Moment: USA Win Unforgettable as 1-2-3

May 15, 2020

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Unionville-Sebewaing was two runs ahead and three outs away from clinching last season’s Division 4 championship.

But with runners on first and second base, Kalamazoo Christian was still very much in pursuit of a comeback.

And then, the game was over.

In an instant, USA pitcher Brynn Polega took a line drive off her arm. The ball landed with shortstop Rylee Zimmer, who stepped on second base and then threw to first, both behind runners, to finish a triple play and a 3-1 victory.

“It hit me right in the elbow, and I just turned around and I said, ‘Oh my gosh,’” Polega said that day. “I said please get this, and I saw (Zimmerman) step on second. The runner on first was halfway to second, and I said that’s it.’’

“Chaos. I’ve never seen an ending like that,’’ added Patriots coach Isaiah Gainforth. “Whether in the Major Leagues, college baseball. I played a lot of different things, and I’ve never seen anything transpire the way that last inning did. I’m just glad we’re on the winning end of it.’’

Polega, a sophomore, struck out 15 batters and also drove in the go-ahead run during the third inning.

Click for coverage from Second Half and see below for the game-ending play from the NFHS Network.

D2 Softball Final: The Legend of Hayes

June 16, 2012

BATTLE CREEK – The legend of Livonia Ladywood sophomore Lauren Hayes sprouted with two outs left in Friday’s Division 2 Semifinal at Bailey Park.

It grew exponentially in Saturday’s championship game.

Coming in for injured four-year pitcher Briana Combs and needing two outs Friday against Wayland Union, Hayes got two strikeouts. And in the Final, with Combs unable to throw due to a left knee injury, Hayes tossed a three-hitter to lead the Blazers to a 4-0 win over Saginaw Swan Valley and their first MHSAA title.

Hayes also had three hits and two RBI leading off for Ladywood, which finished 39-3 and entered the tournament ranked No. 2. Junior third baseman Celeste Fidge also played a big part, driving in two runs.

Swan Valley entered the tournament ranked No. 3 and got one more impressive pitching performance from senior Mackenzie Boehler, who gave up only two earned runs.

The Vikings finished 39-3. Click for a full box score.