(HUNTINGDON, Pa.) – Wilson's first games in Pennsylvania this season were good ones as the Phoenix swept Juniata in Wednesday's twin bill. The Blue and White jumped out to an early lead and held off a late Eagles rally to win Game 1. Solid defensive play and second half surge helped pave the way for a victory in Game 2.
The Basics
Scores: Game 1 – Wilson 3, Juniata 2
Game 2 – Wilson 6, Juniata 1
Venue: Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center
Records: Wilson 7-5, Juniata 1-5
How It Happened (Game 1)
- It didn't take long for the Phoenix to get on the scoreboard. Emily Randalls (FY, Dillsburg, Pa. / Northern York) reached with a one-out walk and that was all Katelyn Keller (FY, Orrtanna, Pa. / Gettysburg) needed to bring her home as she double to left for the quick 1-0 lead.
- Extra base hits helped Wilson extend its lead in the third. Randalls led off with a double to right and scored on another two-bagger, this time by Madison Briggs (Jr., Lock Haven, Pa. / Central Mountain). Carleigh Magers (FY, Mount Airy, Md. / Urbana) made it 3-0 with a base hit tor left to score Kayla Talbert (So., Hagerstown, Md. / North Hagerstown / Saint Peter's) one batter later.
- The Eagles mounted a comeback by scoring solo runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Rylee Piper (So., Newville, Pa. / Big Spring) came in to spell Julia Wilkes (FY, Abingdon, Md. / John Carroll) in the fifth inning and went the rest of the way to record the save to Wilkes' victory.
How It Happened (Game 2)
- After three scoreless innings to open the nightcap, the Eagles scored in the bottom of the fourth after a leadoff batter hit a double and scored two batters later. Juniata added three more hits, but the Phoenix were able to get out of the frame unscathed and left the bases loaded.
- Wilson returned the favor in the very next inning. Abigail Evans (So., Muncy, Pa. / Warrior Run) opened up with a double to right and was pinch ran for by Caitlyn Oliviero (So., Wernersville, Pa. / Conrad Weiser). Sydney Hartle (FY, Keedysville, Md. / Boonsboro) also hit safely to right which was enough to score Oliviero to tie the game. Keller brought in the go-ahead run with a single to center to score Barker a few batters later. Talbert added two more runs on a double to left on a double to left to bring in Keller and Lindsey Dalenberg (So., Niles, Mich. / Edwardsburg).
- An Evans double led to Magers pinch running for her in the sixth with Magers scoring on a Waverly Moffett (So., Westminster, Pa. / Winters Mill) single to Right. Keller added an insurance run and set the final score on a single to center by Briggs.
Inside The Numbers
- Piper had a busy day as she threw a total of 9.1 innings between both games. She earned the save in the opener, her first of the season, while evening her record to 2-2 on the year with the win in Game 2. She allowed just one run and struck out six, all of which were Game 2.
- Keller extended her hit streak to six games by going a combined 4-for-8 with two RBI and two runs scored. In Game 2, she went 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI.
- Wilkes recorded the win in the opener to improve to 2-0. She allowed two runs on two hits and five walks.
Up Next
The Phoenix won't return to the diamond until Thursday, March 20, when they host Dickinson. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
