The Bulldogs were agonizingly close to staying with Fatima in the early going on the road Friday night. Despite being on the wrong side of a 13-3 game, Mexico had an “almost” moment that may have brought them back into contention.

A two run homer by Comets shortstop Kinzey Woody launched the hosts to a six run inning in the bottom of the first. The Bulldogs gathered their wits in the top of the second. Abby Bellamy doubled to start things off.

Jordyn Thurman’s patience paid off with a walk. Kierstan Epperson also didn’t panic after going down 0-2 in the count and drew a base on balls.

But Mexico’s hitters couldn’t capitalize. Fatima pushed across two more in the bottom half of the inning, staking themselves to an 8-0 advantage.

Undaunted, the Bulldogs rallied in the third. Kenley Jones smacked a one out double. Riley Thurman reached base on an error. Jones, who had advanced to third on a wild pitch, scored Mexico’s first run.

After a fly out, Jordyn Thurman ripped an RBI double to right center field. Epperson slapped one through the infield for a base hit, plating Thurman.

It was 8-3 in favor of the home side. But the Comets wield big bats and responded with a three run inning of their own. Fatima’s batters launched a 13 hit barrage, with five going for extra bases.

Mexico catcher Karlee Sefrit went one for three on the evening, giving the Bulldogs five hits for the game.

Jordyn Thurman started on the mound. Eboni Mayfield came on in relief.

The Westphalia-based Fatima finished second in the Class 3 District 5 tournament a year ago, losing to 24-7 Blair Oaks. They have won the last three meetings against Mexico.