MORAN — Marmaton Valley High’s softball team had an afternoon for the ages Thursday.
The Wildcats hosted St. Paul in a doubleheader to wrap up the regular season.
After falling, 20-0, in the first game, Marmaton Valley bounced back. And back. And back in game 2.
The Wildcats rallied from a seven-run deficit by scoring nine in the bottom of the fifth to win, 30-29.
“I had people telling me they didn’t think the game was ever going to end,” Wildcat head coach Darlene Stewart said. “It was back-and-forth most of the way.”
Marmaton Valley and St. Paul pitchers combined to walk 55 batters.
Ashlynn Pinkerton got the win, striking out five while walking 24. Wildcat batters earned 31 walks. As can be guessed, walks were pivotal in Marmaton Valley’s game-winning rally.
There were more than a few hits as well for the Wildcats.
Pinkerton had three singles, while Hanna Hoffman and Shauna Knight both had two singles. Brooklyn Newman and Shauna Knight both hit doubles. Emily Boyd, Tanna Lutz, Newman and Nalea Alexander each hit singles.
The game was a nice response after the disappointing opener, Stewart said.
Pinkerton pitched most of the way, striking out four and walking 18. Kaitlin Ensminger and Alexander each doubled for Marmaton Valley.
The Wildcats host Flinthills at 5:30 p.m. Monday to open the Class 2-1A Regional Tournament.
The winner moves on to take on top seed Yates Center in the semifinals.
Marmaton Valley’s baseball team was idle Thursday because St. Paul had to forfeit the rest of its baseball season because of a depleted roster.
No, this isn’t a football score: MV edges St. Paul, 30-29, in softball
