Stinson throws milestone 500th strikeout for Sachems just before graduation

LACONIA — In the final game of Kaydence Stinson’s Sachems softball career, she made history by throwing her 500th strikeout in front of a hometown crowd, during a 17-5 win over ConVal.

Stinson needed only one strikeout to achieve the milestone, and was taken out of a 10-2 winning game at Pembroke so she could try, at home, on senior night. ConVal Cougars third base player Mae Hagelberg fouled off a couple of pitches, but Stinson made quick work of the game’s leadoff hitter by putting her away on a third strike.

The May 28 game stopped briefly, as players crowded the pitching circle offering hugs. The game ball was put aside for Stinson's trophy case. Getting the milestone out of the way early was huge for Stinson, so she could focus on the rest of the game. She said it happened to likely be the best all-around performance by the Sachems all spring.

“I was going in pretty confident with the game, hoping that I could put my best foot forward, being the last time out on the field,” she said.

Stinson was humble, and spent more of her time talking about the team’s effort than her personal accolade.

“The bats were good, the fielding was awesome, and just knowing I could trust my team behind me in that game felt better,” Stinson said. “There was so much positivity. Everyone was congratulating me, and everyone was happy we went out with a bang.”

Stinson pitched all six innings in the mercy rule shortened game, allowing five runs with eight strikeouts. She finished her career with 507 total strikeouts.

She also has the game ball for previous milestones, including her 400th strikeout earlier this season, against the Kennett Eagles, on April 20. She achieved her 100th strikeout during her first season, and then hit number 200 the following year. At the beginning of last season, she recorded her 300th strikeout.

“Right now, they are all sitting on my trophy shelf,” Stinson said.

Members of Stinson’s family were at the game, including her mother, Irene, who said she is a “very proud mom.”

“She has worked incredibly hard and deserves every moment of this,” Irene said right after the strikeout. “And to get it out of the way, it makes it easy. And now she can relax, and just do her thing.”

This season, Stinson led the way with a 3.10 ERA, allowing only 37 earned runs in 83.1 innings pitched. She was a strikeout machine, recording 132 this spring. Teams had trouble hitting her, with a .191 batting average.

Not only is Stinson a rare talent in the pitching circle, she was also one of the team’s top hitters. She was consistently the team’s No. 3 hitter, the prime spot to put runs on the board.

This past year, she had a .400 batting average, with 22 hits, five doubles, the team’s only homer, and 18 RBIs. She also crossed the plate 10 times, and had a .431 onbase percentage.

“She is just a unique player,” Coach Nick Ford said. “Almost a once-in-a-lifetime player, to be honest. Kaydence is a special player, and a pleasure to coach.”

Ford said it had been a tough season for the Sachems, but they won three out of the last four games of the season. They finished one game off a playoff spot. He said if the season was a week or two longer, they may have been able to make some noise in the second season.

“It took 16 games, but when we really started to communicate, things started to go our way,” Ford said. “They were swinging the bat and making contact, finding gaps. Some things that we struggled with earlier this season finally got put all together.”

Athletic Director Craig Kozens was at Opechee Park on May 28, for the big moment, and commended the team for being composed of a great group of players.

“It’s great to see them have fun and compete at the same time,” Kozens said. “She did a nice job, and gets out there every day. It’s not easy. There’s good support today. A lot of people showed up, so that is great, too.”

Catching the milestone strikeout was Payton Doherty, the only other senior on the roster. Having a battery mate like Doherty, a 12th grade captain who caught the majority of Stinson’s innings, made it extra special.

“It was only fitting that she could catch that game and the 500th strikeout,” Ford said. “She is also a great leader. Overall, it was a special moment for both girls.”

Irene said it has been an “absolutely amazing experience,” watching the two play together for so long.

“They have also played on some travel ball teams, and local rec leagues, so they have grown together,” she said.

Stinson is the only Sachem in recent memory to achieve the feat, and Ford said she may actually be the first to do so, but did not have a complete record of statistics. Achieving 500 strikeouts is no small accomplishment, and Ford said it is a testament to her incredible career. Stinson will look to continue that success pitching for Regis College, in Massachusetts, next spring.

“The day was special,” Ford said. “To get 500 strikeouts on senior night is impressive in itself. She is not only a great pitcher; she is a phenomenal leader. The girls really respect her.”