WHITEMARSH >> Plymouth Whitemarsh had been looking forward to Thursday’s game against Quakertown for a while. Since their loss at Quakertown on March 26, the Colonials had been taking every opponent seriously and it showed in their 11 straight wins. They knew the rematch at home would be crucial in the Suburban One League Liberty Division race.
When Plymouth Whitemarsh got the chance to avenge their previous defeat, they came through. They led throughout a 7-4 win, handing Quakertown their first loss of the season and tying for the top spot in the SOL Liberty standings with three games left.
“Winning the league title was one of our goals,” said PW coach Mike Perez. “This win was crucial for that, but we have even bigger goals in mind. It also helps boost our confidence, showing the girls that their hard work is paying off and giving us a big morale lift.”
“This win means a lot to us,” said PW pitcher Rian Reed. “Hopefully we can carry this momentum into next week. We’re excited for that.”
Reed played a crucial role both as a pitcher and at the plate.
The right-hander pitched a complete game, striking out two batters, walking two, and allowing four runs on six hits across seven innings.
“(Reed) did an excellent job,” said PW pitching coach Liz Baginski. “I was calling every pitch for her, and she was able to execute them all. She might have missed a couple, but they were good misses. She was so on point today that even when she missed by a little, she still managed to get the batters to swing, no matter what. She did exceptionally well.”
At the plate, Reed went 2-for-2 with two home runs and five RBIs. She was intentionally walked in her third at-bat.
“I was just focusing on making contact with the ball,” Reed said. “I wasn’t aiming for big hits, just trying to put the ball in play and advance the runners.”
Her two-run home run in the bottom of the second inning put the Colonials (14-2, 12-1 SOL Liberty) in the lead for good. Her line drive to left field left the park quickly, putting PW ahead 3-1.
In the fourth inning, Anna Powel added a run with an RBI single. Two batters later, Reed sent another ball over the left field fence. Her three-run blast made it 7-1.
PW’s offense managed seven hits against Quakertown pitcher Abbey Wagner, who is arguably the top pitcher in the league. Kalina Childers also hit a home run – over the center field fence in the first inning – and Sam Skivo doubled.
“We put a lot of effort into our hitting,” Perez said. “After the last game against Quakertown (a 9-4 loss), we were very positive. I felt we made very good contact. I think (Wagner) only had five strikeouts in that game, which is low for her. I felt we hit the ball really well the last time we played them, it just went right to the fielders. Today, it seemed like we managed to avoid their gloves. The home runs were crucial.”
Quakertown (14-1, 12-1 SOL Liberty) scored their first run in the top of the second inning. Kayla Scheibenhofer reached on a fielder’s choice and scored when Wagner’s single got past PW’s defense.
Despite being behind 7-1, the Panthers fought until the end. Cadence Lewis brought the score to 7-2 with an RBI double in the sixth inning, and then Kira Jefferson hit an RBI double in the seventh. Jefferson scored due to an error, making it 7-4 and bringing the tying run to the on deck circle. However, Reed managed to force a pop up to the shortstop, ending the game.
Wagner struck out five batters and walked two in six innings. She gave up seven runs on seven hits.
Plymouth Whitemarsh and Quakertown each have three SOL Liberty games remaining in the regular season.
PW will go to Hatboro-Horsham and Wissahickon, and will host Upper Dublin. They won against each of those teams 8-0, 11-8, and 12-2, respectively, in the first round of league games.
“Our next game is against Hatboro-Horsham and we're aware that those league games are always challenging,” Perez said. “They’re always tough. It’s at Hatboro, which is always tough. I know they’re seeking revenge after the last game. We just have to keep our performance up, stay united, work hard during practice, and do our best.”
Quakertown will host Wissahickon and Hatboro-Horsham before going to Abington in the regular season finale. They previously defeated Wissahickon 17-0, Hatboro-Horsham 4-1, and Abington 10-0 earlier this year.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 7, Quakertown 4
Quakertown 010 001 2 – 4
Plymouth Whitemarsh 120 400 x – 7
WP: Rian Reed 7 IP 2 K 2 BB 7 H 4 R
LP: Abbey Wagner 6 IP 5 K 2 BB 7 H 7 R
2B: QT: Cadence Lewis, Kira Jefferson. PW: Sam Skivo.
HR: PW: Kalina Childers, Rian Reed 2.
