When Sidney Donaldson’s pop fly was misplayed, Raegan Boone raced home with the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning, giving the Effingham Lady Hearts and come-from-behind 5-4 victory at home Tuesday over Mt. Vernon.
The Lady Rams had taken the lead in the top of the seventh inning when Danicah Tobin blasted a three-run homer. But the EHS squad had an answer.
With one out, Saige Althoff singled. She then stole second and came in to score when Boone got her third hit of the day, an RBI triple. One out later, Donaldson hit a pop fly that was turned into a game-ending error, giving EHS the walk-off win.
The Lady Hearts led most of the way. Natalie Armstrong belted a two-run homer in the opening inning to stake the hosts to an early 2-0 advantage. Mt. Vernon scored a run in the top of the fifth, but Effingham countered with a tally in the bottom of the frame. Boone doubled, stole third and then scored on a passed ball.
Althoff pitched all seven innings to get the win. She allowed six hits, while walking two and striking out seven.
The Lady Hearts finished their regular season with a 21-10 record. Their next game will be Tuesday, May 21, when they compete in the Highland Class 3A Regional. Effingham is the No. 3 seed and will face the host Highland team at 4:30 p.m.