With just a week remaining in the PSAL softball season, every team that on the cusp of a playoff berth is fighting hard for every win, as it means the difference between the post-season and the off-season.
Midwood, currently at 4-7, has five games remaining. The formula for the playoffs will need them going 4-1. As for Fort Hamilton (5-7), they have five left and will need to go 4-1 in the final five to qualify. With just a few more games still standing, both Fort Hamilton and Midwood, are coming down the stretch fighting for their lives, making for an exciting end to the 2008 season.
Saturday, May 3
The lady Knights plated three runs each in both the third and fifth innings to beat Port Richmond 7-2. Leading Madison was ace pitcher Marie Oneto (6-0). She pitched seven stellar innings and only allowed two runs on five hits while striking out four.
At the plate, pinch hitter/pitcher Kayla Hill smacked out a two-run home run while third baseman Maria Mantagas slugged a solo shot for her sixth of the season. But Madison was not done, as shortstop Brittany O’Brien had two singles that produced two runs.
The win for the Knights improved their record to 12-1, a full game ahead of Lincoln (11-2).
It was already over before it started. Tottenville scored eight runs in the second inning to thump Midwood, 15-1. The lone Midwood run was scored in the third inning when center fielder Geena Bell’s triple brought home second baseman Ashley Mawad, who singled before Bell’s at-bat.
The loss for Midwood dropped their record to 4-7.
Thursday, May 1
In a 10-run first inning, the New Utrecht lady Utes clipped Canarsie 16-4 in a five inning blowout. Leading New Utrecht was left fielder Katelyn Lada, who tripled-in three runs while center fielder Krystal Class, also tripled-in three more runs to cap the Utes’ scoring onslaught.
On the hill, it was the Morro sisters getting the job done. Starting pitcher Toniann Morro pitched three innings allowing two runs on two hits while striking out four. Coming in relief, Lisa, pitched the final two innings, allowing two runs on four walks but she did strikeout four batters.
The win for the lady Utes improved their record to 6-5 with six remaining. For New Utrecht to clinch a playoff berth, they would need to go a minimum 3-3 to qualify for post-season play.
In an epic slugfest, Fort Hamilton were able to outscore and hang on to win 11-10 over Bushwick Campus. Leading Fort Hamilton was pitcher Mariam Awad (1-3). Even though she allowed 10 runs, all unearned, on three hits, she helped her own cause by singling-in three runs to win her first game of the season.
The victory for the lady Tigers placed them at 5-7; they will need to go 3-2 in the final five to qualify for the playoffs.
Before you blinked, Lincoln already had a 10-0 lead heading into the third inning. They added one more in the fifth inning to win 11-1 in a five inning blowout over Midwood.
Leading the ‘Splitters was the duo of catcher Francesca Gagliardi and center fielder Cynthia Palermo. Gagliardi had two doubles that brought in three runs while Palermo singled and doubled in three scores to cap the Lincoln offensive onslaught.
The victory improved Lincoln’s slate to 11-2, pulling them to just one game behind Madison (12-1).
