Penn State Mont Alto's Softball team played an out of conference double-header Wednesday at Hood College and split the games. In game one, Mont Alto lost by one, 1-0. They came back in the second game to take the win with a score of 4-3.
In game one, Kristyan Gates was on the mound and pitched all six innings. She only allowed six hits, while striking out three. Hood's one run that was scored was unearned. Hood's pitcher only gave up three hits to Mont Alto, two coming from Jenna Rhodes. Helena DeShong the only other Mont Alto player who had a hit. Diamond Byers, who reached base on a fielder's choice in the seventh inning, recorded one stolen base to try to get Mont Alto the run they needed to tie the game. But the third out came to end the game before they were able to do that.
In game two, Mont Alto was stronger at the plate with 12 hits including four doubles. Diamond Byers led the team with two RBIs, while Jami Ross and Helena DeShong also had one each.
Gates started the game again on the mound and pitched 3.1 scoreless innings and only allowed two hits. Rhodes came in to pitch the last 3.2 innings. Hood was able to take the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning when they scored three runs. The runs were a result of a couple walks and a batter who reached base on an error all scored after two Hood batters each snagged a single.
Mont Alto was able to tie the game in the top of the fifth inning when Byers singled and Gates, who reached base on an error, was able to score. In the seventh inning, Ross led off with a single. Sara Rebar came in to pinch run. Rebar advanced to second base on a throwing error by the center fielder. Byers was the next batter and she saved the day. She hit the game winning RBI double.
Hood had one more chance to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh but Rhodes held them to a scoreless inning.
Mont Alto will play a huge conference double-header at home on Saturday, April 13th against Penn State Beaver at 2:00 p.m. and then at 4:00 p.m. They are home again on Sunday, April 14th against Penn State Fayette for another double-header with the first game at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
