The Demopolis Lady Tigers struggled to find its offense Tuesday, falling at home to Dallas County 2-1.

Despite missing four starters due to illness, the Lady Tigers found themselves in position to win the game in the seventh inning.

“We were in the ball game the whole way,” head coach Joey Browder said.

His team pushed runners to third base twice and failed to score before DCHS utilized a walk and a collection of miscues to score two runs in the visitors’ half of the sixth inning.

“We had a few mistakes,” Browder said. “As long as we’re learning and we’re getting better. We’re accomplishing a lot of things you can’t really see on the field.”

The Lady Tigers, who managed only one hit in the game, staged a seventh inning rally. After Demopolis got the leadoff hitter on with a walk, Kathleen Randall laid down a bunt and hustled down the line, forcing an errant throw that allowed her to advance to second. The lead runner, who attempted to score on the play, was thrown out at the plate, allowing Randall to advance to third on the throw. Demopolis got on the board when Kristen Beach hit a fly ball to center field that found its way in and out of the defender’s glove, scoring Randall on the play.

Demopolis eventually pushed the potential tying run to third base and the prospective game-winning runner to second before DCHS squelched the rally and picked up the win.

“We’ve got to keep getting better,” Browder said “We’ve got to produce more offense.”

Demopolis got a strong start from freshman Madison Bozeman, who made the first varsity start of her career.

“Madison has been out a lot early this season,” Browder said of the pitcher who has struggled with injuries. “This is her first start on the year. She did a great job going to the stretch.”

Bozeman pitched the full seven innings, striking out four and scattering six hits. Both Dallas County runs were unearned.

Browder was also enthusiastic about the performance of his younger players.

“The girls that stepped in and filled some of those holes did a great job,” he said.

Demopolis travels to American Christian today.