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The Callaway softball team produced what could end up being one of the defining wins of their season on Tuesday. It was a back-and-forth game against the Jackson Red Devils at Shuford Fields, but the home team was able to snatch away the game on a late walk-off from Bella Cleveland to earn a 6-5 win.

“This feels amazing to come through for my teammates like that,” Cleveland said, fighting back tears. “I’ve never done anything like that before and haven’t really had many big hits this season.”

Callaway came into the bottom of the seventh inning trailing 5-3. After the leadoff batter struck out, it looked like it just might not be the Cavaliers’ night. That was until senior Kinley Smith hit a big single that drove in a run and advanced an additional runner to third base. Madison Kemp scored with two outs later in the inning on an error by the Jackson catcher and it was a costly error.  

With two outs and the bases loaded, Cleveland delivered an RBI single in the most important at-bat of her young career. 

“I was hoping it would find a hole, but I didn’t know for sure,” Cleveland said, flashing a big smile. 

The time between the winning run hitting home plate and the Cavalier dugout storming their sophomore hero was nearly instantaneous.

The Cavaliers drew first blood with a run in the bottom of the first courtesy of an error by the Jackson defense.

Callaway was able to double its lead in the bottom of the third inning when a passed ball allowed Kaitlyn Williams to score. 

Jackson was eventually able to take a lead of its own with three runs in the top of the fourth. The Cavaliers playing from behind for the first time of the night were eventually able to tie the game up when Williams scored on a passed ball.

The Red Devils broke Callaway hearts temporarily in the top of the seventh with what they thought would be the winning run in a tightly contested affair. Jackson would add another run in the inning and was close to adding a third, but catcher Ella Kelly was able to make a play at home plate to keep the Red Devil lead from growing. It was a crucial play that got lost somewhat in the postgame celebrations of Cleveland.

Mackenzie Toney got the start on the circle for the Cavaliers and pitched a strong five innings. The junior allowed just five hits on nine strikeouts before making way for Cleveland. Cleveland had to shift from first base to the circle for the final two innings and was able to secure the win.

“It makes me feel good because they trust me in that situation and Mackenzie did a really good job to set me up,” Cleveland said. “It can be tough going from first to pitcher. It can take a second to adjust to the hitters.”

Cleveland was the only Cavalier with a multi-hit game, going 2-for-4 while Smith, Kelly and Walker all had one apiece. 

Callaway improved to 6-10 overall and 5-2 in region play. The Cavaliers will rematch Jackson on the road Thursday in another important region clash.