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Jeannette softball advances past Northgate even without the benefit of a hit

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Tuesday, May 14, 2024 | 7:51 PM

No hits, no problem.

Sixth-seeded Jeannette didn’t get a hit against Northgate on Tuesday but took advantage of the Flames’ miscues to score four unearned runs and move on in the WPIAL Class A softball playoffs with a 4-0 victory in the first round at West Mifflin.

“It wasn’t pretty, but we’ll take it,” Jeannette coach Tubby Stein said.

No. 11 Northgate (6-10) had only two hits against Jeannette ace pitcher Grace Stein, who struck out 15 as the Jayhawks (12-2) advanced to play No. 3 Chartiers-Houston (15-2) in Thursday’s quarterfinals.

Northgate pitcher Johna Abramowicz was sneakily effective, striking out nine, but she walked six and hit three batters in the no-hitter.

Like most opponents against Jeannette, though, she could not outduel Stein.

“I didn’t pitch my best, but our defense and baserunning were good and we got the win,” said Grace Stein, who moved to 11-2 for the season. “I know for me, with travel, I am used to seeing faster pitching.”

Jeannette never adjusted to Abramowicz but took advantage of three errors and three wild pitches to scrape together offense.

Northgate came in allowing 10.4 runs a game.

“I thought we would hit the ball a lot better,” Tubby Stein said. “We practiced on the football field turf (Monday), and we crushed the ball. I was totally frustrated because we were too far ahead of (pitches). We couldn’t adjust to a slower pitcher.”

Jeannette scored twice in the first inning. Addy Stout’s slow roller back to the circle was picked up by Abramowicz, who overthrew first to allow both runs.

Another error, on a throw down to third on a steal attempt, allowed Raylyn Gallik to cross to make it 3-0.

Jeannette’s fourth run scored in the fifth on a wild pitch, which followed another throwing error.

Cassandra Tadda had both hits to the Flames.

“We’re going to need to hit the ball better (Thursday),” Tubby Stein said. “I was happy for these girls to (make the playoffs), but this is good for them to experience this.”

Grace Stein, who came in batting .500 with 15 RBIs, plays travel ball with Chartiers-Houston shortstop Lauren Rush.

She knows the Jayhawks have to barrel up against the Buccaneers to have a chance to advance.

“We’re going to see faster pitching, so we’re going to have to hit better,” Grace Stein said. “I know they are going to hit me. We have to make plays on defense.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

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