Big Third Inning Lifts Holy Cross to 12-0 Win Over Old Forge
By: Matt Flanagan | SportzWire | May 3, 2026 | Photo courtesy Matt Flanagan
OLD FORGE, PA — Sometimes all it takes is one inning, and for Holy Cross, that inning changed everything.
In what started as a tight game early on, the Crusaders exploded in the third inning, putting up 10 runs and completely shifting the momentum on their way to a 12-0 win over Old Forge on Sunday.
They got on the board first in the opening inning, but it was the third where everything clicked. Hits started falling, pressure kept building, and before Old Forge could catch a breath, Holy Cross had turned a close game into a runaway. Jules Galella delivered a big two-run double, Kiera Bauman came through with a two-run single, and Ava Schmidt capped it with a three-run home run to center. Even a walk from Claire Helring and a defensive miscue added to the rally—it was just one of those innings where everything went right.
Holy Cross didn’t slow down from there. In the fourth, Peyton Graboske battled through an eight-pitch at-bat before sending a solo shot to left, adding to the lead.
While the offense grabbed the spotlight, Schmidt was just as impressive in the circle. She controlled the game from start to finish, giving up just two hits over five shutout innings while striking out 11 and not allowing a single walk.
At the plate, Schmidt also led the way with three RBIs, while Bauman and Graboske each added two hits. Defensively, Holy Cross was sharp all game, not committing a single error. Graboske was especially active, handling 10 chances in the field.
For Old Forge, Juliette and Joselyn DeStefano each recorded a hit, but the team couldn’t find a rhythm against Schmidt’s dominant outing.
It was a complete performance from Holy Cross. Timely hitting, dominant pitching, and clean defense, all sparked by one explosive inning that put the game out of reach.
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter / X
YouTube
