Wilmington takes 8-7 walk-off loss to Homewood-Flossmoor on opening day

Freshman McKenzie Weber hits 3-run walk-off homer to lift Vikings in season opener

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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After overcoming a pair of two-run deficits earlier in the game, Wilmington took an 8-7 opening-day loss to Homewood-Flossmoor in walk-off fashion on Monday. Trailing 7-6 in the bottom of the seventh, the Vikings scored a run and had runners on second and third with two outs when freshman McKenzie Weber hit a three-run walk-off home run to give Homewood-Flossmoor the victory.

Why it matters

The game was a hard-fought battle between the two teams, with Wilmington showing resilience by coming back from early deficits. The walk-off loss is a tough way to start the season for Wilmington, but the game highlighted the talent and potential of both teams as they look to have successful seasons.

The details

Homewood-Flossmoor took an early 2-0 lead, but Wilmington responded with a run in the fourth and fifth innings to tie the game at 2-2. The Wildcats then scored three runs in the sixth to take a 5-4 lead. Wilmington added two more runs in the seventh to go up 7-4, but the Vikings rallied in the bottom half of the inning, scoring one run and setting the stage for Weber's dramatic walk-off blast.

  • The game was played on Monday, March 10, 2026, the opening day of the season.
  • Homewood-Flossmoor scored a run in the bottom of the first and another in the bottom of the third to take an early 2-0 lead.

The players

McKenzie Weber

A freshman for Homewood-Flossmoor who hit a 3-run walk-off home run to win the game for the Vikings.

Jack Skole

The head coach of the Wilmington Wildcats, who was proud of his team's effort despite the tough loss.

Taryn Gilbert

The pitcher for Wilmington, who took the loss after pitching 6.2 innings and striking out 7 batters.

Keeley Walsh

A Wilmington player who went 2-for-4 with a double, 2 RBIs, and a run scored.

Taylor Stefancic

A Wilmington player who went 1-for-3 with an RBI, a run scored, and 3 stolen bases.

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What they’re saying

“Being able to get out on the first day of the season, actually get a game in, was great for us. It was a good battle all the way and I'm proud of the girls. We were down, we came back, and we got some good things going.”

— Jack Skole, Wilmington head coach (shawlocal.com)

“I didn't look at the ball, so I didn't see, but I was just hoping and praying it was going over. I was really nervous coming up to bat because there was already two outs and I could've ended the game right there. I just put my faith in myself and just swung the bat.”

— McKenzie Weber (shawlocal.com)

What’s next

The Wildcats will look to bounce back from the tough loss as they continue their season. Their next game is scheduled for Thursday, March 13th.

The takeaway

Despite the opening-day defeat, Wilmington showed resilience and talent, coming back from early deficits and getting strong performances from several young players. The game was a hard-fought battle that highlighted the potential of both teams as they aim for successful seasons.