April 6, 2024 – Dublin Scioto High School: In an electrifying showcase of softball prowess, the Scioto Irish dominated the Thomas Worthington Cardinals in a high-stakes doubleheader at home.
The Irish’s blend of strategic hitting, steady pitching, and aggressive base-running was on full display, propelling them to victory in both games and setting a tone for the season that opponents will have to take note of.
Game One: Early Morning Chill Meets Hot Bats
The day began under a partly sunny sky, with a chill in the air that hinted at the intensity of competition to come.
Despite the Cardinals striking first in the top of the third, thanks to A. Taylor’s groundout RBI, the Irish were quick to counter in the bottom of the same inning. Faith Kinzer ignited the offense with a timely single, followed by Sandra Phrakornkham’s impactful double, each driving in a run to shift the momentum in Scioto’s favor.
The Cardinals briefly reclaimed the lead in the top of the fifth, stringing together hits from Taylor, G. Schmidt, and K. Lloyd to push across three runs. However, the Irish’s response was swift and decisive in the bottom of the inning. Phrakornkham grounded out to bring two runners home, and Maria Wasko’s single added another run to Scioto’s tally. This offensive outburst underscored the depth and resilience of the Scioto lineup, characteristics that would define their play throughout the day.
Lexie Richie’s was a fireballer on the mound! Over seven innings, Richie’s control and precision limited the Cardinals to four runs on five hits, striking out eight.
The hurler for the Cardinals, S. Newsom, faced challenges against the potent Scioto lineup, surrendering seven earned runs over six innings. The Irish capitalized on their opportunities, amassing 10 hits, with Kinzer, Phrakornkham, and Richie leading the charge.
Surprising no one, Kinzer was hit by a pitch.
Game Two: The Irish Firepower Continues
The momentum Scioto built in the first game carried over into the afternoon matchup, which saw the Irish overwhelm Thomas Worthington 14-4. Despite the Cardinals drawing first blood in the opening frame off a walk by A. Taylor, Scioto’s bats quickly came alive. A passed ball and another key single from Maria Wasko in the bottom of the first inning flipped the script, putting the Irish ahead.
Scioto’s relentless attack continued in the second and third innings, with the team capitalizing on a passed ball and contributions from Richie and Gina Wasko to extend their lead. The fifth inning became a showcase of Scioto’s mad skills with the bats, with Phrakornkham’s triple clearing the bases for three runs, and both Richie and Wasko contributing RBIs to cement a commanding lead.
Richie, once again taking the mound for the Irish, replicated her earlier success by limiting the Cardinals to four runs (two earned) across six innings. D. Jackson, pitching for Thomas Worthington, found the Irish batters a formidable challenge, giving up five runs in just two innings of work.
The Irish’s aggressive approach on the base paths was a key factor in their dominance, with the team stealing seven bases in the game. This aspect of their game plan kept the Cardinals’ defense off balance and contributed significantly to their scoring opportunities.
And in another shocker, Kinzer was hit by 3 pitches.
Alumni Day!
We also had a HUGE turnout of former softball players and coaches that came out between games! They took photos, they talked with old friends, played with their kids, and even took photos out in the field in the positions that they played, back in the day, along with the players in those current positions. Very cool (more pics to follow!)
We wanted to show our appreciation to all our former players who could come out and enjoy the day! Thank you very much for being there for Alumni Day!
Looking Ahead
With these victories, Scioto demonstrated not only their talent and teamwork but also their determination and resilience. As they prepare for their next challenge against Big Walnut on Tuesday, the Irish carry with them the momentum of their doubleheader sweep and a clear message to future opponents — they are coming for you…
The performances of Kinzer, Phrakornkham, Richie, and the Waskos were indicative of Scioto’s depth and versatility.
Go Irish!
(Oh, and is Faith okay?)
