Smeltzer’s Walk-Off Gives Sacred Heart Victory Over NW in 13th Inning

Sacred Heart took Wednesday's game in dramatic fashion, with a 6-5 walk-off victory over Northwest.

The Lady Gremlins trailed 5-4 in the bottom of the 13th inning when Claire Smeltzer doubled on a 2-1 count, scoring two runs.

Sacred Heart opened up scoring in the second inning when Keely Elwell singled on a 2-1 count, scoring one run. In the bottom of the eighth inning, SH tied things up at four. Sacred Heart scored one run when Zoe Martin singled.

Emma Schouten got the win for Sacred Heart. The right-hander allowed 12 hits and five runs over 13 innings, striking out 23 and walking zero.

The Lady Gremlins collected 17 hits on the day. Schouten, Elwell, Olivia Dobson, Smeltzer, and Sammy Altena all had multiple hits for Sacred Heart. Schouten went 4-for-7 at the plate to lead SH in hits. Sacred Heart stole eight bases during the game as two players stole more than one. Dobson led the way with two.

The Lady Gremlins' next action is in the semifinals of Class 1, District 7, on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in Lincoln vs Windsor (12-8).

--Submitted