They started the season practicing in the rain, and fittingly, won in the rain as well.

The aptly named Storm defeated the Diamonds in the Bainbridge Major League softball championship game Monday at Strawberry Hill Park.

The Storm scored the winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning and came away with an 8-7 victory over the Diamonds for the 11-12-year-olds championship.

Catcher Jessica Molskness hit an RBI single to score Sarah Wettleson from third base with two out for the winning run.

The two teams battled each other in all six innings, as they exchanged the lead five times and tied each other four times, all under a steady rain. The Storm was not deterred by the wet and muddy conditions.

“Our first four practices were in 45 degrees and rain,” Storm coach Scott Boynton said. “It was fitting that it was played in the rain. It was a tough show, weather wise.”

Lindsay Willman pitched the entire game for the Storm. She allowed ten hits, but struck out 11 Diamonds batters, including the side in the third inning after giving up a leadoff double.

“She didn’t have her best stuff, but she was tough out there,” Boynton said.

The Diamonds got on the scoreboard first with a bases loaded walk in the first inning, but the Storm led 4-2 after the second after a two-run double by Wettleson. In the fourth, both teams scored three runs each, as the Storm led 7-5.

The Diamonds tied the game in the fifth on a two-run double by Hilary Peter-Contesse.

“They had struggled early in the season,” Boynton said of the Diamonds, “but they came on late.

“They hung tough; they gave us our toughest game of the season.”

In the bottom of the sixth, the Storm’s first two baserunners were forced out at second base.

Wettleson reached on a fielder’s choice, stole second, then scored on Molskeness’ RBI single to right.

“She’s our most improved player,” Boynton said. “She’s been aggressive at and behind the plate.”

9-10 champs

In the 9-10 championship also at Strawberry Hill, the Racers defeated the Firesticks 12-8. Camille Moore and Julia Chamberlin each had two hits as the Firesticks defeated the Racers in a high scoring contest.

The Racers took the lead for good with a six-run fifth inning, then held on for the win as the Firesticks scored three in the top of the sixth to make it close.