By Mike McClure

The Delmar Major League all-star softball team bounced back from a loss to Tri City in the first championship game to win the second championship, 10-0, and the state title. The win sent Delmar to the Eastern Regionals in Connecticut for the second straight year.

“I knew these girls had it in them. They did the same thing last year,” said manager Dustin Shiles. “I knew one loss wouldn’t get them down, they’d bounce back.”

Tri City left a runner on second base in the top of the first following a leadoff single. Delmar threatened in the bottom of the inning as Brynlee Thornton walked, Claire Ford reached on fielder’s choice, Lucey Thomas was safe at first on a fielder’s choice (forcing the runner out at third), and Rowan Preston walked to load bases, but all three runners were stranded.

Shown (not in order) is the Maryland state champion Delmar Major League all-star softball team: Brynlee Thornton, Claire Ford, Lucey Thomas, Olivia Gattis, Rowan Preston, Riley Phillips, Samantha Timmons, Gigi Russell, Kennedy Griffith, Laylah Truitt, Logan Shiles, and Riley Medford. The team’s manager is Dustin Shiles and the coaches are Pop Gattis and Dewey Griffith.

Preston allowed two hits and struck out three in the top of the second. Delmar’s Samantha Timmons singled and Kennedy Griffith reached first on an error before the runners were left on the corners.

Tri City left two on base in the third inning following a walking hit. Delmar put five runs on the board during its at bat in the inning. Thornton reached on an infield single and scored on a bunt single by Ford and an error, Ford scored on a wild pitch, Thomas (single) came home on a single by Riley Phillips, and Phillips and Preston (walk) were plated on a two-run single by Olivia Gattis for a 5-0 Delmar lead.

Tri City had a two-out double before moving to third on a wild pitch. Preston got a ground out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the fourth, Thornton hit a two-out single, Ford doubled, Thomas singled in the pair, Phillips singled in Thomas, and Laylah Truitt walked with the bases loaded to force in Preston (walk).

Tri City left a runner on third in the top of the fifth, then Delmar put the game away in the bottom of the inning. Gigi Russell drew a leadoff walk, took second on a pickoff attempt by the catcher, went to third on a passed ball, and scored on a sac bunt by Griffith for the 10-0 win.

The Delmar and Tri City players were not strangers prior to the state tournament. “They all know each other through travel ball. That makes it even more special,” Shiles said.

Delmar returns to the Eastern Regionals in Bristol, Conn. July 20-25.

“Coming through it last year, we know what to expect. We know what each team in the region will bring,” said Shiles.“This team is special.”