MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's softball team split a pair of games against United East foe Penn State Berks on Tuesday afternoon, April 9. Penn State Harrisburg dropped the opener 2-0 before returning the favor with a 2-0 victory of its own in the finale.
GAME 1
In the second inning of the opener, Penn State Berks (12-8, 5-2 UE) got on the board first after Ashley Thomas forced a walk and subsequently stole a base to quickly put her in scoring position for the visiting team. Emily Smith took advantage of the scoring opportunity when she singled up the middle and Thomas was able to advance to third and then scored due to a fielding error by the home team. Penn State Berks' very next batter, Jaden Pyle, doubled down the left field line while allowed Smith to tally the second and last run of the contest.
Penn State Harrisburg (13-8, 3-4 UE) saw a feasible chance to match the visiting Lions' lead in the bottom of the fifth frame, beginning when Elaina Gates singled to shortstop to start the inning. Emma Einarson and Lauren Hess both hit a single each to load the bases with two outs in the inning, but the hometown Lions were unable to capitalize.
Mackenzie Sawdey spent the most time in the circle for Penn State Harrisburg and she tallied three strikeouts in 5.2 innings thrown. Carissa Yeager was impressive in her relief effort, striking out all four batters she faced.
GAME 2
The nightcap was in favor of Penn State Harrisburg from the start, as Madelyn Lehigh tripled to left field in her leadoff spot and afterwards scored on a passed ball to put the Lions up 1-0. The hometown Lions scored once more in the bottom of the fifth inning thanks to a single from Cara Biesecker that sent Lehigh across home plate.
Thanks to solid pitching and fielding by the Blue & White, the home team was able to hold off Penn State Berks throughout the entirety of the finale. Yeager earned the win for Penn State Harrisburg in just over four innings pitched, while Kierstyn Smith recorded the save and added a pair of strikeouts.
NOTABLES
- In game one, Sawdey tallied three strikeouts in her starting position in the circle.
- Yeager had a stellar relief outing in the opener, as she struck out all four batters that she faced. She also earned the win for game two against Penn State Berks.
- Lehigh went 2-for-2 in the nightcap, with a pair of triples that led to the game's only runs.
- Biesecker was 2-for-3 and added an RBI in game two.
- Smith recorded the save in the finale and added two strikeouts.
WHO'S NEXT?
The Lions have a quick turnaround in conference play, as they host Lancaster Bible for a doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon, April 10. The first game of the day will begin a 3 p.m. with game two to follow.
STAY CONNECTED
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