Taunton Softball Extends Win Streak with Comeback Victory

No. 1 Tigers rally late to defeat No. 2 King Philip in extra innings

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:52pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicts the intense competition and momentum shifts of a high school softball game, with overlapping planes representing the players, field, and action.A cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic action and high-stakes drama of a classic softball showdown between two elite Massachusetts programs.Taunton Today

The Taunton High School softball team overcame a late comeback by King Philip to extend their winning streak to 62 games with an 8-7 victory in eight innings on Saturday. Trailing 7-1 in the seventh inning, King Philip scored five runs to tie the game, but Taunton responded with the game-winning run in the eighth to secure the win.

Why it matters

Taunton's softball program has established itself as a dominant force in Massachusetts high school sports, with this latest victory extending their impressive winning streak. The back-and-forth battle with rival King Philip showcased the resilience and talent of both teams as they compete for top rankings and playoff positioning.

The details

Taunton built a 7-1 lead through six innings, powered by a sixth-inning home run from Tori Corrao. However, King Philip mounted a stunning comeback in the seventh, scoring five runs to tie the game. Eighth-grade pitcher Molly Buffington and star shortstop Bella Bourque helped Taunton hold off King Philip's rally and then deliver the game-winning hit in the eighth inning.

  • Taunton took a 7-1 lead through six innings on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • King Philip scored five runs in the seventh inning to tie the game at 7-7.
  • Bella Bourque's eighth-inning single drove in the game-winning run for Taunton.

The players

Michelle Raposo

The head coach of the Taunton High School softball team, who guided her team to the comeback victory.

Tori Corrao

A Taunton player who hit a sixth-inning home run to help build the Tigers' early lead.

Molly Buffington

An eighth-grade pitcher for Taunton who worked out of several jams to preserve the win.

Bella Bourque

Taunton's star shortstop, who went 2-for-4 with a double and drove in the game-winning run in the eighth inning.

McCoy Walsh

The King Philip pitcher who struck out 11 batters in a complete game effort.

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What they’re saying

“(With) their backs against the wall, they make stuff happen. That's all we can ask for, is to hustle hard and work hard, and hope that the score is in our favor at the end of the game.”

— Michelle Raposo, Taunton Head Coach

“We put the bat on the ball and we made things happen. We definitely take it inning by inning, game by game. … We all know that we're a good team, we're good teammates and we have each other's back.”

— Bella Bourque, Taunton Shortstop

“Unbelievable, these two eighth-graders, what they're doing right now. (These are) high-pressure games, high-pressure stakes that they're in. … I thought (Buffington) did a great job of staying cool, calm, collected.”

— Michelle Raposo, Taunton Head Coach

“I love those moments. I just knew I had to put that bat on the ball and just make something happen.”

— Bella Bourque, Taunton Shortstop

What’s next

Taunton will look to continue their impressive winning streak when they face off against rival Bridgewater-Raynham on April 18th.

The takeaway

Taunton's ability to rally late and secure the victory against a tough King Philip squad demonstrates the depth and resilience of the Tigers' softball program, which has established itself as a dominant force in Massachusetts high school sports.