What looked like a comfortable win turned into a back-and-forth thriller, but Heyworth Varsity Hornets had the final say, walking off Warrensburg-Latham 9-8 in the bottom of the 8th inning.
Heyworth came out hot early, putting up four runs in the first inning behind RBI swings from Karissa Cook, Haley Rogers, and Grace Streenz. They continued to apply pressure in the fourth and fifth innings, building what became an 8-4 lead thanks to contributions from Streenz, Alia Riddle, Natalie Kopp, and a sacrifice fly from Leenah Hunt.
Warrensburg-Latham didn’t go quietly.
The Cardinals chipped away in the fourth with a two-run blast from Kelsey Oakley, then took advantage of defensive miscues in the fifth to tighten the game. Still trailing late, they erupted in the top of the 7th inning. Bella Ground sparked the rally with a two-run single, followed by Audree Denton and Elliana Park each delivering RBI knocks to tie the game at 8-8 and force extras.
With momentum seemingly on the Cardinals’ side, Heyworth stayed composed.
In the bottom of the 8th, the Hornets put together the final push. Lauryn Streenz reached, and Leenah Hunt stepped up in the clutch, lining a single to left field that brought home Riley Bardon for the game-winning run, sealing the dramatic 9-8 victory.
Heyworth’s early offense set the tone, but it was their resilience after surrendering the late lead that defined the win, answering immediately when it mattered most.
Top Performers
Heyworth Varsity Hornets
- Leenah Hunt: Walk-off RBI single, sacrifice fly
- Natalie Kopp: RBI single, multiple runs scored, active on the bases
- Grace Streenz: RBI groundout, RBI single
- Haley Rogers: RBI single, run scored
- Karissa Cook: RBI single
Warrensburg-Latham Varsity Cardinals
- Bella Ground: 2 RBI single to spark 7th inning rally
- Audree Denton: RBI single, key late-game production
- Elliana Park: Game-tying RBI single
- Kelsey Oakley: 2-run home run
