Down to their final strike, the Washington Demon softball team (8-18 overall) mounted one of the largest comebacks in program history Wednesday night. As heard on AM/FM KCII, the Demons welcomed the Mid-Prairie Golden Hawks (10-14 overall) to Washington High School for a non-conference clash. Trailing 13-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning, Washington scored 15 unanswered runs to overcome the Golden Hawks, 17-13.

Mid-Prairie opened the game with five runs on three hits off Molly Sparks, chasing Washington’s freshman pitcher after recording two outs in the first. Pitching and defensive miscues helped Washington score two runs in the second. The Golden Hawks allowed five free bases in the inning, three walks, one hit batter, and one reaching on a throwing error.

Mid-Prairie’s offense heated up again in the fourth inning, scoring five runs on five hits to balloon the lead to 10-2. After retiring the Demons scoreless in the bottom of the fourth, the Golden Hawks added three insurance runs on four hits to begin the fifth, pushing the lead to 13-2.

The Demon comeback began in the fifth as the Golden Hawks allowed six free bases in the frame, including the first three batters of the inning. Trailing 13-3 with two outs and the bases loaded, the Golden Hawks hit Washington’s Mackenzie Knutson on an 0-2 pitch, allowing Morgan Brinning to score. Washington concluded the inning by scoring four runs on one hit, a Jessie Buchholz two RBI single, bringing the score to 13-6 and forcing the game into the sixth.

After Mid-Prairie went scoreless in the top of the sixth, Washington unleashed their best offensive inning of the season. The Demons brought 15 batters to the plate, scoring 11 runs on six hits. Mid-Prairie allowed six walks in the inning.

In total, Mid-Prairie allowed 23 free bases, 17 walks, four hit batters, and two errors. Washington scored 11 runs off free bases.

Mid-Prairie junior Ali Butters went five-for-five at the plate, plating four runs, scoring three runs, and recording two doubles.

Washington freshman Haylee Wilson reached base safely four times,with three walks and one hit by pitch. All three walks were recorded on full count pitches.

The win improves Washington to 8-18 overall. The Demons will resume their season tomorrow, playing Wilton and Durant in the Muscatine softball tournament.

The loss drops the Golden Hawks to 10-15 overall. Mid-Prairie returns to the diamond Friday in the Linn Marr tournament.