Sussex Academy softball walks off Charter

After taking a 13-12 lead in the top of the sixth inning, the Wilmington Charter softball team was close to penciling in a close victory over Sussex Academy in the back-and-forth contest March 19.

But junior Carson Gesuero and freshman Grayce Glover had different thoughts, as Gesuero sent a two-out fastball into the left-field corner and sprinted the bases for an inside-the-park-home run to tie the game at 13-13.

“It was right over the plate,” said Gesuero. “When I was running the bases, I heard everyone screaming, so I just kept running. It felt great.”

After a one-two-three top of the seventh by Gesuero in the circle, the seventh exploded when Glover went yard with a walk-off homer to win the game 14-13.

“I was a fastball right down the middle,” said Glover. “I thought it was going to be short, but it kept going. It was my first varsity homer, and it felt really good.”

Glover was 3-for-4, with a double, triple and home run. She scored three runs and knocked in three RBIs.

Caroline White had three hits and four RBIs, and Ryan Lowe slammed three hits.

Gesuero delivered in the circle, giving up four runs on seven hits in three innings. She struck out two and was credited with the win.

Freshman pitcher Makenna Blades threw four innings, allowing five runs on six hits and striking out four batters.

“I thought our team was going to be known for its defensive play,” said coach Gerald Jester. “But our bats were hot today. The girls battled all day. I’m proud of the way they played against a good team like Charter.”

Sophia Johnston had three hits for Wilmington Charter. Senior Natalie Nycz went yard for the Force.