April 15, 2024 – Worthington Kilbourne High School: In a thrilling display of resilience and tenacity, Dublin Scioto emerged victorious over the Worthington Kilbourne Wolves with a score of 11-5 in a game that stretched into an 8th inning. The Monday matchup, held at Kilbourne on the first hot day of Spring, saw both teams locked in a fierce battle that extended beyond the scheduled seven.
The Irish’s standout performer, Gina Wasko, was a force at the plate, achieving a perfect day with three hits in three at-bats, including two doubles and a single. Wasko’s second double came during a pivotal moment in the extra time, helping to spark a six-run explosion that ultimately sealed the win for Dublin.
The game began with the Irish gaining an early advantage. In the top of the first inning, Lexie Richie grounded out but not before driving in the first run to give the Irish an early lead. However, the Wolves quickly responded in the bottom of the first. Josie Janosy and Ashwika Namala each contributed RBI singles, while Rae Pfeiffer walked with the bases loaded and Scarlett Elder executed a sacrifice fly, propelling Worthington Kilbourne to a 4-1 lead.
Dublin clawed back into the game in the third inning. Maria Wasko grounded out but managed to even the score at 4-4. The Irish took a brief lead in the fourth through a ground out by Sandra Phrakornkham, only for the Wolves to tie the game at 5-5 in the bottom of the seventh, capitalizing on a Dublin error.
The extra inning saw Dublin once again unleash their offensive prowess. Faith Kinzer and Richie delivered crucial hits, with Kinzer singling to drive in two runs and Richie doubling to bring home another two. Leah Matter added an RBI single, and another run scored on an error by the Wolves on a pinch-hit by Abbi Clark, rounding out the six-run burst.
Richie, who also pitched for Dublin, earned the win after an impressive eight-inning performance in which she allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits, striking out nine, and walking three. On the opposing side, Becca Boue absorbed the loss for the Wolves, surrendering 11 runs (10 earned) across eight innings.
Another epic “Battle of Hard Road” that will be talked about for ages! People will say they were there and saw the game, but only a lucky few got to see their extra-inning heroics! Dublin’s offense was relentless throughout the game, tallying 15 hits!
Richie, Gina Wasko, Kinzer, Phrakornkham, and Matter all had a multi-hit game, contributing significantly to their team’s offensive output.
Next up, the Irish look to carry their momentum into a Tuesday game against Westerville South, as they continue their season with high spirits after a hard-fought and well-earned victory.
Go Irish!
