Eighth-Inning Walk-Off Spoils Wildcats’ World Series Debut

COLUMBUS, Ga. - A walk-off home run from Central Methodist's Madison White played spoiler to the Wildcats' first-ever World Series game as No. 9 Baker fell to the eighth-seeded Eagles, 2-0 in the first round of the 2023 NAIA Softball World Series on Thursday afternoon in Columbus, Ga.

With BU ace Kira Baker facing off against fellow Heart of America Conference first-team selection Jordyn Ball, the pitcher's duel included just five hits in the contest with Ball tossing a one-hitter, while Baker didn't allow a CMU baserunner past second base until the game-winning hit.

In the circle, Baker tallied six strikeouts over the course of her extra-inning outing with White being the only thorn in her side as the Eagles second baseman had three of the four hits against the BU lefty.

After holding the Wildcats hitless through the first four innings, the only knock to come against Ball was an infield single from Mary Grace Hess in the top of the fifth.

Hess, who has now reached safely in 12 of the last 13 games, moved into scoring position after stealing second, but Ball notched one of her 11 K's in the game to leave Hess stranded.

The only other Wildcats to get on base against Ball were Kerstyn Finch and Morgan Loggins who each drew a walk.

After a 1-2-3 top of the eighth, CMU had a one-out baserunner reach on an error in the bottom of the eighth to give White the chance to come to the plate later in the frame with two outs.

White connected on a 1-0 pitch to send the game-winner over the fence in left center and end the postseason matchup between the Heart's co-regular season champs in walk-off fashion.

The Wildcats will now face No. 5 Georgia Gwinnett in an elimination game tomorrow at 9 a.m. (CT). The Grizzlies fell to No. 4 Southern Oregon, 5-1 in their first matchup of the World Series on Thursday.

You can watch a live stream of the games HERE and view a copy of the World Series bracket HERE.

Live stats for Friday's game against Georgia Gwinnett can be found HERE.

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