Lawrence High School softball coach Nicole Riley, right, greets runner Abby Monroe (13) after Monroe scored to give LHS an early 1-0 lead over the Free State Firebirds Wednesday at LHS.

Through five innings, Lawrence High sophomore Kampbell Kilburn’s sacrifice fly was only run of the softball City Showdown. With one out and a runner on first in the top of the sixth, Free State had a chance to change that.

Instead, the inning ended with fist pump and celebratory yell from LHS junior pitcher Zoe Brewer moments after an inning-ending double play.

“As soon as I came in the dugout, I said ‘Use it, use that momentum,” Brewer said. “It was so exciting.”

The Lions did just that, scoring four runs in the next half inning to put the game out of reach, and claim another City Showdown victory, 5-1.

Wednesday’s regular season finale win not only clinched a series sweep over the crosstown Firebirds, but it also boosted the Lions to a winning record (10-9), and sent the Lions’ seniors out on a home win on Senior Night.

“This was a really important day for us,” LHS coach Nicole Riley said. “And winning for our seniors, we really wanted to win for them on their home field for their last game.”

Brewer only struck out one batter, but she rarely allowed the Firebirds to make good contact on the ball by staying ahead in the count, and hitting the corners with her changeup and fastball. She threw all seven innings and allowed six hits and one run. But most importantly, she continued her recent trend of stranding runners on base.

The Firebirds (9-11) got at least one runner on base in six of seven innings. They loaded the bases in the second, and got two batters on base in each of the last three innings – and yet they only managed one run. Riley credits that to Brewer, who she said has a rare ability of being able to relax more in the big moments and control the pace of the game.

“I’m just focusing on what I’m doing,” Brewer said. “I’m not worrying about who’s on, or what’s happening. I know my fielders are going to back me up.”

Brewer’s performance was much needed, as FSHS senior pitcher Mayah Daniels only allowed one run through five innings and struck out four. But after snatching momentum in the top of the sixth inning with a double play, the Lions’ were able to change their fortune on offense.

Instead of strikeouts or quick at-bats, they fought deep in the count, which Riley said made a big difference.

After freshman Karly Johnson advanced a runner and reached base safely on a bunt, sophomore Angelina Harjo’s sacrifice fly gave LHS a 2-0 lead. Freshman Sarah Cory singled to bring in another run, and junior Morgan Husman blasted a two-run home run to give the Lions a 5-1 advantage.

Brewer gave up a run in the seventh off a double by Daniels, but never felt any pressure thanks to the four-run outburst.

“That really helped keep everything relaxed,” Brewer said. “There was no stress in the inning.”

Free State 000 000 1 — 1 6 0

Lawrence 001 004 x — 5 11 1

W — Zoe Brewer. L — Mayah Daniels.

2B — Mayah Daniels, FS; Sarah Cory, LHS. HR — Morgan Husman, LHS.

FSHS highlights — Daniels, 3-for-4, RBI; Grace Patchen, 1-for-2; Jenalee Dickson, 1-for-3.

LHS highlights — Sarah Cory, 2-for-3, RBI; Morgan Husman, 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI; Kampbell Killburn, 1-for-2, RBI.