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Knoch vs. Ambridge
WPIAL Class AAA Round 1 |
| Big inning closes Knights' season |
| Game Photos |
 By Derek Pyda
Eagle Staff Writer
JACKSON TWP — The big inning became a trademark of the Knoch softball team this season.
On Wednesday, the Knights were done in by one.
Ambridge scored seven runs in the bottom of the third inning after eight straight batters reached base in a 9-4 win over Knoch in a WPIAL Class AAA first-round playoff game on a soggy afternoon at Seneca Valley's field.
The third-inning fireworks gave the Bridgers a 7-2 lead.
Knoch pulled to within 7-4 through 3½ innings, but the Knights were held scoreless over the final three by Ambridge starting pitcher Kristen Pinkosky.
Knights coach Scott Docherty said he felt his team was at a disadvantage.
"The strike zone was not the same for both teams," he said. "Ambridge's pitcher was getting everything on the outside called a strike, but all we could throw for a strike was right down the middle.
"That was the reason they had the big inning."
"I can't call the game," said Ambridge coach Jim Huwar. "All I know is that our girls put the ball in play. Anytime you are able to do that, you have a chance to score runs."
The Bridgers' third inning got started when Janet Zaborsky hit a one-out single off Knoch starter Amanda Sheppeck.
Pinkosky followed with a ground ball back to Sheppeck, who hesitated before attempting to throw to second base to get the lead runner.
But her throw sailed into center field and the Bridgers had two on with one out.
Stephanie Beck, Danielle Droz, Becky Deane, Amber Barkowski and Rachel Blonski all followed with run-scoring hits.
Sheppeck had allowed only two baserunners in the first two innings combined.
"Our girls fought back and made some adjustments at the plate," Huwar said. "They showed today that they can hit the ball with anybody."
The Knights (15-4) answered with two runs in the top of the fourth when Mindy Bierhals' bloop single brought home Justine Rich and Taylor Smith scored on Sheppeck's groundout.
Knoch stranded runners on second and third in the fifth before being retired in order in the last two innings.
Pinkosky struck out six and walked three for the Bridgers (12-8).
Ambridge added insurance runs in the fourth and sixth innings.
"Without that one big inning, we beat them (4-2)," said Docherty.
The Knights' first two runs came on Rich's single in the second inning that plated Zoe Hughes and the latter's base hit in the third that scored Kirsten Brant.
Sheppeck struck out one and walked two in defeat, surrendering nine runs on eight hits.
Despite the disappointing ending, the Knights' 2008 season was still a success and one that brought the program its first outright section title.
"We finished with the second-best record in the WPIAL and they seed us fourth," said Docherty. "Explain that.
"It's disappointing," he added. "I thought we'd be playing for the WPIAL title, but I'll take a section championship. Maybe we came in a little overconfident today." |
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| Knoch |
011 |
200 |
0-4 |
7 |
2 |
| Ambridge |
007 |
101 |
x-9 |
8 |
2 |
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W: Kristen Pinkosky 7IP (6 K, 3 BB). L: Amanda Sheppeck 6IP (1 K, 2 BB).
Knoch (15-4): Amanda Sheppeck 1B RBI, Jade Thrower 1B, Kirsten Brant 2B R, Zoe Hughes 1B 2B R RBI, Justine Rich 1B R RBI, Taylor Smith R, Mindy Bierhals 1B RBI
Ambridge (12-8): Janet Zaborsky 1B 2B 2R RBI, Stephanie Beck 1B 2 RBI, Danielle Droz 2B RBI, Becky Deane 1B R RBI, Kayla Haslett R, Amber Barkowski 1B 2B R 2 RBI, Rachel Blonski 1B R RBI, Vanessa Fultz RBI, Carley Salazar R, Heidi Frynkewicz R, Breanna Gleason R |
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