Hilliard Darby High School, May 8, 2025: Ladies and gentlemen, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jack because we had ourselves a classic on Thursday night, as Scioto and Darby battled it out in a nine-inning slugfest that had all the drama of a big-league showdown. When the dust settled, the Irish came up just short, falling 8-7 to the Panthers in a walk-off heartbreaker.
Let’s talk about Alexis Richie—what a night at the dish! Richie went 4-for-5, lacing singles in the first and sixth, and roping doubles in the fourth and seventh. She wasn’t just swinging a hot bat—she was on fire!
The Irish found themselves in a hole early, trailing by four runs in the fourth after Darby strung together a series of base hits, including RBI singles from Tejada, Biedenbach, and Speelman.
But Scioto wasn’t about to go down quietly. They clawed their way back with a mix of small ball and big swings—sacrifices, sharp doubles, and a game-tying triple in the top of the seventh by Avery Reynolds that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
With the score locked at seven heading into the ninth, both squads dug in. But an error in the bottom half opened the door for Darby, who cashed in to walk it off in dramatic fashion.
Richie also got the nod in the circle, going the distance—8 2/3 innings pitched with well over 170 pitches, mind you—scattering nine hits, striking out seven, and walking five. On the flip side, Darby’s Marley Grigsby went wire-to-wire as well, giving up 12 hits and seven runs (five earned), while fanning seven and issuing four walks.
Offensively, Scioto racked up 12 hits. Reynolds and Maria Wasko each drove in two, while Abbi Clark had 3 hits and Gina Wasko chipped in 2 shots to the field. The Irish turned a slick double play on defense to keep things close.
Biedenbach delivered from the nine hole for Darby, collecting three RBIs, while Byerly led all hitters with a 3-for-4 performance. The Panthers were aggressive on the basepaths too, swiping four bags, including two by Taylor Cahill.
Next up, the Irish look to regroup on Saturday at the Dublin Triad when they take the field against cross-town rivals Jerome and Coffman. Gonna be a big day for softball! Don’t miss it!
Go Irish!
