Clinton 10-12s shutdown Loyalsock, 7-2, to win District 12 title
By Tom Elling
LOCK HAVEN – In a battle between two solid teams, it came down to a pitcher’s duel between Clinton’s Camdyn Weaver and ‘Sock’s Easton Waller and some erratic defense. Both pitchers recorded 12 strikeouts in a rapidly-played contest in mid 80s temperatures. Weaver allowed just one unearned run and one hit (Julissa Martin’s liner to right) as she dominated the Loyalsock potent offense.
On the other side, Waller was masterful allowing seven hits – several of which were hustling infield variety. A couple key errors paved way for Clinton to take advantage – and that they did.
Clinton had a big break in the first when Cheyenne Weaver hit a two-out fly that was mishandled in the outfield. Two runners scored on the play, giving what coach Shawn Weaver later described as giving his team a cushion right off the bat.
The third (and only earned run) came in the top of the 3rd. Aubry Eiler walked and stole second. Weaver aided her own cause with a RBI liner to right.
In a big 4th inning and with two-outs, Maesyn Franquet rapped a double down the leftfield line. Reagan Weaver struck out but the catcher dropped the ball and in the ensuing throw to first, the ball bounced off the first baseman’s glove skipping away and allowing Franquet to score the Clinton fourth run. The gates opened as Aubrey Eiler, Camdyn Weaver, Cheyenne Weaver, and Elise McKean all singled, adding four more to the Clinton tally.
That was all that was needed, but Loyalsock did score on the bottom of the 5th. A walk to Mia Girio followed by a K, brought up substitute Martin who hit an 0-2 pitch sharply to right center. plating Girio. Gianna Steele walked but then Eiler made a nice shoestring catch of a hard liner from Jillian Kennedy. Weaver closed the door with a strike out.
Weaver had a relatively easy 6th, getting a pop to short, a comebacker and a punctuation final strikeout.
Clinton’s hitting stars were Franquet with a 2-2 afternoon including her double. She also was hit by a pitch and walked.
Camdyn Weaver was 2 for 3 with an RBI. Eiler, Cheyenne Weaver and Elise McKean added RBI singles. Eiler scored three runs.
The District 12 Champion will next travel to Wyalusing this Tuesday to take on District 15 winner Tunkhannock in a 5:30 p.m. game. Therecord-online will be there with audio streaming coverage.
