KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Penn State Berks fell in both of its matchups on Day Three at THE Spring Games on Monday, losing 3-1 to Sage and 7-1 to Aurora in neutral-site contests.
In the first game against Sage, the action began in the third inning when Sage broke the deadlock. Bella Julian singled and advanced to second on an error, setting the stage for Annalise Tyler's single to the catcher, which moved Julian to third. Emma Heartquist then grounded out to second base, bringing Julian home. A sacrifice fly by Katie Call allowed Tyler to score, giving Sage a 2-0 lead.
In the fifth inning, Sage extended its lead. Annalise Tyler doubled and scored on Emma Heartquist's single to center field, increasing the advantage to 3-0.
The Nittany Lions made a late push in the seventh inning.
Samantha Harple walked and advanced to second on a walk by
Ashlynn McCardle. Both advanced a base, and Harple scored on a wild pitch, cutting the deficit to two runs. However, the Gators were able to work out of the jam, securing the 3-1 victory.
Paige Brightwell pitched a complete game, recording five strikeouts and allowing three earned runs over six innings.
Maura Gorman contributed offensively by reaching base after being hit by a pitch and collecting one hit in two at-bats. Harple scored a run and drew a walk while also assisting on three defensive plays.
Shayna Morales excelled defensively, throwing out her second runner of the trip trying to steal. Brightwell's performance included a WHIP of 2.00 and she was charged with the loss, bringing her record to 1-2.
In their second game of the day, Berks faced Aurora and fell 7-1. The Nittany Lions managed six hits, with their lone run coming in the fifth inning. Aurora took an early lead in the second inning when Lily Komperda tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Kelsey Oviatt, making the score 1-0 in favor of Aurora.
In the fifth inning, Berks got on the scoreboard.
Ana Lawrence singled and advanced to second on an error, with
Mackenzie Davis pinch running. After a single by
Samantha Harple,
Haylie Mauger doubled down the left field line, bringing Davis home. However, Aurora led 2-1 at the end of the inning.
In the sixth inning, Aurora extended its lead to 3-1 when Aubrey Ortiz reached on a single and later scored on an error. The seventh inning saw Aurora widen the gap with four runs. Angie Delgado doubled, and Komperda followed with another double to score Delgado. Oviatt and Ortiz also contributed RBIs in the inning. The Blue & White could not rally in the bottom half, leaving the final score at 7-1 in favor of Aurora.
Mauger recorded a double and an RBI in her three at-bats, while
Emma Infantino contributed defensively with six assists from the shortstop position.
Natasha Hornung collected two hits in her three appearances at the plate.
Mallory Johnson pitched a complete game, striking out three and allowing four earned runs over seven innings, throwing 81 pitches with 55 strikes. Despite the loss, she demonstrated control with a WHIP of 2.14.
WHO'S NEXT
Berks will face Anderson University and WPI on Wednesday, March 11 in Kissimmee, Florida. Berks will compete as the traveling team in these matchups.
FOLLOW US
Fans can keep up with Berks Athletics all season long on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube using the handle @BerksAthletics.
