Tuesday night at CMH Field delivered exactly what fans expected: an epic showdown for the ages. In Greek mythology, the "Battle of the Titans" was the ultimate clash—Zeus and the Olympians fighting a 10-year war for control of the universe. In high school softball, that phrase has come to define the fierce rivalry between Astoria, Scappoose, and St. Helens. And on this night, it was Scappoose who emerged victorious, edging Astoria 4-2 in a 10-inning thriller.
With the Cowapa League title still up for grabs, this game carried massive playoff implications. All three teams—Scappoose, Astoria, and St. Helens—are among the best in 4A softball, and Tuesday's result would shape the postseason seeding. Astoria came in hungry for revenge after Scappoose dominated them earlier in the season. Meanwhile, the Indians had dropped two straight to St. Helens, putting them a game behind Astoria in the standings.
The game quickly turned into a pitchers' duel between two aces: Linfield University commit Saige Casey for Scappoose and Astoria's strikeout machine Taryen Wray. From the first pitch, it was clear this would be a battle of wills. Both pitchers racked up strikeouts, worked out of jams, and got help from incredible defensive plays. The tension built inning after inning, forcing the teams into extra frames.
Scappoose finally broke through in the top of the 10th, scoring two runs to take a 4-2 lead. Astoria threatened in the bottom half, putting two runners on base, but Casey slammed the door, striking out the side to seal the victory. The win tied the Cowapa League race, with all three teams now holding two losses apiece: Scappoose at 8-2, Astoria at 7-2, and St. Helens at 6-2.
For Astoria, the loss puts them in a must-win situation heading into Thursday's rematch. A victory would keep them in the hunt for a potential three-way tie for the league title, but a loss could drop them to third. The Fishermen have their eyes on the postseason, but winning the league would be a sweet bonus.
Wray was nothing short of a warrior on the mound. She threw 177 pitches over 10 innings, striking out 11 batters while allowing just two earned runs against one of the best lineups in 4A. Her 11 strikeouts bring her season total to 179, closing in on the elusive 200-strikeout mark. Despite battling out of jam after jam, she ended up as the hard-luck loser.
Her counterpart, Casey, was equally impressive. The senior went the distance, allowing just five hits and one earned run while striking out 10. She threw 116 pitches but seemed to get stronger as the game progressed, delivering clutch pitches when it mattered most. This was a game that had everything—drama, skill, and heart—and it's one fans will remember for a long time.