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BOONSBORO -- The Boonsboro Warriors looked like a different team Friday against North Hagerstown than they did Wednesday against Smithsburg.
Still, they couldn't find a way to get it done.
North pitcher Rachel Thomas worked out of a jam in the seventh inning, stranding two Boonsboro runners to end the game as the Hubs beat the Warriors 3-1 in an MVAL Antietam game.
Thomas gave up 11 hits and struck out four in a complete-game effort. After allowing a single and double in the seventh to put the tying runs on base, she locked down the win by inducing two easy grounders to shortstop Shanan Plunkett.
"Rachel stayed ahead of the count, fooled batters, and went right after them," said North coach Amanda Fleming. "She came ready to win today."
The defense behind Thomas gave her plenty of help, as their vocal awareness of baserunners prevented any stolen bases. They avoided careless mistakes in a close game where one error could have blown it open.
Thomas, Hubs escape last-inning jam
"I'm proud of the girls keeping the lead," said Fleming. "Our communication was key, especially with holding baserunners."
Plunkett had a big day at the plate for the Hubs (3-5, 2-2), going 3-for-3 with a triple, a double and a thunderous run scored, as she railroaded Boonsboro catcher Alison Griffith at the plate on an Allysen Breeden single.
The bottom of the Hubs' order provided the rest of the offense, going a combined 4-for-8 with two RBIs and a run scored.
For the Warriors (3-3, 1-3), the result was not as tough to swallow as Wednesday's 12-2 loss to Smithsburg.
"I'm pleased with tonight's game. We had been doubting ourselves," said Boonsboro coach Lisa Lewis. "But today we came out focused and determined to put the bat on the ball. I'd rather lose like this than 12-2 or 11-1."
Griffith brought the lumber for the Warriors, going 3-for-3 and driving in their only run.
It was a tough loss for Warriors ace Megan Long, who settled in after a shaky second inning in which she gave up four straight hits and two runs.
North Hagerstown 3, Boonsboro 1
North 020 010 0 -- 3 11 0
Boonsboro 100 000 0 -- 1 11 0
Thomas and Breeden. Long and Griffith. WP -- Thomas (2-3). LP -- Long (3-3).
