WRENTHAM — King Philip Regional punched its ticket to the MIAA Division 1 state championship game in dominant fashion Wednesday evening, defeating Shepherd Hill 12-0 behind a one-hit shutout performance from ace pitcher McCoy Walsh.
The Warriors wasted little time taking control, scoring once in the first inning and adding three more in the second. King Philip continued to build its lead with a run in the third and another in the fourth before breaking the game open with six runs in the sixth inning. The Warriors finished with 12 runs on 16 hits while committing no errors.
Walsh was nearly untouchable in the circle, tossing a complete-game one-hitter over seven innings. The senior struck out 14 batters, walked just one, and did not allow a run while facing 23 hitters.
King Philip’s offense featured contributions throughout the lineup. Ali Gill led the charge, going 4-for-4 with two RBIs and a stolen base. Annabelle Curran added three hits, three runs scored, and an RBI, while Liv Wainwright collected two hits and drove in a pair of runs.
Kelly Donahue continued the offensive onslaught with a 2-for-4 performance, scoring two runs and driving in one. Reegan Durden added two hits and two RBIs, while Bailey Cederbaum finished with three hits and two RBIs. Cheyenne Murray chipped in a hit and an RBI, and Catherine Kelly contributed a run-scoring hit.
The Warriors showed off their speed on the bases as well, recording six stolen bases. Gill swiped three bags, while Curran, Murray, and Emma Flaherty each added a steal.
Shepherd Hill managed its lone hit of the game from its No. 3 hitter and was unable to generate any sustained offense against Walsh. The Rams struck out 14 times and left few opportunities to threaten.
With the victory, King Philip advances to the MIAA Division 1 State Championship game, where the Warriors will look to cap off their postseason run with a state title after another impressive all-around performance.
