Hometown Softball Recap – Belle Vernon Leopards – 04/27/2016

By: Bruce Markey
Wednesday, April 27, 2016 | 1:18 AM

For the second time this season, Thomas Jefferson defeated the Belle Vernon Leopards in a low scoring contest. This time by way of a 3-0 final score at Washington Township Field on Tuesday afternoon.

After forcing two walks in the first, including lead-off hitter Lindsay Kalup. Thomas Jefferson first-baseman Emily Schleidter popped up a softly hit ball that landed directly between second and short which scored the eventual game-winning run, that being Kalup from second.

Belle Vernon shortstop, Courtney Gavatorta poked a Lacie Laughtner fastball down the first-base line for the Leopards first hit of the day in the 2^nd. Despite a strong effort on the base-path by advancing on a stolen base and a sacrifice, Gavatorta was stranded at third to end the inning.

Sophomore sensation, Bailey Parshall of Belle Vernon pitched out of a few jams in the early going. The Jaguars left five on base in the first three frames, four of them in scoring position.

The fourth inning looked like a potential turning point for the Leopards. Parshall struck out the side by way of a 10 pitch inning. Parshall’s dominant top half translated in Belle Vernon’s best offensive opportunity of the afternoon.

Singles from Lexie Church and Katelyn Lagazza, along with a walk to Gavatorta, loaded the bases however again the Leopards could not capitalize on the chances.

From there it was the Lacie Laughtner show. Down the stretch the Thomas Jefferson hurler only allowed a hit from Megan Christner and Gavatorta, who finished 2-for-2.

Thomas Jefferson also scored two insurance runs in the 7^th after three consecutive hits from Sydney Flinn, Rachel Bowers and Alyssa Fairman which sealed the deal on this matchup.

Laughtner was credited with the complete game shutout victory, only allowing five hits while striking out six. On the other hand, the sophomore Parshall suffered the defeat despite only allowing eight hits, three runs and fanning 10.

The win gives Thomas Jefferson a commanding three game lead in the section, propelling them to an 8-0 record (11-1 overall) while, the Leopards fall to 5-3 in section play (11-5 overall).

Tags: Belle Vernon