Knights hang on to victory

April 17, 2003|by JACK HILL III

WILLIAMSPORT - Getting a big lead is one thing. Keeping it is another.

The Middletown Knights softball team accomplished both Wednesday to pull out a 9-5 win over the Williamsport Wildcats in a Monocacy Valley Athletic League contest.

Middletown (6-2, 6-2) led 7-0 after 3 1/2 innings, before Williamsport (3-6, 3-6) chopped the lead down to 7-5 after six innings.

However, the Knights responded with two runs in the seventh to ice the game.

Ali Keeney was hit by a pitch and Jenna Strube singled to start Middletown's rally. One out later, Abby Burtner singled to load the bases. Junior catcher Jessica Metzner then delivered a two-run single - her second hit of the game.

"I think we have a pretty good offense," Metzner said. "It can be more consistent, but I believe that it will come around."

The Wildcats loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the seventh to bring the tying run to the plate, before Andrea Riner came on in relief and preserved the Knights' win by getting the final out.

"Our relief pitchers came in and did a good job," Middletown coach Charlie Toms said. "I am very pleased with our pitching staff.

Burtner had two hits for the Knights, while starting pitcher Emily Warrenfeltz earned the win.

Staci Grabill had a game-high three hits for Williamsport. Holly Bowers, Sarah Hardin and Ruth Kolb added two hits each.

"Our players put us in a position to win at the end of the game, and I can't ask for any more than that," Williamsport coach Tom Dzur said. "We have done that several times this year and that is why I am extremely proud of them."

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