READING, Pa. — Penn State Berks secured a pair of decisive victories over Gallaudet University on Tuesday afternoon, first winning 8-0 before dominating 15-0 in the second game. The Nittany Lions showcased strong offensive and defensive performances, amassing a total of 20 hits across both games while limiting the Bison to just six hits.
In the first game, the Blue & White claimed an 8-0 victory in five innings. The scoring began in the first inning when
Emma Infantino was hit by a pitch, stole second, and advanced to third on
Anna Laughlin's single. Infantino scored on a wild pitch, and Laughlin stole home shortly after.
Natasha Hornung, who walked and stole second, later scored on
Mallory Johnson's triple, giving Berks a 3-0 lead at the end of the first inning.
The second inning saw
Shayna Morales hit a single and advance on a steal.
Ashlynn McCardle's single and Infantino's single to the left side brought in Morales and McCardle, pushing the score to 5-0 by the end of the second inning. In the fourth, McCardle doubled and later scored on Laughlin's RBI single, extending the lead to 6-0. The fifth inning concluded the scoring with Johnson's single, who scored on a wild pitch, and a triple by McCardle that brought in pinch runner
Alexa Burkey, ending the game at 8-0.
McCardle led the first game with two runs and three hits, including a double and a triple. Infantino contributed two RBIs and two stolen bases. Johnson pitched a complete game, allowing no earned runs over five innings while striking out one batter, improving her season record to 2-8.
The second game saw Berks continue their dominance with a 15-0 victory, highlighted by an explosive 11-run first inning.
Ashlynn McCardle set the tone by singling through the left side and stealing both second and third.
Anna Laughlin followed with a single that brought McCardle home and stole home on a passed ball shortly after.
Natasha Hornung and
Mallory Johnson added singles that advanced runners and contributed to the score. By the end of the first inning, Berks led 11-0.
In the second inning, Laughlin tripled to right center, driving in
Shayna Morales and McCardle, while Hornung's single brought Laughlin home, extending the lead to 14-0. The third inning saw McCardle driving in
Ana Lawrence with a single, bringing the score to 15-0. Berks maintained its defensive prowess throughout the remaining innings, preventing Gallaudet from scoring.
McCardle recorded two hits, two RBIs, and scored three runs in the second game.
Anna Laughlin had two hits and four RBIs, including a triple, while
Natasha Hornung contributed two hits and two RBIs.
Maura Gorman pitched a complete game shutout, striking out four batters and allowing only three hits, improving her record to 3-2.
With the sweep over Gallaudet, Berks has a berth in the United East Championship Tournament.
WHO'S NEXT
Berks will conclude the regular season by traveling to face Lancaster Bible College on Friday, April 24, at 3 p.m. in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
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