By: Sienna Gill
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
ARCHBOLD (May 3, 2025) – The Archbold Bluestreaks delivered a strong performance on Saturday morning, using a big second inning to push ahead of the Elmwood Royals and stay there in a 6-2 victory.
Smart base running, timely hits, and tight defense helped Archbold keep their hold on the game from early on. Although Elmwood put in a great effort, their fourth-inning push just wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.
The win came to Archbold on a special occasion—Softball Alumni Day—with dozens of former Archbold players returning to the field to cheer on the current team, as well as the junior high team making an appearance to get an idea of the shoes they will be filling very soon.
The alumni, as well as the junior high team, brought energy and support, filling the stands with memories and school pride.
Their presence added excitement to the game and reminded everyone of the long-standing tradition of excellence in Bluestreaks softball.
The first inning was relatively quiet, with Elmwood going three up, three down in the top of the first. Archbold got on the board in the bottom half when Adi Kinsman walked and later scored on a base hit from Madi Bowers.
Things went from 0 to 100 for Archbold during the second inning. After a flyout to start the frame, the Bluestreaks strung together a series of base hits from Meg Ames, Charlee Forward, Daylin Bosco, and Kinsman, with smart base running helping multiple runners move up and score.
Hannah Downing crossed home first, followed by Forward, Bosco, Kinsman, and Makena Thiel as the Royals struggled to maintain Archbold’s momentum.
By the end of the inning, Archbold had already built a 6-0 lead that would prove to be difficult for Elmwood to surpass.
Elmwood tried their utmost to get ahead in the top of the fourth. After a strikeout, Jodicee Garner advanced to third, and a base hit from Allyie Reynolds brought in the Royals’ first run.
Only moments later, Elmwood scored on a solid single, trimming the deficit to 6-2. They continued to press, sending a runner toward home, but a strong defensive effort from Archbold ended the inning with a clean tag at the plate.
Archbold threatened again in the bottom of the fourth as Kinsman walked yet again and Thiel advanced to third, but Elmwood stepped up their defense and kept Archbold from widening the gap.
Neither team would score again, with the Bluestreaks and the Royals trading quick outs throughout the fifth and sixth innings.
In the seventh inning, Elmwood made one last push, but it wasn’t enough for the Royals to break through. A groundout and two caught fly balls sealed the win for Archbold, who closed the game with confidence and composure.
EHS 000 020 0 – 2 1 4
AHS 210 120 x – 6 7 0
Records: Elmwood 13-7, Archbold 11-4
WINNING PITCHER: Thiel (7 innings, 1 hit, 2 runs, 2 earned, 0 walks, 5 strikeouts)
LOSING PITCHER: Reynolds (6 innings, 7 hits, 6 runs, 2 earned, 3 walks, 7 strikeouts)
LEADING HITTERS: (Elmwood) – 1 single; (Archbold) Bowers – 2 singles, 2 RBIs; Meg Ames – double, single