Hickory Ridge beats Marvin Ridge in Game 1 of regional championship series on a walkoff
The Hickory Ridge Ragin’ Bulls earned a win in Game 1 against the Mavericks of Marvin Ridge in walk-off fashion — but not how you might think.
With the score tied in the bottom of the seventh inning, and with pitcher Anna Dew on base, Emma Shumaker attempted to bunt to advance Dew into scoring position.
The ball remained in play as it bobbled down the third-base line, but the throw to first got away from the Mavericks’ first baseman. That allowed Dew — who threw 13 strikeouts and was brilliant in the circle — to scamper home from first, ending the game.
Hickory Ridge won, 2-1, and is one win away from reaching next week’s state championship round. Game 2 of the best-of-3 series is at Marvin Ridge on Thursday.
Ragin’ Bulls head coach Justin Davies was relieved after the game, thankful to secure the all-important Game 1.
“With any team you play, you never want to go down, Game 1,” Davies said. “We really needed that one, because going against that lineup again is going to be tough. But we have a horse on the mound. Anna has been great all year, and we know we can hand her the ball and good things will happen.”
Dew’s 13-strikeout performance Tuesday came against a team with several batters hitting over .400, and one over .500.
“I knew the pedigree they had coming into this game and they had some big home run hitters,” Dew said. “I really honed in and channeled my curveball and especially my rise and changeup. I was able to totally focus even though we had that one run.”
Dew said she approaches every game and every team she faces the same way, and that is by giving everyone total respect, even though she has proven to be one of the best pitchers in the state this season.
“I try to keep a nice low and consistent ego all season,” Dew said. “I try to not let numbers filter my mindset, because I know one through nine, everyone can get a home run or get on base.”
With a quick turnaround before they go to Marvin Ridge, Davies and Dew know there are areas to clean up, but they also know the Bulls are in great position.
“I know a game one win is so crucial,” Dew said. “Now we can mix in another pitcher in Kristyn (Embler). I know she will feel confident with this win so we can finish this strong and get to the state championship.”
Three who made a difference
Anna Dew, Hickory Ridge: Starting pitcher for the Ragin’ Bulls totaled 13 strikeouts and just two walks during the game. Her mix of pitches had the Mavericks guessing all game long. She also scored the winning run.
Grace Bechtol, Hickory Ridge: The leading hitter for the Ragin’ Bulls — batting over .500 on the season — got the hitting going for Hickory Ridge in the bottom of the third inning.
Anna McGowan, Marvin Ridge: The Mavericks actually got on the board first in the top of the fourth inning thanks to a sac fly by the Mavericks’ leading hitter.
What’s next
Game 2 of the best-of-3 series will be Thursday, May 25, at 6 p.m. at Marvin Ridge.
Scoring summary
MR: 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 — 1
HR: 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 — 2
WP: Anna Dew (7.0IP, 13K, 2BB, 1ER)
TUESDAY BASEBALL/SOFTBALL ROUNDUP
East Lincoln and Union Academy joined Hickory Ridge in winning the first games of their best-of-3 Western Regional softball playoff series Tuesday night.
East Lincoln scored the game’s only run in the bottom of the ninth inning and edged Rockingham County 1-0 in the 3A playoffs.
Union Academy won its 1A opener 4-0 behind superb pitching from Gracie Hollingsworth.
In 2A, defending state champion West Stanly needed extra innings but handed host West Stokes its first loss of the season, 2-1 in nine innings.
A look at Tuesday night’s other baseball and softball action:
Softball
CLASS 3A
East Lincoln 1, Rockingham County 0 (8 innings): Lyla Haywood’s sacrifice fly scored Tatum Martin, ending the game in the bottom of the eighth. The Mustangs (22-1) got four-hit pitching from Leah Correll, while Martin had three hits and Betsy Eatmon added two.
East Lincoln can clinch a berth in the state finals by winning Game 2 on Thursday night at Rockingham County.
CLASS 2A
West Stanly 2, West Wilkes 1 (9 innings):Lily Huneycutt tossed a four-hitter and struck out 19, as the Colts (28-1) ended West Wilkes’ (22-1) unbeaten streak. Huneycutt issued only one walk. Losing pitcher Lily Profit tossed shutout ball for 8.1 innings.
West Stanly can book a return visit to the state finals by winning Game 2 at home Thursday, at 7 p.m.
CLASS 1A
Union Academy 4, South Stokes 0: Gracie Hollingsworth tossed a five-hitter and struck out 12, as the Cardinals (23-4) moved within one victory of reaching the state finals. Union Academy scored all its runs in the top of the fifth inning. Shelby Brooks, Keira Farmer and Riley Griffin each had two hits.
Game 2 of the series is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at Union Academy.
Baseball
In Game 1 of the 4A Western Regional finals, top-seeded T.C. Roberson edged Northwest Guilford 3-2. Micah Simpson hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning for the victory. Game 2 is at 6 p.m. Thursday at Northwest Guilford.
Roberson eliminated Hickory Ridge, Hopewell and Myers Park earlier in the playoffs.
And in the 2A West Regional series Game 1, Burns scored twice in the bottom of the first inning and pulled away for a 7-0 victory over Morehead. The Bulldogs will go for the series-clincher at 6 p.m. Thursday at Morehead High.
Steve Lyttle on Twitter: @slyttle
PHOTOS: Marvin Ridge softball at Hickory Ridge
This story was originally published May 23, 2023 at 8:45 PM.
