Late-inning magic gets Helena past Pelham

Published 10:58 am Saturday, March 8, 2025

By Tyler Raley

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By TYLER RALEY | Staff Writer 

PELHAM – In a rivalry that is driven by emotions, a win means everything to both the Helena Huskies and the Pelham Panthers in all sports, especially on the diamond. 

With yet another edition of one of the county’s best rivalries heating up, Helena did everything it needed to late in the game to pull away with a win, and importantly, a victory in the area.

The Huskies defeated the Panthers 5-1 on Thursday, March 6, scoring four runs in the final two innings to put them on top and kick off area competition with a bang.

Both teams took their time in getting going however, as the offensive did not really kick in until the fourth inning. In the top half of the inning, Lily Sanderson led things off with a solo home run to center field, putting Helena up 1-0.

After a simple and straightforward fifth inning, things got back in motion for the Huskies in the top of the sixth inning, and they were not going to let their foot off the gas.

Sanderson got things going once again with a single to center field before Addison Draiss put up a single of her own. Destiny Brashears then got involved with a ground ball, but after an error, Sanderson scored to extend the lead to 2-0.

On the next at-bat, Hayden Traywick recorded a sacrifice fly into right field that was deep enough to score in a run, and Carrington Schiefer followed that up with a single on the ground into center field, making it 4-0 contest in the blink of an eye.

Pelham wanted a response though and began to mount one. Reese Jones led things off in the bottom of the sixth with a single before Laini Stewart was able to make contact and reach on an error. 

After both runners advanced on a ground out on the very next batter, Jordan Young also finished her plate appearance with a ground out, but scored in a run to make the score 4-1.

However, that run was the only thing that could be done, and Helena transitioned to the top of the seventh trying to put in an insurance run. 

After Macie Brashears walked and eventually advanced all the way around to third base, Sanderson hit a pop fly to left field that resulted in an error and ultimately drove her in, extending things to 5-1.

Following the padding, the Panthers could not get anything else going in the bottom half of the seventh as they went down in order, giving the Huskies a big area win.

Marlee Parsons earned the win for Helena in this one, going six full innings of work. She gave up one run on two hits and struck out six batters while giving up two walks.

Taylor Howard got the loss for Pelham, going all seven innings and throwing 119 total pitches. She gave up all five runs on six hits while also striking out six and walking two.

With the win, the Huskies improve to 12-6 on the year and 1-0 in their area. They will now take a short break before returning to action on Tuesday, March 11 for another game with Thompson, this time at Thompson High School. First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m.

Meanwhile for the Panthers, they drop 2-7 on the year and 0-2 in the area. They will look to bounce back on Tuesday, March 11, taking on the West Blocton Tigers at home at 4:30 p.m.

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