Westfield triumphant in wild extra-inning affair

The Westfield Hornets had to dig deep Thursday as they faced off against George Walton Academy (GWA). Down 6-5 going into the bottom of the ninth, the Hornets rallied to get the comeback victory, illustrating why they have won five consecutive state championships.

When you think you are always in the game — and with their prolific offense, they probably are — you keep fighting. And that is exactly what they did, never wavering under the intense pressure.

After a scoreless first inning, GWA walked two Westfield batters, and Riley Nelson hit a double in the bottom of the second, driving in Sydney Langdon, which put Westfield up 1-0. GWA failed to answer in the second inning, but they came out swinging in the third, blasting back-to-back home runs to take a 3-1 lead.

In the bottom of the fourth, Westfield got the bats going again with a leadoff double. Then Westfield scored two runs — one on a base hit and one on a passed ball — to tie the ball game, 3-3. It seems like every girl on this Westfield team can hit the ball.

In the fifth inning, Westfield brought in Sydney Langdon to relieve starting pitcher Lauren Davidson, who pitched a great game and was able to regain her composure after giving up the home runs. Langdon entered the game and was throwing smoke, as she struck out the side in the sixth inning.

The score remained knotted through seven, so the game headed into extra innings. GWA struck first, putting up two runs in the top of the eighth inning to go up 5-3. Not to be denied, Westfield answered right back with two runs of their own, one of which came off the bat of Kate Hardy, who drove home Sydney Langdon with a hit. Headed into the ninth, the game was tied, 5-5.

In the top of the ninth, GWA struck again, moving ahead 6-5. Just when it looked like the game could be over, Westfield, relying on their faith in God and belief in themselves, came roaring back in the bottom of the ninth. A hit and a walk put two runners on, and Carleigh Knowles smashed a double into left field, driving home two runs.

The Westfield Hornets are currently on a roll and are in position to take home their sixth straight state title, which would be an incredible feat. They remain undefeated on the season, and they will take on West Laurens Saturday in a neutral location.

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