(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – A split doubleheader was the result on Tuesday afternoon as Wilson and Keystone battled it out on the diamond to start the final week of the regular season. The Giants rallied to take the opening game while the Phoenix bounced back to take the nightcap to remain in sole possession of first place in the Skye Division.
The Basics
Score: Game 1 – Wilson 6, Keystone 7
Game 2 – Wilson 7, Keystone 4
Venue: Wilson Softball Field
Records: Wilson 21-9, 10-2 Skye; Keystone 11-13, 9-5 Skye
How It Happened (Game 1)
- Things looked promising at the start as Wilson posted three runs in the opening frame. The Blue and White quickly loaded the bases to start on a walk, error, and a bunt single which set up Taylor Barker (Sr., Chehalis, Wash. / WF West) who lined one up the middle to score Alyssa Wenger (Sr., Chambersburg, Pa. / Chambersburg) and Lindsey Dalenberg (FY, Niles, Mich. / Edwardsburg). One batter later Waverly Moffett (FY, Westminster, Md. / Winter Mill) struck out swinging, but a dropped third strike forced the catcher to throw to first for the put-out. The resulting throw allowed Haiden Brookens (Sr., Fayetteville, Pa. / Chambersburg Magnet) to race home for a 3-0 lead.
- The Giants eventually got on the board in the top of the third. Emily Schultz led off with a hit by pitch and scored two batters later as Angelina Morley doubled down the left field line.
- Wilson got the run back later that inning as Barker sailed one over the left field fence for a 4-1 lead. It was her conference-leading seventh round trip of the season.
- The game started to go south for the Phoenix in the sixth innings as Keystone posted six runs on seven hits to surge to a 7-4 lead. Three went for extra bases for the Giants. Wilson was able to respond in the bottom of the sixth. A line out to the pitcher appeared to set the Giants up with a double play opportunity, but an errant throw to third allowed Madison Heuer (Jr., Greencastle, Pa. / Boonsboro) to score from third. Barker followed up with a base hit to bring in Wenger to with Wilson within one with one out. Wilson was unable to get any closer and left a pair of runners stranded to end the inning.
How It Happened (Game 2)
- Wilson reset the tone and made it clear in the with seven runs in the second inning. A base hit and a pair of hit by pitches, the Phoenix were set up nicely with the bases loaded and no out. Adison Stewart (So., Felton, Del. / Lake Forest) brought in the first run on a ground out which allowed Madison Briggs (So., Lock Haven, Pa. / Central Mountain) to score. Heuer followed with a base knock to right to score Payton Kendall (Jr., McConnellsburg, Pa. / Forbes Road). Wenger then hit a pitch to right field to score Abigail Evans (FY, Muncy, Pa. / Warrior Run). Brookens, Barker and Briggs added to the damage to bring in runs. Barker and Briggs both did so on doubles, while Barker's extra base hit scored two.
- Keystone answered quickly and got on the board in the top of the third. Consecutive doubles started off the inning to get the first run in. After the Giants tied the game, Wilson avoided further damage as Dalenberg found Brookens who fired to Briggs at third to nab the base runner to end the inning.
- A two-out triple helped Keystone get back in scoring position in the top of the fourth. A Brooke Staple base hit through the left side then made the score 7-3. The scores remained dormant until the Giants added another in the sixth, but Rylee Piper (FY, Newville, Pa. / Big Spring) closed the door on a comeback to pick up her first save of the season.
Inside The Numbers
- Elena Worthington (FY, Shippesnburg, Pa. / Shippensburg) picked up the win in Game 2 to pull even at 3-3 this season. She relieved starter Paige Dill (So., New Oxford, Pa. / New Oxford) in the third inning to claim the victory.
- Barker, Heuer, and Briggs all had busy days at the plate with four hits each.
- Heuer added three stolen bases and Wenger added two more in the win in Game 2. Wenger is third in the conference in stolen bases.
Up Next
Wilson heads to Rosemont to take on the Ravens in a pivotal doubleheader on Thursday. At the end of the day Tuesday the Phoenix holds on to first place in the Skye Division by a game over Notre Dame. Rosemont is third in the division in wins.
