Bauman's Walk-Off Single Lifts Holy Cross in 9-Inning Thriller
By: Brad Loff | SportzWire | June 4, 2026 | Photo courtesy SportzWire
A thrilling softball contest unfolded at Elm Park Williamsport, PA, on Thursday, with Holy Cross Crusaders securing a dramatic 6-5 walk-off victory over Claysburg-Kimmel Bulldogs. The game, a nine-inning nail-biter, remained tied at five runs apiece heading into the bottom of the final frame before Keira Bauman delivered a clutch single to bring home the decisive run.
Claysburg-Kimmel got off to a quick start, with Isabella Paris launching a two-run home run to center field in the first inning to open the scoring. Harlee Harclerode extended the Bulldogs' lead in the top of the third inning with a triple, pushing the score to 4-1.
The Crusaders began to chip away at the deficit in the bottom of the fourth when Keira Bauman connected for a solo home run to left field. Later in the inning, another run scored on a fielder's choice. Holy Cross then managed to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh, ignited by Peyton Graboske's solo home run to center field, followed by Keira Bauman's ground out that brought in the tying run.
Ava Schmidt earned the win on the mound for Holy Cross, pitching all nine innings and allowing 12 hits and five runs while striking out 11 batters and walking one. For Claysburg-Kimmel, Isabella Paris pitched a strong eight and two-thirds innings, conceding six runs (five earned) on 13 hits and recording seven strikeouts.
Holy Cross showcased a potent offense, collecting 13 hits in the game. Keira Bauman was a key contributor, leading the team with three runs batted in, going 2-for-5 at the plate. Ava Schmidt also had an impressive day at the plate, tallying three hits in five at bats from the leadoff position. McKinley Griffiths, Lila Kolcharno, and Claire Helring each contributed multiple hits to the Crusaders' offensive effort. The Holy Cross defense played a clean game, not committing any errors, with Peyton Graboske recording 12 chances in the field.
Claysburg-Kimmel's offense was persistent, amassing 12 hits. Isabella Paris led the Bulldogs with three hits in five at bats, and also drove in two runs. Harlee Harclerode matched Paris with two runs batted in, and both Launa Musselman and Payton Hinish each collected multiple hits for Claysburg-Kimmel.
Holy Cross Crusaders
Keira Bauman: 2 hits, 1 home run, 3 runs batted in, 1 run
Ava Schmidt: 3 hits, 1 run
Peyton Graboske: 1 hit, 1 home run, 1 run batted in, 1 run
McKinley Griffiths: 2 hits, 1 run batted in, 1 run
Lila Kolcharno: 2 hits
Claysburg-Kimmel Bulldogs
Isabella Paris: 3 hits, 1 home run, 2 runs batted in, 3 runs
Harlee Harclerode: 2 hits, 1 triple, 2 runs batted in
Launa Musselman: 2 hits
Payton Hinish: 2 hits
McKenna Black: 1 hit, 2 runs
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