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Ryley Watkins' walk-off hit delivers Edmond Memorial the Class 6A fast pitch softball title

Bulldogs break scoreless tie in bottom of the seventh to edge Broken Arrow, 1-0

By Michael Kinney

OKLAHOMA CITY - Ryley Watkins remembered what it was like her freshman season.

She was part of an Edmond Memorial squad that stormed its way into the finals of the state fast pitch softball tournament before claiming the 2019 crown. She called it the greatest experience of her life.

That moment now has some competition. 

Facing Broken Arrow, Watkins came up with a walk-off game-winner to propel the Bulldogs to a 1-0 victory in the 6A state championship Saturday at Hall of Fame Stadium.

“I remember when I was a freshman and that was the best feeling I’ve ever experienced,” Watkins said. “Now that I get to experience it one more time, it’s just crazy.

"It was the greatest thing in the world. I get goosebumps just thinking about it.”

It is the fourth fast pitch title in the Bulldogs' history and the second since 2019. But it was the first for rookie coach Kayla Carlsward.

“We just had to hold our composure,” Carlsward said. “Stay strong behind our pitcher and keep hitting the ball hard.

"That’s what we focus on; keep hitting the ball hard and it’s going to fall.”

In the bottom of the seventh inning of a scoreless game, Broken Arrow’s Adison Normandin got the first batter out. The senior hurler then proceeded to give up a single to Kensington Perroti and walk Keegan Baker and Lillie Smith to load the bases.

That brought Watkins to the plate, but not before getting a few words of encouragement from Carlsward.

“Hey, what about a walk-off on your final career at-bat,” Carlsward told Watkins.

“She’s a senior. She’s not going on to play in college. She is going to remember that forever.”

After battling for a few pitches, Watkins sent a line drive into left field. As soon as Perroti crossed home plate, the game was won.

But the Bulldogs (33-8) waited until Watkins touched second base before they rushed the field and dogpiled her.

“I was thinking this is going to be the last one, so might as well make it count,” Watkins said. “There’s no pressure, we still had an out to work with.

"I was confident that if I didn’t do it, somebody behind me would.” 

Broken Arrow (30-11), which was going for its 12th title, had its chances to take home the championship as well. In fact, they had the bases loaded twice and came away with nothing.

The first time, a base running error allowed Memorial’s Beth Damon to double up two runners at third base in the fifth inning.

“She is definitely the one we want with the ball in her hand in a situation like that,” Carlsward said. “She is a very experienced player. She is only a junior, so we get her back another year.

"She knows how to hold her composure, stay calm in a crazy situation. We couldn’t have asked for it to be hit to a better person.”

The Tigers had the bases loaded again in the top of the seventh. Facing a freshman pitcher, the advantage should have been BA’s.

However, Baker let her defense do the work and got Emily Evans to ground out and end the inning.

“With the bases loaded, I’m just trying to get the ball in play,” Baker said. “The defense is going to work behind me. I know they are.”

Baker picked up the win after seven scoreless innings. She also had a bird’s eye view from second base of the game-winner.

“It’s awesome,” Baker said. “It’s so cool. I’m so excited.”

Baker and Carlsward will be back next year to defend their title while Watkins will be gone.

But Watkins will be left with one final memory that can never be taken away. No matter how uncomfortable.

“Last time we were in the field, so I got to be on the top of the dogpile,” Watkins said. “But being on the bottom was not the same, let me tell you.”