation, playing schools that are a bigger classification than you are, putting in the hard work and getting ready for region play.”

The Syrupmaids, who were playing their season opener, actually got on the board first. In the top of the third, Amaiah Young drew a walk and advanced to third on a stolen base and a wild pitch. She scored on a fielding error at second on a batted ball from Imani Prince for the 1-0 lead.

Thomasville was quick to respond with a busy bottom half of the third. Emily Dukes led things off with a double, and scored on a single to tie the game at one apiece. However, the inning was far from over, with three more runs scoring on two singles and a throwing error. At the end of the frame, Thomasville led 4-1.

Cairo answered in the fourth with another run to cut their deficit to 4-2, plating another run after reaching on another error. Dukes, Elli Stone and Allison Mirick all scored in the bottom half, with Stone adding a two-RBI double to help put the game away. 

“It was a little rough,” Cairo coach Kurt Swygert said. “We had a few key mistakes, a few key errors that gave away four runs. We left seven or eight runners on base. We’ve got to do the small things — Field the ball, play catch, be smart and get runners in when we get a chance.”

Rachel Jowers took the loss in the circle for the Syrupmaids. Malorie Turnbull got the win for Thomasville, not allowing a hit in her first 3 2/3 innings.

“She’s coming back from a shoulder injury, battling back,” O’Quinn said “Tonight was her first real big test. I thought she handled it well.”