WASHINGTON COUNTY FORCES GAME 2 WITH WALK OFF WIN; FALLS SHORT OF STATE TITLE

The Washington County Little League All-Stars entered Monday's minor softball state championship needing two wins over Industrial to claim the title. They delivered in dramatic fashion in Game 1, securing a 1-0 walk-off victory to force a decisive second game but ultimately came up short with a 3-1 loss in the finale.

Game 1 was a defensive battle, featuring standout pitching and fielding from both teams. Washington County’s Kinsley Haferkamp was dominant in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout with 8 strikeouts while allowing just one hit. Despite outhitting Industrial 3-1, the game remained scoreless through six innings, heading into extras.

With Little League rules mirroring MLB’s tiebreaker format, each team began extra innings with a runner on second. In the top of the 7th, Haferkamp worked out of a jam after a groundout moved the runner to third, responding with back-to-back clutch strikeouts to keep the game scoreless.

In the bottom half, Callie Dismukes led off with a productive out, advancing Lonna Wunderlich to third. Facing a dangerous situation, Industrial manager Devin New opted for two intentional walks, loading the bases in hopes of a double play. But Brylee Margist spoiled the strategy, delivering a walk-off single up the middle to drive in the winning run and keep Washington County's championship hopes alive.

GAME 1 PITCHING

Kinsley Haferkamp: 7.0 IP / 8 K / 3 BB / 1 H

GAME 1 HITTING:

Brylee Margist: 1-2 / GW RBI / 1 BB

Addelyn Sebastian: 1-2

Paisley Meyer: 1-2

Despite the momentum from their Game 1 walk-off, Washington County couldn’t keep Industrial off the board early in Game 2. Industrial came out swinging, collecting three hits in the first inning and jumping out to a quick 3-0 lead, runs that would ultimately be all they needed.

Washington County battled back and threatened a comeback in the fifth. Teagyn Wilson sparked the rally with a triple, then scored on an error to cut the deficit to 3-1. With two runners aboard and just one out, the tying run was within reach, but Industrial responded with back-to-back strikeouts to escape the jam.

Washington County held firm defensively in the top of the sixth with a quick three-up, three-down inning, keeping hopes alive heading into their final at-bats. But Industrial once again came through in the clutch, recording a groundout and two strikeouts to close out the game and Washington County’s impressive postseason run.

GAME 2 PITCHING

Lillie Landua: 4.0 IP / 7 K / 0 BB / 5 H / 1 ER

Kinsley Haferkamp: 1.0 IP / 2 K / 0 BB / 0 H

GAME 2 HITTING

Teagyn Wilson: 1-2 / 3B / 1 R

Paisley Meyer: 1-2 / RBI

Raelyn Rosenbaum: 1-2 / 1B