BALTIMORE — Penn State Berks faced Notre Dame of Maryland University (9-15, 5-6) in a doubleheader, achieving mixed results. In the first game, the Nittany Lions narrowly fell to the Gators with a final score of 6–5, while in the second game, they bounced back to secure a 6–4 victory.
In the first game, Penn State Berks put forth a competitive effort, tallying eight hits, including four doubles, and drawing seven walks.
Emma Infantino made a significant impact in the third inning, hitting a home run to center field that drove in
Ashlynn McCardle and gave the Nittany Lions a 2–1 lead. In the fifth inning,
Anna Laughlin doubled to left field, allowing
Natasha Hornung to score, extending their lead to 3–1. The sixth inning saw
Autumn Weil and
Ashlynn McCardle contribute with hits, with McCardle's RBI single bringing in Weil, while Infantino added another RBI with a single, pushing the score to 5–1. However, Notre Dame rallied in the seventh, scoring three runs to clinch the game 6–5.
Emma Infantino recorded three RBIs and hit a home run in the first game, while
Ashlynn McCardle scored two runs and added a double.
Natasha Hornung was active on the bases, stealing two bases.
Mallory Johnson pitched a complete game for the Nittany Lions, throwing 107 pitches over 6 1/3 innings, allowing six earned runs on ten hits while striking out two batters.
In the second game, Berks secured a 6–4 victory with a strong start in the first inning.
Emma Infantino singled and advanced to third, setting up
Anna Laughlin and
Mallory Johnson to drive in runs. Johnson's two-RBI single up the middle, followed by
Maura Gorman's RBI single, put the Nittany Lions ahead 3-0. In the third inning, Laughlin scored after
Natasha Hornung singled, and Johnson brought Laughlin home with another single, extending the lead to 4-1. The fifth inning saw Laughlin double and eventually score on
Samantha Harple's single, increasing the advantage to 5-1.
NDMU plated one run in the bottom of the sixth inning to close the gap. Laughlin answered right back, crushing a solo home run to lead off the inning an push the lead back to four. Despite a late rally by Notre Dame in the seventh, which included two runs, the Blue & White held on for the win, finalizing the score at 6–4.
Anna Laughlin had a standout performance in the second game, posting four runs and three hits, including a home run and a double.
Mallory Johnson added three hits and drove in three runs.
Maura Gorman delivered a complete game performance, pitching 7 innings, allowing 5 hits, striking out 3 batters, and improving her season record to 2-2.
WHO'S NEXT
The next challenge for Berks will take place on Monday, April 20, when they host Gwynedd Mercy University at 3 p.m. in Reading, Pennsylvania.
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