READING, Pa. — Penn State Berks secured a thrilling doubleheader sweep over Cairn University with a 7-5 victory in the first game followed by a narrow 10-9 win in the second matchup. The Nittany Lions showcased their offensive prowess, highlighted by significant contributions from key players.
In game one, Berks rallied with a decisive six-run fifth inning to overcome a 5-1 deficit. The scoring began in the first inning when
Natasha Hornung reached first on an error, allowing
Shayna Morales to score, tying the game at 1-1. Cairn took the lead in the third inning with three runs, including a 2-RBI single by Aerynne Mays, making it 4-1. The Highlanders added another run in the fourth, extending their lead to 5-1.
However, the pivotal fifth inning turned the tide for the Nittany Lions.
Emma Infantino doubled to left field, driving in two runs, followed by Hornung's double that brought in Infantino.
Maura Gorman added a single that scored Hornung, and
Ashlynn McCardle capped the rally with a 2-RBI double. At the end of the inning, Berks led 7-5, which remained the final score.
Infantino recorded two hits and drove in two runs, while Gorman excelled with three hits and an RBI. Hornung contributed a double and two RBIs, and McCardle had a standout performance with two RBIs from her double. Notably,
Mallory Johnson achieved her first career win, while
Maura Gorman earned her first career save, recording the final two outs.
In game two, the Nittany Lions continued their momentum, edging past Cairn University 10-9 in a closely contested matchup. The Nittany Lions took an early lead in the first inning when
Emma Infantino singled, followed by
Natasha Hornung reaching on a fielder's choice.
Maura Gorman and
Mallory Johnson contributed singles, leading to
Anna Laughlin's single that brought Hornung home, ending the first inning at 1-0.
The second inning saw Berks extend their lead to 4-0, with
Haylie Mauger and
Ashlynn McCardle each singling, setting up Hornung's double that scored
Mia Kennedy and McCardle. Gorman then added a single to center, allowing Hornung to score. However, the Highlanders rallied in the fourth inning, scoring four runs to tie the game at 4-4. Berks responded by pushing ahead 5-4 after McCardle advanced to third on an error and stole home.
The game continued to swing back and forth, with Cairn taking the lead in the sixth inning by scoring four runs. The Nittany Lions fought back, with McCardle scoring on a wild pitch and Harple's single bringing in another run. Hornung then cut the deficit to one at 7-8 with her single.
In a dramatic seventh inning, the Highlanders added another run, but Berks countered with a rally.
Autumn Weil singled and
Ana Lawrence reached on a fielder's choice. McCardle singled to load the bases with no outs in the inning. Harple's single down the left field line drove in two runs to level the score at nine. McCardle then scored on a wild pitch, securing the thrilling 10-9 victory for the Nittany Lions.
Samantha Harple was instrumental with two hits and three RBIs, including a crucial hit with the bases loaded.
Natasha Hornung added to the offensive effort with two hits, scoring twice and driving in three runs, highlighted by a double.
Maura Gorman excelled both at the plate and on the mound, collecting three hits with one RBI and pitching a complete game with six strikeouts over 7 innings.
Ashlynn McCardle was a standout on the bases, scoring four runs, stealing two bases, and reaching base with three hits and a walk.
Gorman pitched a complete game, delivering 7 innings with a total of 102 pitches, 66 of which were strikes. She faced 35 batters, allowing 11 hits and 7 earned runs while striking out 6 and walking just 1. This was Gorman's first victory of the season.
WHO'S NEXT
In their next game, the Blue & White will face Penn College on Saturday, April 11, at 1 p.m. in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
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