Central Mountain softball tops Jersey Shore, 6-2

By Tom Elling

BALD EAGLE  TOWNSHIP, PA – Rebounding from a tough loss on Tuesday, Adalynn McKeague regained her form in pitching a three-hitter on Wednesday, giving up just one earned run in defeating a tough Jersey Shore nine by a  6-2 count.

‘Shore started the game with their small ball forte. Grace Lorson bunted a pop single over the head of on-charging Katelyn Bowman to get the game-opening hit. She promptly stole second and was bunted to third by Dani Miller. Pitcher Isabelle Engel hit into a fielder’s choice when the Wildcat defense kept the runner from scoring but then had no play at first. McKeague got the next batter on strikes, but an infield error allowed the run to score. McKeague recorded another strike-out to get out of the jam. Shore led 1-0.

But in the bottom of the inning, CM banged out five hits in a row to score four big runs. The torrid bat of Katelyn Bowman (hitting .538 coming into the game) provided the spark with a lead-off smash to left. She was driven in when Allison Lininger hit a ringing double to left. Power-hitting Madison followed with her second home run in two games. But not to be outdone, Sophie Mitchell blasted one out of the field. Madisyn Wian gave the Lady ‘Cats their fourth run with nobody out. Shore’s Isabelle Engel got a foul out to first, a fly out and an infield grounder to get out with no further damage/ But CM took the lead for good.

After getting the visitors out 1-2-3 in the top of the second, CM scored an unearned run of their own. Bowman gathering her second hit of a 3-for-three afternoon after there was one out. An error and a walk loaded the bases. Mitchell used a SF to left for her second RBI to give the ‘Cats a 5-1 edge.

Neither team could push any further runs across the next three innings, but JS did mount a threat in the top of the 6th. Miller dropped a perfect bunt, moved to second on a wild pitch. That was followed by an RBI single over short by Engel. Emma Phirman got aboard on a fielder’s choice. The ‘Cats were in a troubling situation (reminiscent of the one they let slip away against Williamsport). A sensational double play by centerfielder Madisyn Wian took the wind out of the Lady Dog sails, Wian positioned herself on a fly ball and uncorked a perfect one hop throw to home to get pinch runner Jaymison Stellfox trying to score from third. McKeague retired the next batter on an infield popup.

CM answered that run with a single by Gracie Saar. She stole second and after two outs, it was again Bowman coming through with an RBI single down the first base line.

JS had one more inning, but McKeague retired the side 1-2-3 on a groundout, strikeout and pop to short.

Central Mountain moves to 2-2; Shore is also now 2-2. McKeague got the win and moves to 2-1. Mound opponent Engel suffered her first loss after two wins.

Central Mountain has two games next week- at home with Shikellamy on Tuesday, April 11 and at Danville on Thursday, April 13. JS next plays at Williamsport on April 12.