The West Liberty Thoman’s IGA 12U softball team is headed to the championship game after a gritty 7–5 win over DeGraff Thursday night, avenging an earlier tournament loss and keeping their title hopes alive.
The Tigers brought the energy early and never let up, putting constant pressure on DeGraff’s defense and striking out just twice all game.
After giving up a run in the top of the first, the Tigers stormed back with a five-run rally in the bottom half.
Chloe Staten got things started with a single, moved to second on a Harper Patton grounder, and was driven in by a Paisley Strapp RBI double.
Then came the power: Zoey Richardson launched her 7th home run of the season, a two-run shot.
Delaney Morris and Siri Monroe kept it going with back-to-back hits, including Monroe’s RBI single to cap the inning.
In the second, Ava Prater led off with a single and came around to score on another hit from Staten, who went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate.
In the third, Richardson was hit by a pitch, swiped second and third on consecutive pitches, and scored on a passed ball for an extra cushion.
In the circle, Delaney Morris was dominant, striking out 10 and keeping the Pirates off balance all game to seal the win.
The Tigers are now 9–2 on the season and will play for the championship Friday night at 7 p.m. at Blue Jacket Park.
