CHARLESTOWN, W.Va- In the 5th meeting of the season for Jefferson county’s premier softball programs, 7 innings wasn’t enough to pick a winner as Washington walked off Jefferson 4-3 in 9 innings.
“I am beyond thrilled, beyond proud, and beyond excited for these girls.” Washington head coach Amanda Orkoskey said. “They really earned it and battled to the end.”
Things almost started unceremoniously for Jefferson. After Washington starter Chloe Constantino retired the first two batters in the top of the first, Becca Munslow thought she was the 3rd, trotting back to the dugout after a swing and miss. Munslow was then reminded by the home plate umpire that she had only offered at the 2nd strike of the at bat.
After replying the batting gloves, Munslow ripped a double into right field that kick started a Jefferson two-out rally. Kalee Dalton singled putting runners at the corners who were both driven in by a Brooke Allen double. Allen was then plated by a Grace Dodson single. Jefferson led 3-0 after the middle of the first inning.
Washington scored for the first time with some small ball in the bottom of the 2nd. Morgan Cave walked to begin the frame and advanced to 2nd on a ground out to the pitcher. Chloe Crowder then beat out an infield single with 2 outs allowing cave to score from 2nd base.
Washington produced again in the bottom of the 3rd. Gabby Bibb led off the inning with a single and Carly Constantino was struck by a pitch. Both came around to score on 3 consecutive passed balls, tying the game at 3.
Both pitchers settled in at this point with Constantino dealing 8 straight scoreless frames to end the game, retiring the last 7 batters she faced, and striking out 12 on 143 pitches. Despite the loss, Munslow worked just over 8 frames allowing 4 runs and striking out 4.
“Once we got past that first inning I really had faith in her.” Orkoskey said about her starter. “She’s a work horse, a beast out there fighting through 9 innings.”
In the bottom of the 9th Cave reached via a lead off walk and advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch. On a grounder back to the pitcher, Munslow threw to 3rd in an attempt to retire the lead runner, but the ball was dislodged from the 3rd baseman’s glove and allowed Cave to reach. Carly Crowder then singled just inside the left field line to give Washington the victory and section title. The Patriots advance to take on Musselman in a regional championship series next week.
“Musselman has a great program, proud of them for coming out of that section.” Orkoskey said. “Some celebrating tonight but its time to keep rolling and get that regional title back”
