Thorsby senior’s first homer a dramatic one
Published 6:56 pm Friday, April 22, 2016
It took some time, but Thorsby senior Taylor McManus’ first home run proved to be worth the wait.
The first home run came in walk-off fashion, as the Rebels defeated Fayetteville 6-4 in extra innings on April 19 and with just two home games left to play in her high school career.
“It couldn’t have happened at a better time, because I knew I was running out of time,” McManus said.
Thorsby senior Taylor McManus and head coach Leighsa Robinson share a moment after McManus’ first career home run was the game-winner against Fayetteville on April 19. Thorsby won 6-4 in eight innings. (Contributed Photo)
According to McManus, two at-bats prior she almost hit it out but instead came up just short of carrying over the outfield fence.
With the game tied 4-all heading into the bottom of the eighth inning, McManus stepped to the plate with a runner on first base and one out.
McManus connected on the first pitch she saw, which had enough momentum to clear the fence and secure a dramatic win for Thorsby.
“It’s crazy because I never swing at the first pitch,” McManus said. “I knew it was out once I rounded first base and coach had about a 6-foot vertical leap.”
She has been a starting pitcher on the varsity squad since the seventh grade and proven to be a valuable member of the team throughout the years.
“Everybody in the stands was in tears,” McManus said. “They wanted it just as much as I did.”
