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Late Runs Carry PBA Softball to Victory over FIT

Melanie Murphy – Sports Lowdown photo

 

Palm Beach Atlantic scored three runs in the sixth inning Friday night, taking the first game of the weekend series over Florida Tech, 3-0. The victory was the 17th straight for the Sailfish, who remain undefeated in the Sunshine State conference at 13-0 and moved to 20-2 overall.

This was a pitcher’s duel at the outset, as Panthers starter  Melanie Murphy did not give up a hit until the bottom of the fourth on a single by Maddie Bertisch. It should have been the second hit of the day for Bertisch, but she was called out for making contact while out of the box in the first. Teammate Claudia Pizzarelli was called for the same thing in the bottom of the third.

Sailfish hurler Ashton Adkins (7-1) worked in and out of trouble most of the night. She watched Mikayla Wessel reach on a fielder’s choice and steal second and third, before working out of the inning. The Panthers left two runners on in the fifth and another one on in the sixth, but couldn’t push anything home.

Florida Tech (21-15, 5-8 SSC) got five hits in this one, all by different players. Adkins walked three and struck out four. She got all the run support she would need in the bottom of the sixth. Pizzarelli led off with a single before Murphy retired the next two batters. Bertisch was one of those, but her groundout moved Pizzarelli to 2nd.

After Magnolia West was intentionally walked, Michaela Hynes singled Pizzarelli home, as she got slid in just ahead of a great throw from Lexi Bettermann in left. Pinch-hitter Alexis Brown came to the plate and she drilled a double just inside the left field line, bringing home two more and giving the home team a 3-0 lead.

Adkins walked Shanysse Emerenciana with one out in the seventh, but she was able to work around it and complete the shutout.

For more info: Florida Tech @ Palm Beach Atlantic Box Score

The series wraps up on Saturday, with a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.