Columbus East High School

COLUMBUS EAST - The Columbus East Olympians staged a dramatic rally Tuesday night, clawing back from a two-run deficit and walking off in extra innings to defeat Bloomington South, 6-5, in an instant classic on the home field. Frosh catcher Thaise Jessup played the hero, driving a hard ground ball to left field in the bottom of the eighth to score Lola Watkins from third base and seal the win. Watkins had doubled earlier in the inning and advanced on a wild pitch to set up the thrilling finish. The walk-off hit was a fitting finish for Jessup, who went 3-for-5 with a pair of RBI, including a two-run double in the sixth that tied the game at 5-5. Her performance capped a gritty team effort by the Olympians, who refused to fold after Bloomington South surged ahead with a four-run fifth inning. Columbus East got on the board early thanks to Watkins, who launched a solo home run to center field in the bottom of the first. She added a crucial double in extras and was strong defensively in center field. Pitcher Baleigh Fish delivered a workhorse effort in the circle, going the distance and striking out 15 Panther batters. She kept her composure through the Panthers’ mid-game rally and shut them down late, including a pivotal eighth inning where she recorded two quick outs and a strikeout to keep the game tied. Fish also helped herself at the plate, going 2-for-4 with singles in the first and fifth innings. Lily Tindell ran for Fish and played a key role on the basepaths, including scoring in the first on Taylor Wessel’s RBI groundout. Wessel, who also added a single in the seventh, and Ariel Darnell, who went 2-for-4 and made several strong plays in left field, each contributed to East’s offensive and defensive steadiness throughout the game. Jacque Boroughs chipped in with a single and a run scored, and Kenzie Hampton and Daisy Logan both had clutch hits in the sixth to set the stage for Jessup’s game-tying double. The Olympians improve their record and continue to build momentum as the postseason nears. Tuesday night’s victory was a showcase of resilience, teamwork, and timely execution—exactly the qualities Columbus East will rely on as the season reaches its most important stretch. Up next: Columbus East will play its final game of the regular season on Friday night(5/23), when they welcome the Southport Cardinals. First pitch: 6 p.m.