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GAME OF THE WEEK (WIAA regional softball): Darlington 12, Shullsburg/Benton 9
Darlington's late rally stuns Shullsburg/Benton
Game Tying run
Darlington's Lucy Heinberg scores the game-tying run on a wild pitch in the Redbirds' 129 WIAA Division 4 regional quarterfinal victory over Shullsburg/Benton last Tuesday.

GAME OF THE WEEK (May 22–29)

WIAA SOFTBALL: Darlington 12, Shullsburg/Benton 9

SHULLSBURG — Leading 9-3 at home with just two innings remaining, the #8-seeded Shullsburg/Benton co-op appeared headed for opening round playoff victory for the third year in a row.

However, the #9-seeded Darlington Redbirds showed they had no quit in them by rallying for nine unanswered runs over their final two turns at-bat to stun the host Miner-Zephyrs, 12-9, in a WIAA Division 4 regional quarterfinal game played at Badger Park on Tuesday, May 22.

“The come-from-behind win speaks of the character of this year’s team. There is no give up in those girls and that was true against Shullsburg-Benton. They kept their cool, had great at bats and chipped away one at bat at a time. They really learned how to fight this season and that is what they were able to do in that game,” said Darlington head coach Molly Rice.

The Redbirds (3-20 overall) plated three runs in the top of the sixth inning to cut the deficit down to 9-6, and then struck for six runs in the top of the seventh to grab a 12-9 lead. 

Pitcher Alyssa Tuescher drove in two runs in the sixth to help her own cause, and the ‘Birds opened the seventh with a single and four walks to pull within a run. Lucy Heinberg scored on a wild pitch to tie the game at 9-9, then catcher Kennedy Wagner gave Darlington its first lead with a two-run double. Bethany McDonald capped the seventh-inning rally with a RBI-single.

Tuescher (3-19) retired the Miner-Zephyrs (5-15) in order in the bottom of the seventh, recording back-to-back strikeouts for the final two outs to secure the victory.

The Miner-Zephyrs started off hot, scoring four times in the first and once in the second to jump ahead 5-0. The hosts added three runs in the fourth and another in the fifth to extend the lead to 9-3.

“We started the game off very strong both defensively and offensively. Darlington’s defense early on had some plays that went against them; and, fortunately for us, we were able to get on base and score some runs. Unfortunately, we started getting to anxious to hit and their pitcher recognized it. She threw a great change up and got our girls swinging before it was even to the plate. Darlington was disciplined and did their jobs at the plate. They earned their hits and did what they came there to do to– win the game,” said Shullsburg/Benton coach Nicole Brant.    

McDonald went 3-for-5 with two runs driven in to lead the Redbirds. Chloe Muhlstein, Wagner and Tuescher each tallied two RBI, while Heinberg had a double with a RBI and three runs scored in the game. Holly Ray, Laura Sturtz and Kaylyn McGuire each scored twice for the ‘Birds.

Joleeza Rice went 2-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored for Shulls/Ben. Brianna Jones was 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run, while Lydia Jones went 2-for-4 with a RBI and two runs. Maggie Gleason and Layla Alt each scored twice for the hosts

Darlington ended the season with a 7–2 loss to top-seeded Mineral Point in a regional semifinal game at MP’s Soldiers Memorial Park on Wednesday, May 23.

Playing in their final prep game for Darlington on Wednesday were seniors Chelsea Golackson and Gabby Steiner.

“The two seniors we had on varsity were huge assets to our team. We were lucky to have Gabby join our team this year and step up with some big plays in the outfield and clutch hits. Chelsie is our only returner senior and has brought so much to this program. Her dedication, leadership, and play on the field is what every coach wants in a player. Both girls will be greatly missed next year,” Rice replied.

  

WIAA DIVISION 4 REGIONAL QUARTERFINAL

Darlington…. 000  213  6 – 12  10  6

Shulls/Ben… 410  310  0 –   9    9  1

Leading Hitters: D– Bethany McDonald 3x5, Chelsie Golackson 2x4, Lucy Heinberg 2x3. 2B– Heinberg, Wagner. S/B– Lydia Jones 2x4, Joleeza Rice 2x4, Brianna Jones 3x4. 2B– Rice.

At Shullsburg, on Tuesday, May 22