James Kenan walks off Southwest Onslow in 10-9 softball game

James Kenan pulled off a dramatic 10-9 walk-off win over Southwest Onslow in a back-and-forth battle that saw multiple lead changes and clutch plays down the stretch. Kenadi Gideons and Scarlett Deluca were instrumental in the victory, delivering key hits and making crucial defensive plays to seal the Tigers’ hard-fought win in the seventh inning.

James Kenan wasted no time setting the tone early in the first inning. Kenadi Gideons opened with a sharp hit to first base, putting immediate pressure on the Southwest Onslow defense. Shylah Sloan followed with a solid hit to the right side, but was thrown out at first. Jourdan Joe then stepped up and hit a strong ball toward first, but like Sloan, was unable to beat the throw.

Ava Jones kept the Tigers alive with a hit to first base, advancing Gideons to second. Kinzely Sloan then delivered a clutch hit to second base, driving in both Gideons and Jones to give James Kenan an early 2-0 lead. The Tigers’ offense looked sharp, and their defensive play kept the Stallions scoreless through the first two innings.

The momentum shifted in the fourth inning when Southwest Onslow capitalized on James Kenan’s defensive lapses. The inning opened with a walk, followed by a missed pitched ball from Sloan that allowed the runner to steal second and third. Carmen Mahoney then missed a catch at first base, allowing two runners to score and tie the game at 3-3.

The defensive issues continued as another passed ball allowed a third run to score, putting the Tigers behind 5-3. Despite the defensive breakdown, James Kenan managed to prevent further damage. Sloan struck out the next batter, and Mahoney recovered to make a clean play at first, ending the inning.

In the bottom of the fourth, Mahoney was hit by a pitch and reached first. Deluca followed with a single to left field, putting runners at the corners. Boone hit into a fielder’s choice, but Deluca advanced to third on a stolen base. Gideons then stepped up and connected on a pitch, driving Deluca home to cut the deficit to 5-4.

Trailing 9-6 heading into the bottom of the sixth, the Tigers needed a spark — and they got it from Gideons. She opened the inning with a hard-hit double to left-center field. Sloan followed with a near home run that allowed Gideons to score, making it 9-7. Joe added to the rally with a clean hit to third base, putting runners in scoring position.

Jones attempted to lay down a bunt but was thrown out at first. Kinzely Sloan then stepped up and delivered a clutch hit, driving in Joe and tying the game at 9-9. The Tigers’ defense tightened up in the top of the seventh, with Gideons fielding a ground ball at second base and firing it to Deluca at first for the out. Joe followed with a diving stop at third, but Deluca recovered to secure the out at first.

In the bottom of the seventh, Kierra Williams was hit by a pitch, putting the winning run on base. Deluca then stepped to the plate and ripped a line drive into the outfield, bringing Williams home for the game-winning run. James Kenan’s bench erupted as the Tigers celebrated their walk-off victory over Southwest Onslow.

James Kenan’s ability to respond under pressure and capitalize on scoring opportunities late in the game demonstrated their competitive resilience. The Tigers’ balanced offensive approach and defensive adjustments in the closing innings proved to be the difference-maker.