By Fred Kroner
Shayne Immke slammed two home runs on Saturday – her fifth multi-homer game this spring – but her game-winning RBI didn’t require her to swing the bat.
In a 17-16 triumph over Pinckneyville at Tolono, the walk-off run scored when Immke drew a bases-loaded walk to force in the winner. It was one of four walks – one of which was intentional – she drew in the game.
Teammates Kennedy Hudson and Addy Martinie swatted three hits apiece and Maggie Ward contributed two hits.
Ward picked up the pitching win after following Sophia Martlage and Alyssa Acton to the circle.
For the season, Immke has a team-high 14 home runs.
In a second game at Tolono, SJ-O triumphed over Seneca, 14-4. Immke hit a single, double and two triples.
Kelsey Martlage slugged a grand slam and Ward – who pitched all six innings to earn the win – ended the game in walk-off fashion with a sixth-inning home run that created the 10-run rule.
Spartans with two hits in the game were Peyton Jones, Kaylee Ward, Martinie, Acton and Maggie Ward.
SJ-O (25-6) returns to action on Monday (May 31) at home against Illinois Valley Central.
