Graham and Baker Trade Homers as Forest City Tops Carbondale 9–5
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | April 9, 2025 | Photo courtesy BL Sports Photography / Brad Loff
It was a battle of power and poise on Wednesday afternoon as Forest City held off Carbondale Area 9–5 in a well-contested matchup that featured a pair of home runs and a five-run outburst that defined the game.
The Lady Foresters used a huge second inning and clutch performances from Kayleigh Graham and Mia Eccles to build an early lead and never looked back. Despite a late push from Carbondale — which included a home run by Stephanie Baker — Forest City did enough on both sides of the ball to secure the win.
Forest City Breaks it Open Early
After giving up a run in the top of the second, Forest City responded with a five-run bottom half that was punctuated by timely hitting, including Graham’s 2-for-3 effort that featured a home run and three RBIs. She stayed aggressive in the box and delivered in key moments.
Mia Eccles had a near-perfect day at the plate, reaching base all four times she stepped in. She went 1-for-2 with two walks, scored twice, and drove in a run. Aaliyah Mead continued her strong season, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Ashley Bossick and Claire Lombardi each had a hitless day but still made an impact with one RBI and one run apiece.
Forest City didn’t need many hits — they collected just five on the day — but drew five walks and capitalized on two Carbondale errors to produce nine runs. Their ability to execute situational hitting and move runners paid off in a big way.
Stokes Goes the Distance
Adrianna Stokes went the full seven innings in the circle for Forest City. She allowed eight hits and five earned runs while striking out two and walking none. Her command of the zone and ability to pitch to contact kept Carbondale off balance and minimized damage, especially in the middle innings.
Baker Blasts One for Carbondale
Stephanie Baker was the spark plug for Carbondale’s offense. She launched a home run as part of her 2-for-4, 3-RBI, 2-run performance. Baker’s power helped get Carbondale on the board in the second and again late in the seventh when they tried to mount a rally.
Addison Ellinger was another bright spot, going 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs. Amber Carachilo contributed a pair of hits, while Holly Granville and Olivia Skeen each added one. Despite tallying eight hits, Carbondale couldn’t capitalize on enough scoring chances and were ultimately slowed by Forest City’s defense.
Both teams were sharp in the field, combining for just three errors on the afternoon.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Forest City Lady Foresters:
• Kayleigh Graham: 2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, 1 R
• Mia Eccles: 1-for-2, 2 BB, 2 R, 1 RBI
• Aaliyah Mead: 2-for-3, 2 R
• Adrianna Stokes: 7.0 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 2 K, 0 BB
• Claire Lombardi: 1 R, 1 RBI
• Ashley Bossick: 1 R, 1 RBI
• Sophia Lombardi: 1 R, 1 BB
Carbondale Area:
• Stephanie Baker: 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R
• Olivia Ellinger: 2-for-3, 2 RBI
• Abagail Carachilo: 2-for-3
• Harang Granville: 1-for-4
• Olivia Skeen: 1-for-1
Final Score: Forest City 9, Carbondale Area 5
Box Score:
Carbondale – R: 5 | H: 8 | E: 2
Forest City – R: 9 | H: 5 | E: 1
