Lady ‘Cats Lead Shore 2-1; Game to be Completed Later

AdminMay 3, 2018Last Updated: May 3, 2018

3 minutes read

JERSEY SHORE – The Lady Wildcat softball program has been waiting since April 12 to redeem their only PHAC loss to rival Jersey Shore. The lady ‘Cats will have to wait a bit longer as the game was called due to rain and wet field conditions in the top of the fourth inning.

The game was initially delayed from it’s scheduled 4:30 p.m. start due to a passing, but heavy band of rain that hit Jersey Shore just as the teams were preparing to warm up for the game. After the precipitation passed at 4:45 it was determined that there would be a one hour delay to see if they could ready the field for play. Thanks to the labor of the Bulldog coaches and parents, ‘Shore was able to conduct their Senior Night pre-game festivities with both teams taking the field for warm-ups shortly thereafter.

Central Mountain was eager to get their bats going in the top of the first inning. With one out on the board, Josie Dershem had her first of 2 base hits on the night. Dershem then proceeded to steal second base on the ensuing pitch to put her in scoring position. Morgan Wetzel followed on and took little time to pound out an RBI single of her own ro score Dershem.

Skylar Smith came up next and laid down a nice sacrifice bunt to move Wetzel to second base but the CM threat came to an end with the Lady Wildcats holding on to a slim 1-0 lead.

In the top of the second, Central Mountain added another run to the board when Riley Houser got things started by legging out a 1-out triple. Next, Alyssa Fisher produced an RBI double to score Houser to give the Lady Wildcats a 2-0 advantage. Then the ‘Shore defense battled back to stop any further damage.

Dershem had another base hit in the top of the third inning with Smith following in kin after Dershem stole second base once more. Jersey Shore would retire the side before CM could capitalize on the threat.

The Lady Bulldogs finally answered back with run of their own in the bottom of the third inning.

Heather Mayes led off with a single, then Bella Kriner hit into a fielder’s choice, McKenna Russell and Brianna Herman hit back-to-back singles to score Kriner which narrowed the gap to 2-1 in favor of Central Mountain.

Late in the third inning the rain made another appearance. First as a light sprinkle, then as the fourth inning began the rain turned into an annoying drizzle.

With one out on the board, Fisher smacked out her second base hit of the day, then Alexis Strouse worked a walk to put runners on first and second. At this point the rain picked up in intensity and it became clear the game would have to called and finished at a later date.

It may take some creative scheduling to find an open date to complete the game as the openings are few and there is the consideration of having available umpires. At the time of publishing it is still unknown when the game will be completed. therecord-online.com will post an update when the date and time is determined.

Madison Knepp worked the circle for CM allowing 4 hits, one walk using very few pitches in the process. Kylie Russell had the pitching duties for ‘Shore giving up 7 hits. Neither pitcher has a strikeout to their credit. Both defenses were stingy when they had opportunities for plays.

When the game resumes, Central Mountain will be at bat with 1 out, and runners on first and second.

In the meantime, Central Mountain will host Shamokin on Monday, May 7, 2018 while the Lady Bulldogs will travel to Selinsgrove, tomorrow, Friday, May 4, 2018.