(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – First year standout
Katelyn Keller (FY, Orrtanna, Pa. / Gettysburg) was a human highlight reel to help Wilson sweep Penn State Schuylkill in a twin bill on Saturday afternoon. A heads-up play allowed her to score the go-ahead run in a pitchers' duel opener and she followed up with her second six-RBI game of the season in a mercy-rule shortened nightcap.
The Basics
Scores: Game 1 – Wilson 2, Penn State Schuylkill 1
Game 2 – Wilson 10, Penn State Schuylkill 2 (6 Innings)
Venue: Wilson Softball Field
Records: Wilson 11-6, Penn State Schuylkill 5-12
How It Happened
- Starter Julia Wilkes (FY, Abingdon, Md. / John Carroll) was impressive in the circle the entire game, but her fielding was on display at the start. She fielded an early comebacker for the second out and ended the frame by catching another on a lineout. She stifled the Nittany Lions with a pair of strikeouts over the next two innings and caught another liner to open the fourth.
- On the opposite side the Phoenix hitters were having their own trouble, but eventually broke through in the bottom of the fourth with a two-out rally. Madison Briggs (Jr., Lock Haven, Pa. / Central Mountain) singled up the middle to get things going and was pinch ran for by Caitlin Oliviero (So., Wernersville, Pa. / Conrad Weiser). Oliviero quickly stole second which provided dividends as Sydney Hartle (FY, Keedysville, Md. / Boonsboro) followed with a base hit up the middle for a 1-0 lead.
- Schuylkill eventually found some success against Wilkes in the top of the sixth. A walk, wild pitch, and a base hit to right allowed the visitors to tie the game, but the Phoenix were able to prevent further damage and got out of the jam by leaving two stranded.
- The Phoenix were able to answer in the bottom half with Keller starting the rally with a single up the middle. Kayla Talbert (So., Hagerstown, Md. / North Hagerstown / Saint Peter's) was issued a walk and two batters later Hartle flied out to right field. In the process, Keller and Talbert were able to move up, but the through from right field slightly missed its mark at third base and squeaked loose towards the fence. That was all that Keller needed as she immediately broke for home for the go-ahead run.
- Wilkes and battery partner Kiera O'Brine (So., Dillsburg, Pa. / Northern) were able to take it from there. The duo were able to retire the side and the game with all three Schuylkill batters striking out swinging.
How It Happened (Game 2)
- Schuylkill was able to start off with some momentum as back-to-back doubles in the gaps gave them an early 1-0 lead, but the Phoenix were able to get that run back by way of a home run by Keller over the left field fence. She was just getting started as two innings later she scored Emily Randalls (FY, Dillsburg, Pa. / Northern York) and Abigail Evans (So., Muncy, Pa. / Warrior Run) on a base hit.
- The Nittany Lions added another in the next frame with a triple to right to cut the deficit to one. It wasn't a bother to Wilson who broke the game open in the bottom of the fourth. Jenna Weaver (FY, Camp Hill, Pa. / Cedar Cliff) led off with a base hit to right center and eventually scored on an errant throw by Schuylkill's catcher three batters later. The Phoenix loaded the bases afterwards which set up Keller who blistered a ball down the left field line for a bases-clearing triple and a 7-2 lead. Talbert followed with a walk and Briggs brought them both in with a double to right center.
- Wilson was able to end the game in walk-off fashion in the sixth. Sydney Barker (FY, Bel Air, Md. / John Carroll) led off the bottom half with a double to left and moved to third on a base hit by Talbert. It was short work afterwards as two batters later O'Brine singled through the left side to drive in Barker for the 10-2 win.
Inside The Numbers
- Keller continues to put up impressive numbers and was 4-for-7 on the day. Game 2 alone she was 3-for-4 with a massive six RBIs and two runs scored. She was a double shy of the cycle for the second time in three games and third time this season.
- Keller now has five triples on the season which puts her fourth in the nation. She recorded six RBIs for the second time this season, just one of two players nationally to do so. Her 20 RBIs and three home runs now put her in a tie for the conference leader.
- Wilkes improved to 4-0 on the season with her masterful pitching. She allowed just one run on three hits with two walks and struck out five for the complete game victory.
- Rylee Piper (So., Newville, Pa. / Big Spring) recorded the win in Game 2 to improve to 3-3 on the season. She allowed two runs on just four hits in 4.0 innings of work.
- Briggs extended her hit streak to seven games with a hit in each game. She added her second double of the season in Game 2.
Up Next
United East play awaits the Phoenix with a rematch of last year's conference championship against Penn. The Wildcats took the title by winning two of three in Williamsport, but this matchup will be at home on Wednesday. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.
