Reading, PA- The Penn St. Berks Softball Team opened United East play by sweeping rival Penn State Abington on Wednesday, April 2. The Lions shutout Abington 5-0 in the opener and then battled through rainy conditions to earn a 10-3 victory in game two.
The Lions (9-7 Overall, 2-0 UE) struck first in the opener, scoring in the bottom of the second inning. Peyton Vivian led off the inning by driving a triple into the right center field. After two quick outs, Laurel Zubler lined a single into right field, allowing Vivian to score.
Meanwhile, in the circle, Paige Brightwell was absolutely dominant. She held Abington (7-13 Overall, 2-2 UE) to one hit, while striking out 12 batters.
Berks continued to grow their advantage in the bottom of the fourth inning. Vivian drew a walk and Jaredis Flores hammered a double into left center field, putting runners on second and third. Lauren Ziegler blasted a single into left field allowing Vivian to score. Zubler kept the rally going, perfectly placing a single through the left side that brought home Flores. Later in the inning, a wild pitch allowed Ziegler to score and give Berks a 4-0 advantage.
The Lions added one more insurance run in the bottom of the sixth inning when Maura Gorman singled in right center field, allowing the speedy pinch runner Alexa Burkey to score from first base. Brightwell drew three quick outs in the top of the seventh inning, securing Berks' first conference win of the season.
Berks looked to maintain their momentum in game two, striking in the bottom of the first inning. Kylie Krauss drew a walk and then stole second base. Vivian hit a sharp ground ball to move Krauss over to third base. Anna Laughlin drew a walk to put runners on the corners. Laughlin then attempted to steal second base, drawing a throw that allowed Krauss to steal home.
Rain began to fall in the top of the fourth inning, making playing conditions difficult. Abington capitalized on the opportunity, scoring three runs to take a 3-1 advantage.
Berks answered right back in the bottom of the inning. Zubler led off the inning by doubling down the left field line and advancing to third on a wild pitch. Mallory Duff was hit by a pitch and Autumn Weil worked a walk. A wild pitch then allowed Zubler to score, pulling Berks back within one run. Ashlyn Sherwood then used a sharp ground ball to allow a run to score and level the game at three. Krauss drew a walk and then stole second, putting two runners in scoring position. Vivian then singled, allowing Weil to score. Laughlin belted a double into center field, clearing the bases and giving Berks a 6-3 lead. Flores brought home Laughlin with a single to center field. The Lions loaded the bases and in her second at-bat of the inning, Duff drew a walk. Weil cracked a single into center field bringing home two more runs, giving Berks a 10-3 advantage.
Lightning forced the game to be stopped in the bottom of the fifth inning, with Berks earning a 10-3 victory.
Starting pitcher Duff had a strong performance in the circle, pitching 4.0 innings, allowing only three runs on four hits. Brightwell closed out the victory, pitching the final inning, adding one more strikeout.
WHO'S NEXT
The Lions will continue United East play when they travel to face the University of Valley Forge on Saturday, April 5. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM.
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