The #3 Weiser Wolverines kept their championship hopes alive with a dramatic come-from-behind 4-2 victory over the #4 Gooding Senators in an elimination game, powered by Natalya Hoobery’s clutch three-run homer in the sixth inning.
Trailing 2-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth, Weiser mounted a decisive rally that completely flipped the game. Alli Navarrete started the comeback with an RBI double to tie the score, setting the stage for Hoobery’s heroics. The Wolverines’ right fielder then delivered the knockout blow, crushing a three-run home run to center field that gave Weiser a 4-2 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Madi Janicek was outstanding in the circle for Weiser, allowing just one run on 11 hits over 6⅔ innings while striking out four and walking two. Her ability to work out of trouble was critical as Gooding consistently threatened but struggled to capitalize on their opportunities.
Natalya Hoobery starred at the plate for Weiser, going 2-for-3 with the game-changing three-run homer and driving in all but one of the Wolverines’ runs. Ellie Shirts contributed with two stolen bases and flawless defense, leading the team with four chances in the field as Weiser played error-free softball.
Gooding collected 12 hits but was unable to convert them into runs, stranding multiple runners throughout the game. Kodi Garza, Kaylee Silver, Jaelynn Patton, and Olivia Rogers each had two hits for the Senators, with Garza also stealing two bases as part of Gooding’s aggressive baserunning attack that netted four steals. Rogers took the tough loss after allowing four runs on seven hits over six innings while striking out seven.
With the victory, Weiser advances to face Timberlake in Game 11 at 3:45 PM in another elimination contest, while Gooding’s season comes to an end.
Cody Smithies
Owner & Media Manager of FLOWW Network. Covering the Snake River Valley Conference (Weiser, Payette, Fruitland, McCall, Homedale & Cole Valley Christian) and 4A Division.