Richardson’s Three Homers Stomp Out Borgia 17-4

Dorie Richardson’s walk-off grand slam mercied Borgia (14-13) in the bottom of the 5th on Tuesday, Oct. 8. It was her third homer of the game, which led Sullivan (13-12) to stifle the Lady Knights 17-4.

Richardson smashed the ball over the fence in all three at-bats and achieved a career-high seven RBIs. She was one homer away from tying the MSHSAA record, but Borgia intentionally walked her two times. 

The Lady Eagles and Knights last dueled in 2023 for the district title. Borgia shut out Sullivan by two runs to win the championship.

Before the rematch, head coach Ashley Crump reminded the Lady Eagles that the “next time you play here, you will be playing for an extra day.” Sullivan’s next match at their home ballpark would be the district semifinal, where they would defend their number-one seed.

The Lady Knights crusaded to a three-run homer in the top of the first. Ava Declue shut the door on Borgia with two strikeouts. 

Richardson was first to take the plate and led off Sullivan’s rally with a one-run homer. Declue later bunted Molly Lohden in for a score, cutting their deficit to one. 

The Lady Eagles stole a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the second. Richardson blasted the ball over the fence again to drive herself and Elli Crump home.

Sullivan intercepted Borgia’s strikes with their no-fly zone. Their defensive highlight of the game came in the top of the third. Left fielder, Ella Barton dove through the grass to scoop up a clutch out for the Lady Eagles.

The offense continued to hit on all cylinders. Sullivan racked up five scores in the fourth inning and seven more in their final drive. 

Before Richardson sent Borgia home with her grand slam, Evvie Blankenship told her, “all we need is sixty feet.” The senior followed her word and delivered one final homer, lifting Blanton, McKynlee Peterson and E. Crump off the bases.

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