The Tri-City/Sangamon Valley/Mt. Pulaski Tornadoes battled back from an early deficit to secure a 5–4 victory over the Warrensburg-Latham Cardinals in a tightly contested Friday night softball matchup at Tri-City High School.
Warrensburg-Latham struck first in the opening inning, taking advantage of early opportunities at the plate. The Cardinals plated two runs behind a combination of timely hitting, including a double and a sacrifice fly, to jump out to a 2–0 lead. Tri-City, however, was unable to respond in the bottom half of the inning.
Both teams settled in during the second and third innings, with pitchers and defenses taking control and keeping the game scoreless through the middle frames.
The Cardinals extended their lead in the top of the fourth inning. With runners on second and third, a sacrifice fly to left field brought home a run, pushing Warrensburg-Latham ahead 3–0.
But the momentum quickly shifted in the bottom half of the inning as the Tornadoes delivered a decisive rally. Lexi Patton reached base to spark the offense, and Tiffany Farley followed with a double to left field to drive in Tri-City’s first run. Moments later, Maebri Bender singled to center field, allowing Farley to score and cut the deficit to one.
Tri-City continued to apply pressure. Hayli Ferriell grounded out but drove in the tying run, and Lilly Woodworth later added another RBI on a groundout, bringing Ava Pulliam home to give the Tornadoes a 4–3 lead by the end of the inning.
Warrensburg-Latham answered in the fifth, pushing across a run to even the score at 4–4, setting the stage for a tense finish.
The game remained tied until the bottom of the sixth, when Bender once again came through at the plate with a double to left field. Woodworth followed with a clutch single, allowing Bender to score the go-ahead run and giving the Tornadoes a 5–4 advantage. Woodworth was later thrown out attempting to stretch the hit into a double, ending the inning.
In the top of the seventh, Warrensburg-Latham mounted one final threat, loading the bases with two outs. With the game on the line, Woodworth—who pitched all seven innings—rose to the occasion. She struck out the final batter to seal the victory and complete the comeback.
Tri-City’s resilience and timely hitting proved to be the difference, as the Tornadoes overcame an early deficit to earn the 5–4 win on their home field.
Coach Lingafelter Post Game Interview
Lexi Patton Post Game Interview
Lexi Patton with the Throw to Audrey Cooper for the Tag Out
Tiffany Farley hits a Deep Triple
Maebri Bender with a Double to Left Field