Hubs give Cougars first loss of season

April 17, 2010|By JACK HILL III/Staff Correspondent

HAGERSTOWN -- North Hagerstown scored three runs off Catoctin ace Megan Peomroy in the first inning, and Rebecca Amalfitano and the Hubs' defense made it stand up in a 3-2 upset victory over the previously undefeated Cougars in an MVAL Antietam softball contest shortened to five innings by rain.

North (6-5, 5-2) did not commit an error behind Amalfitano (3-2), who did not walk anyone to get the best of Peomroy.

"The key to the win today was definitely our defense," Hubs coach Amanda Fleming said. "Catoctin always has a good hitting team. Our defense was what kept us on top. We jumped out with a lead and then fell off a little bit. Our defense definitely helped carry us through."

Peomroy (9-1) blanked the Hubs after the first inning, striking out eight for Catoctin (9-1, 6-1). But that first inning was too much for the Cougars to overcome as they fell into a first-place tie with Clear Spring in the conference standings.

"I am very proud of my team," Amalfitano said. "I think we worked very well together. I think both our offense and our defense were there. I have been working on getting ahead in the count. I have also been working on my spots and using all of my pitches. ... It was a very intense, good game."

"Rebecca pitched a great game today," Fleming said. "She hit her spots and that is the key for a pitcher. She kept them a little off guard."

North's 1-2 hitters, Ragan Shaw and Danielle Wissinger, had two hits each for the Hubs.

Carly Farr had three hits, including two doubles, for Catoctin. Ashley Smith had two hits.

Catoctin went up 1-0 in the top of the first. Farr doubled to center and scored on a groundout to short by Peomroy.

Shaw led off the bottom of the first with a infield single in front of the plate, stole second and scored on a double to center by Wissinger. Shanan Plunkett was hit by a pitch. One out later, Amanda Fiery and Lindsay Irving each walked to force home Wissinger. Faith Ricker then hit into a fielder's choice force play at third to bring home Plunkett.

The Cougars got a run in the top of the third to make it 3-2. Farr started the one-out rally with a double to center. Amanda Kline and Peomroy followed with singles to score Farr.

Amalfitano retired seven of the final nine Cougars batters.

North Hagerstown 3, Catoctin 2
Catoctin 101 00 -- 2 7 2
North 300 00 -- 3 5 0
Peomroy and Crabtree. Amalfitano and Breeden. WP -- Amalfitano (3-2). LP -- Peomroy (9-1).

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