Big fifth inning leads softball past Crosby Bulldogs

~ theraiderpress

By Kaelyn DiMartino ‘25

On April 11, 2025, the Derby Varsity Softball Team played Crosby at Payden Park. This game was a confidence booster as it was the team’s second win. Before this game, the Red Raiders played against Torrington, losing 0-17. In their game against Wilby, they won 24-5, and in their game against Seymour, they lost 0-21. Let’s dig deeper into the game against Crosby. 

                      Images from Brands of the World & MaxPreps: Edited by Kaelyn DiMartino ‘25. 

The game was intense to start with, both teams wanting the win. Luckily, the Red Raiders had more confidence and courage. Derby jumped out to the lead in the bottom of the second inning and after a passed ball scored one run. Kaelyn DiMartino ‘25 doubled, scoring two runs. They then extended their lead with two runs in the bottom of the third. Kiera Boyles ‘27 and Breanna Perez ‘26 singled runs batted in (RBIs) to take the lead. 

Photo by Anthony Mullin: Kiera Boyles ‘27 up at bat and ready to hit the ball. 
Photo by Anthony Mullin: Breanna Perez ‘26 preparing to hit a RBI. 
Photo by Anthony Mullin: Kaelyn DiMartino ‘25 helping the team score runs. 

DiMartino ‘25 pitched the whole game, giving up two hits and three runs over five innings, striking out nine and walking three. The Crosby pitcher took the loss for her team. She went four and two-thirds innings, giving up 15 runs (12 earned) on 11 hits, striking out nine and walking seven.

Photo by Anthony Mullin: DiMartino ‘25 fiercely winds up to pitch against a Crosby player. 
Photo by Anthony Mullin: Kailyn Kross ‘27 preparing to catch, drop, and block. 

The Red Raiders totaled 11 hits in the game. DiMartino, Boyles, and Alexandra Davis collected two hits for the team. DiMartino and Davis drove in two runs. Brianna Fernandez ‘28 drew two walks. The Red Raiders had great patience at the plate throughout the whole game. The team was also aggressive with base running as Davis and Boyles each stole multiple bases. The team had six stolen bases throughout the game. 

Photo by Anthony Mullin: Davis ‘27 takes off running to first base after a hit. 
Photo by Anthony Mullin: Fernandez ‘28 preparing to be smart up at bat. 
Photo by Anthony Mullin: Ariana McNiell ‘27 is ready to hit the ball. 
Photo by Anthony Mullin: Davis ‘27 patiently waiting to steal home. 
Photo by Anthony Mullin: Kross ‘27 waiting for the pitcher to pitch so she can take her lead.

The Raiders came out on top with zero errors in the field and a win of 3-15. The Red Raiders continued their season after their win against Crosby. Derby played Wolcott, losing 1-19, Holy Cross, losing 0-13, Watertown, losing 3-22, Waterbury Career Academy, losing 11-23, Harding, winning 26-10, Woodland, losing 1-14, Kennedy, losing 6-10, St. Paul Catholic, losing 1-19, and Naugatuck, losing 2-14. Next up is the Breast Cancer Game with Derby vs. Ansonia on Saturday, May 17th, 2:00pm at Payden Park. Make sure to go support them!