Central Mountain softball downed by Williamsport comeback

By Tom Elling

BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP, PA – After going hitless the day before, Central Mountain unleashed a 14-hit attack against the visiting Lady Millionaires on Tuesday. That would normally be enough to win most games easily. And it appeared to be the case as CM garnered an early 4-0 lead after four. Although CM had escaped any damage to that point, back-to back walks in the 5th followed by an infield single loaded the bases with one out. It looked like CM would withstand another threat, as Adalynn McKeague recorded another strikeout. (She would have eleven Ks.)  But opposing pitcher, Taryn Reed rapped a two-run single on a 1-1 count to clear the bases, making it a ballgame.

The Lady Wildcats scored an insurance run in the bottom of the 5th to make it a 5-3 contest. They took that lead into the 7th needing just three outs to claim victory number two. They gave up the tying runs after Williamsport loaded the bases on three straight single then plated the tying run on a Sac Fly and an RBI groundout.

In the extra inning, Millionaire Aubri Blair lined a one-out homerun just clearing the RF fence to give the visitors their first lead of the game. The ‘Cats got out of the inning down by one.

Although getting two aboard, they could not push anyone home and the homestanding CM dropped their second game in two days.

Coach Fred Caldwell noted after the game, “Credit Williamsport, they stayed close and got some key hits. This was a very good game. I told the team, we just have to move on and make adjustments.”

The coach added that his team had a few defensive lapses and could have adjusted to the dynamics of the game. “But we’ll be fine.”

Leadoff batter, Katelyn Bowman had three hits including a double; Madison Hardy had two hits- one a first inning solo homerun. .Madisyn Wian, Harley Kunes and Gracie Saar all added two hits. Saar with a double. Allison Lininger had an RBI double, and Sophia Mitchell knocked a two-baser.

The final  was Williamsport 6; CM 5 in 8 innings. Kendall McAnelly recorded the win; McKeague took the loss.

Central Mountain, now 1-2,  will regroup and host Jersey Shore on Thursday.