TOMS RIVER – It was the bottom of the 9th inning – the score was tied – it was now or never.
This is the kind of set-up that happens at the end of a sports movie. But this was real, and the Toms River Little League Softball Majors All Stars were the heroes of the story.
This 12U team is made up of 11 kids. Most of them are from Toms River but four are from Berkeley. They’ll be competing in the MidAtlantic Regional Tournament next week. You can watch it on ESPN+.
Bailee Flora pitched all nine innings. (Photo courtesy Toms River Little League Softball)
They earned their spot in that tourney thanks to their 5-4 win over Hanover Township, said manager Derick DeLima. The game was tied 4-4 at the bottom of the ninth, and all they needed was one point to put them over the edge. Hailey Craddock’s walk off single was the game winner.
“It was the craziest game I ever coached,” he said.
Highlights include the 15 hits the local kids got in the game. In fact, the bottom of the line-up came out on top, DeLima said. The 7-10 in their line-up were in control when they secured the win. Lily Bossow hit all three times at the plate. Brianna DeLima was 3-4 at the plate with two doubles and a triple.
Local players showed great athleticism and teamwork. (Photo courtesy Toms River Little League Softball)
Bailee Flora pitched all nine innings. In the entire game, she only gave up three hits and four runs (two earned) over nine innings. She struck out seven and no one got a walk off of her.
Their next game will be in Bristol, CT, where they will represent New Jersey in the Little League Softball Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament, which runs July 23 – July 28. Their first match will be on the 23rd, facing off against a team from Washington, D.C.
Photo courtesy Toms River Little League Softball
How To Help
The team and parents are traveling to Connecticut for the tournament. They are asking for help with travel and lodging expenses.
“This is an incredible opportunity for these young ladies. Please help us in our fundraising efforts to help offset some of their costs for travel and meals,” said Joey Humenik, who created the fundrasier. “This will help us to give them the chance to create unforgettable memories, friendships, and experiences that will last a lifetime.”
To help, visit gofund.me/417fa9a7
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