Hieber Walk-Off Homer Lifts Wallenpaupack Over North Pocono in 9-Inning Thriller
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | April 9, 2025 | Photo courtesy @ashhaynesphotos
With two outs and the game tied in the bottom of the ninth, Gabby Hieber stepped into the box and delivered a moment to remember — crushing a walk-off home run to deep Left to give Wallenpaupack a thrilling 6–4 extra-inning victory over North Pocono on Wednesday.
The blast capped off a dramatic comeback and an all-around heroic performance by Hieber, who not only powered the Buckhorns’ offense but also pitched all nine innings for the win.
Early North Pocono Lead
North Pocono struck first with a run in the top of the first inning, then built their lead with a three-run fifth to take a 4–0 advantage. Their offense was sparked by Alyssa Lynch (2-for-4, RBI), Isabella Forgione (1-for-4, RBI), and Paige Dymek (1-for-4, R, RBI). Amelia Bell, Riley Grambo, and Avarie Roscioli also contributed hits.
In the circle, Bell tossed 8.2 strong innings, holding the Buckhorns to just one run through the first five before Wallenpaupack began to chip away.
Buckhorns Rally Behind Hieber’s Heroics
Trailing 4–1 entering the bottom of the seventh, Wallenpaupack mounted a clutch three-run rally to even the score and send the game to extras. Hieber was central to that comeback — driving in runs throughout the day — and then ended it in style in the ninth with a two-run walk-off homer.
She finished 2-for-5 with 3 RBIs, including the game-winner that sealed the Buckhorns’ comeback.
Shortstop Clara Babyak also came up big with a 2-for-5 day, 2 RBIs, and 2 runs scored. Center fielder Madison Haynes went 3-for-5 and drove in a key run, while Sarah Decker and Lucy Babyak each reached and scored.
Nine-Inning Dominance in the Circle
Hieber didn’t just shine at the plate — she went the distance in the circle, pitching all nine innings and keeping her team in the game throughout. She scattered seven hits, allowed four runs (three earned), and struck out seven in a gritty 126-pitch effort.
Wallenpaupack out-hit North Pocono 11–7 and overcame two errors thanks to late-inning execution and a storybook finish.
TOP PERFORMERS:
Wallenpaupack Buckhorns:
• Gabby Hieber: 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI (Walk-off HR); 9.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R (3 ER), 7 K
• Clara Babyak: 2-for-5, 2 R, 2 RBI
• Madison Haynes: 3-for-5, RBI
• Sarah Decker: 1-for-3, R
• Lucy Babyak: 1-for-2, BB, R
North Pocono:
• Alyssa Lynch: 2-for-4, RBI
• Isabella Forgione: 1-for-4, RBI, R
• Paige Dymek: 1-for-4, R, RBI
• Amelia Bell: 1-for-4, R; 8.2 IP, 11 H, 6 ER, 7 K
• Riley Grambo: 1-for-3, R
Final Score: Wallenpaupack 6, North Pocono 4 (9 innings)
Box Score:
North Pocono – R: 4 | H: 7 | E: 2
Wallenpaupack – R: 6 | H: 11 | E: 2
