Upper Moreland did not stay behind for long on Thursday afternoon. After falling behind Upper Dublin by two runs in the second inning, they quickly responded with two runs of their own. Then, when Upper Dublin took the lead with three runs in the fifth, Upper Moreland countered with four runs in that same inning.
Upper Moreland got nine hits, drew five walks, and took advantage of six Upper Dublin errors to secure a 7-5 victory in the Suburban One League crossover game at Upper Moreland Senior High School.
Coach Melanie Martino highlighted the team's resilience and support for each other, emphasizing their positive attitude and camaraderie. She praised their unyielding spirit and encouragement towards one another: “They are so supportive of each other. They’re probably happier for each other’s successes than their own. No matter what the game is, no matter what the scores have been – they haven’t given up on any game.”
Stephanie Jones of Upper Moreland, who had a 3-for-4 performance, emphasized the team's unity and determination, stating, “We just fought back every time. We never got down… We love each other so much and we’re such a team here.”
In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Golden Bears (9-1, 7-1 SOL Freedom) faced a 5-3 deficit after allowing three runs. However, they managed to turn things around by scoring four runs and taking a 7-5 lead by sending all nine batters to the plate.
Two of the first three batters in the inning reached base due to errors, and Makenzie Leo singled to load the bases. The first run was scored when a pickoff attempt at first base went awry, reducing the deficit to 5-4.
Following a strikeout, Jones hit a groundball to second base, resulting in an off-target throw home that allowed two runs to score, putting Upper Moreland in front, 6-5.
Jones emphasized the team's determination during the fifth-inning offense, stating, “Just put the ball in play and run hard no matter what. We just kept running, kept putting the pressure on them.”
Jones scored from second base when an infield popup was dropped, extending the Golden Bears' lead to 7-5.
Heather Boyer, the coach of Upper Dublin, acknowledged the team's consecutive errors in the fifth inning: “We’ve had glimpses of errors for things we should have been able to do at this point but not consecutive like that.”
She credited Upper Moreland for capitalizing on their mistakes, stating, “To Upper Moreland’s credit they found ways to put the ball in play and make those mistakes count. That’s why they won.”
The Cardinals (5-5, 3-5 SOL Liberty) had an opportunity to tie the game in the top of the seventh. Madden Reilly led off with a single, bringing the tying run to the plate. Bella Fiore nearly tied the game with a high fly to left field, which looked like it would clear the fence, but outfielder Kelly Bates managed to catch it despite the windy conditions, securing the first out.
After a walk put the tying run on base, second baseman Lianna Adames made an impressive grab in short right field before pitcher Delaney Stout ended the game with a strikeout, her fifth of the game. She allowed five runs on eight hits, and walked five batters in seven innings.
Martino praised freshman pitcher Delaney Stout for her composure and maturity on the field, stating, “Delaney has been a game-changer for us this year. For a freshman and such a young player, she stays so composed and within herself. No matter what’s going on, she doesn’t get rattled. For a young player to have that type of composure – it’s what every coach looks for.”
Upper Dublin started the scoring in the second inning. Maddie Small got a walk, stole second, and advanced to third due to an error. She scored on Kate Brannigan’s single that brought her home. Brannigan then moved to second on a wild pitch and crossed the plate on Kyla Garrison’s single.
In the following second inning, Upper Moreland’s Erin Distel scored with a sacrifice fly. Kaylee Brown tied the game 2-2 with a single when there were two outs.
In the third inning, UM took a 3-2 lead due to an error. Leo, who had two hits in the game, hit a fly ball to center field. It was dropped, allowing the go-ahead run to be scored.
The game was tied 3-3 by the Cardinals with Kaitlyn Zacharia’s single off the centerfield fence in the fifth inning. Three batters later, Lizzie Tambourino grounded into an error which allowed two runs to score, putting UD ahead 5-3.
Garrison, the right-hander pitcher for the Cardinals, took the loss. She allowed seven runs – two earned – on nine hits in six innings. She struck out 10 batters and walked five.
Upper Moreland won 7-5 against Upper Dublin.
Upper Dublin scored 5 runs with the sequence 020 030 0.
Upper Moreland scored 7 runs with the sequence 021 040 x.
Delaney Stout pitched 7 innings with 5 strikeouts, 5 walks, 8 hits, and 5 runs for Upper Moreland. She got the win.
Kyla Garrison pitched 6 innings with 10 strikeouts, 5 walks, 9 hits, and 7 runs for Upper Dublin. She got the loss.
UD had 1 double from Kaitlyn Small.
