By: Sienna Gill
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
ARCHBOLD (April 1, 2025) – In a fast-paced matchup against Archbold, Maumee took control early in the game and never looked back, securing a 12-6 victory.
The game showcased aggressive base running and timely hitting from both sides, but altogether, Maumee simply kept pushing and came out on top.
The game started off with Maumee immediately applying pressure in the top of the first. A leadoff single from Maumee’s Julia Coutcher set the tone as she quickly stole second and came around to score on an RBI single from the Panthers’ Taylor Smith.
Maumee’s speed was on full display as Smith stole second, then third, before scoring on a double steal involving Reign Hurt.
The momentum continued to build as Hannah Ruiz added an RBI single to bring in Hurt, followed by a hit from Brynn Maier that put more pressure on Archbold’s defense.
A close call at second on a double steal attempt led to some disagreement from the crowd, but Maumee continued to push forward. Though they left the bases loaded, they put up three runs in the inning, tallying five hits.
On the defensive side, Coutcher took the circle and made quick work of Archbold in the bottom of the first, holding them scoreless with no hits allowed.
Maumee carried its momentum into the second inning, using a combination of small ball and aggressive base running to extend the lead.
A bunt from Jaime Brooks set the stage for another wave of steals, with Brooks successfully swiping home to add to the lead.
Smith followed with a walk and wasted no time stealing home herself. A double steal by Hurt kept Archbold scrambling, and by the end of the inning, Maumee had added five more runs to go up 8-0.
Archbold remained quiet throughout the second on the offensive side, struggling to get runners in scoring position against Maumee’s sharp defense. A base running miscue ended the inning for Archbold when Madi Bowers was caught trying to stretch a double into a triple.
Maumee continued to apply pressure in the third, capitalizing on walks and stolen bases to manufacture even more runs.
Coutcher reached on a walk and worked her way around the bases before stealing home. Smith and Hurt both added steals of their own, and by the time the inning ended, Maumee had extended its lead to 11-0.
Archbold finally found life in the bottom of the third. With the bases load and the score now 11-1, Charlee Forward connected for a grand slam to bring Archbold to within striking distance, cutting Maumee’s lead to 11-5.
As the game moved into the later innings, both teams struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Maumee managed to push across another run in the sixth after Hailey Servais hit an RBI single, while Archbold nearly had another big moment when Forward came close to hitting yet another grand slam. However, Maumee’s defense held firm, limiting any further damage.
In the final inning, Maumee shut the door with strong defensive play to secure the win.
MHS 351 201 0 – 12 16 1
AHS 000 510 0 – 6 9 2
Records: MHS 3-2, AHS 3-2
WINNING PITCHER: Coutcher (4 innings, 7 hits, 5 runs, 5 earned, 4 walks, 3 strikeouts) Other: Ruiz
LOSING PITCHER: Thiel (1 inning, 7 hits, 7 runs, 7 earned, 3 walks, 1 strikeout) Other: Bowers
LEADING HITTERS: (Maumee) Coutcher – double, single, RBI, 4 runs; Hurt – double, 3 singles, 3 RBIs, 2 runs; Smith – double, 2 singles, 2 RBIs, 3 runs; Gugger – 2 singles, RBI; Ruiz – single, 2 RBIs; Pyle – 2 singles; (Archbold) Forward – home run, double, 4 RBIs; Bowers – double, single; Ames – 3 singles, RBI