Softball: York rallies past Hinsdale South with three-run sixth

Updated: May 26, 2012 4:38PM

York senior Tessa Kroll doesn’t get rattled much as a four-year varsity pitcher.

She did a bit Saturday.

Hinsdale South missed golden opportunities to break the game open early only to see the Dukes rally to stun Hinsdale South 5-4 in the Class 4A Hinsdale South Regional final in Darien.

“My teammates really picked me up today,” said winning pitcher Kroll, who allowed two earned runs on 10 hits. “I try not to panic the best I can, but I know I was getting frustrated at times. I panicked a little, but we pulled it together.”

York, which is seeded No. 13 in the Lake Park Sectional, pulled off its second straight upset and will now take on No. 1 seed Glenbard North in the sectional semifinal Wednesday.

The Dukes (18-18) trailed 4-2, but scoring three runs in the sixth inning to take the lead for good at 5-4.

“This was a great win,” York coach Drew McGuire said. “We didn’t play real sharp in the first couple innings, but I had a sense we were going to do it all game. Everyone battled all the way through. I’m just so proud of these girls. They didn’t give up and Tessa battled on the mound for us. She kept fighting, like everyone, and it’s just a testament to who they are.”

York’s offense was led by Sarah Milkowski (2-for-3, two runs) and Gracie Sullivan (RBI triple, run). Rachel Gentile walked with the bases loaded in the sixth, scoring Danielle Morency with what turned out to be the winning run.

Fifth-seeded Hinsdale South (22-13) had 10 hits, but stranded 10 base-runners and had two runners thrown out at the plate in fourth inning.

Kroll (10-8), who escaped numerous jams, wiggled out of trouble in the fifth. The Hornets loaded the bases with no outs, but Kroll struck out the next two batters and induced a pop-up to get out of the jam.

“This is a big deal,” said Kroll, who also won a regional championship as a sophomore. “It’s a fun experience and I’m excited to see what we can do going on in the playoffs.”

Hinsdale South’s offense was led by Sabrina Kuchta (2-for-2, RBI) and Dana Capocci (2-for-4, RBI).

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