Homestead scored all six of their runs in a second-inning rally to beat the Bellmont Braves in Fort Wayne Friday night.
Bella Ashley allowed six of her eight hits to the Spartans in that second inning, including a three-run bomb into the wind by Maddy Rodgers, and the Braves spent the rest of the night in comeback mode.
Emily Bleke singled and scored in the third to make it 6-2, but neither team scored again until the seventh, when the Braves loaded the bases with nobody out.
A single to center by Finnley Godsey was the fourth straight hit of the inning against Homestead reliever Macy Arnold, prompting the home team to bring in Chelsie Rosine to see out the game.
The fourth pitch thrown by Rosine went in the air to left field off the bat of Ashley and was caught by Addi Adams, who made an outstanding throw home with her momentum carrying her away from the plate to gun down Aaliyah Faurote for a crushing double play. Three pitches later, Taylor Bauer flew out to center and the Spartans put a cap on their regular season with a win.
Ashley struck out five and took the loss, while Maddy Burbrink got the win for Homestead.
Bleke finished the night 3-for-4 and is just five hits away from the all-time school record for hits. Three rainouts this week made the feat go from inevitable to hopeful.
Ashley was 2-for-3 at the plate.
Bellmont will play Norwell on Memorial Day in the opening game of the 3A sectional. That game can be heard on 92.7 FM.
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