Hometown Softball Broadcast Recap for Baldwin on 5/6/14

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, May 7, 2014 | 1:28 PM

The Baldwin Highlanders clinched a playoff spot with a 4-0 win on Tuesday afternoon over AAAA, Section 4 opponent, Mt. Lebanon. The Highlanders came into the day in a 3-way tie for second place in the section. However, with the win, they remain in second place and have a guaranteed playoff spot with a section record of 10-4.

Baldwin used a three run first inning to jump out to an early lead. Jamie Schleicher began the bottom of the 1st with a single and scored from third on an RBI groundout from Melissa Paterni for the first run of the day. Also during the inning both Mallory O’Brien and Charlotte Nieman reached base on a bunt single and an infield single, respectively. With O’Brien on third, Nieman, on first base, took off for second on a steal attempt. When the throw from the Blue Devil catcher went down to second, O’Brien alertly ran home and safely scored the second run for Baldwin. Nieman would also steal second successfully. Finally, Nieman would score the innings final run when Anna Hail doubled to right field.

Ashley Brady added a solo home run in the second inning and that would be all the offense the Highlanders would need.

Hail also started in the circle for Baldwin and effectively shut down the Mt. Lebanon lineup. She went the full seven innings, gave up only five hits and struck out 10 batters. The Blue Devils had two runners on base at a time only once during the game. In the top of the sixth inning, Mt. Lebanon’s Sarah Rogen singled as did Maggie Gannon. WIth one out, both advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch. However, Hail would battle back and strike out two batters in a row to end the threat and the inning.

Maura Stoehr pitched for the Blue Devils and also went the complete game. After the shaky start, Stoehr finished strong and retired 11 of the final 12 batters she faced.

Baldwin has one regular season game remaining as they will travel to McIntyre Field to face North Hills on May 7th before the playoff push begins. Stay up-to-date all month long with the WPIAL Softball playoffs, beginning with the softball playoffs pairing show Thursday night at 6pm, here on the MSA Sports Network.

Tags: Baldwin