Reading, PA- The Penn St. Berks Softball Team extended its winning streak to eight, sweeping Keystone College in a United East doubleheader on Wednesday, April 9. The Lions were dominant on defense, earning an 8-0 five inning victory in game one before picking up a 4-0 triumph in game two.
The Lions (11-7 Overall, 4-0 UE) got their offense rolling in third inning of game one, taking a commanding lead. Paige Brightwell started the inning by drawing a walk. Ashley Sherwood laid down a bunt, and because of some aggressive base running by Brightwell, the Lions were able to put two runners in scoring position. Peyton Vivian put the Lions on the board, dropping a single in front of the Giants (4-12 Overall, 2-3 UE) right field, allowing Brightwell to score. Berks would then load the bases for Lauren Ziegler, who reached base on an error that brought home two more runs. Keystone continued to struggle defensively, committing two more errors that resulted in two more runs, giving Berks a 5-0 advantage.
Reigning United East Pitcher of the Week Brightwell was in complete command in the circle. She threw all 5.0 innings of shutout softball, allowing just two hits while striking out six. Over her last six appearances for the Lions, Brightwell has pitched 26.2 innings without allowing a run.
Berks looked to close out game one in the bottom of the fifth inning. Jaredis Flores led off the inning by lining a single through the left side and then advancing to second and third on back-to-back wild pitches. Two straight walks allowed Berks to load the bases with just one out in the inning. Brightwell lifted a sacrifice fly to center field, bringing home Berks' sixth run of the game. Ashlyn Sherwood then popped a single into left field, allowing another run to score. Kylie Krauss secured the win, driving a walk-off single into left field, giving the Lions an 8-0 victory.
Berks continued their momentum for the opening game, scoring in the bottom of the first inning in game two. The returning Haylie Mauger led off the inning by belting a double into the left center field gap. She then stole third base and capitalized on a throwing error on her steal attempt, to score. Later in the inning with two outs, Flores blasted a single into left field. Lauren Ziegler capitalized on the opportunity, crushing a two-run home run over the left field wall, putting Berks ahead 3-0.
The Lions added another run in the bottom of the second inning. Autumn Weil started the inning by driving a double down the left field line. Naomi Fay laid down a great surprise bunt, reaching base and putting runners on the corners. Mauger then lifted a sacrifice fly into left field, allowing Weil to tag up and score, giving Berks a 4-0 lead.
The early lead allowed starting pitcher Maura Gorman to find her groove and she kept the Giants off-balance. Gorman threw the opening 5.2 innings, blanking Keystone while allowing six total hits. Mallory Duff came on in relief, throwing the final 1.1 innings, not allowing a single hit in her time in the circle.
WHO'S NEXT
The Lions will have quick turnaround, traveling to face the University of Valley Forge in a United East showdown on Thursday, April10. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 PM.
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