NTL SOFTBALL: NEB RALLIES IN THE 5TH TO TOP TOWANDA (2021-04-26)

BY CHRIS MANNING
Northern Tier Sports Report
WYSOX — One game at a time. That’s how Northeast Bradford softball coach Tilden Franklin is taking things so far, and so far it’s worked to keep the Panthers undefeated on the year.

They haven’t been without their trials, though, and they passed another on Monday, beating Towanda 6-1 in NTL action.

The Knights led most of the game, though, as it looked like they were going to make a solo home run from Brea Overpeck stick.

But, then in the fifth, NEB rattled off four runs, before adding two more in the seventh to take home the win.

“I kind of got nervous a little bit,” said Franklin. “But we had confidence in our girls, they usually do pretty good. They’ve proven that they can win with a lead, they can win coming from behind; we can play small ball, we can play long ball. I’m really proud of these girls, they’ve been doing great lately.”

Julia Brown (2-for-3), Kayleigh Thoman (2-for-4), and Emily Susanj (2-for-3) all had multi-hit games for NEB. Brown’s hit included a double, while Thoman scored twice as Susanj drove in two runs.

Maisie Neuber (1-for-4) had 3-RBI on the day, while Mikayla Post (1-for-3) rocked a double, and scored.

Melanie Shumway, and Malina Ramires both crossed home as well.

Thailey Franklin was strong in the circle, getting the win with 13 strikeouts, two hits, no walks, and the one earned run.

“She will normally hit her spots, and tonight she was definitely on,” said her coach, and father. “It was my fault on the home run. It was actually a change-up, and it sped up the bat a little bit for her.”

Franklin did a good job keep the ball up-and-in on Towanda’s batters, and getting ahead in the count.

“Most girls are vulnerable up in there,” said Franklin. “Even at the Major League level.”

Overpeck (1-for-3) had the first inning home run, while Saige Greenland (1-for-2) had their other hit.

Maddie Maynard was tough in the loss, holding down NEB's hitters through the first four innings. She allowed six hits, two walks, and six runs, four of which were earned, while striking out five in the contest.

Towanda jumped early out thanks to Overpeck’s first pitch, 2-out shot to centerfield.

The game flew by after that, with NEB threatening in the fourth, as they had runners on second and third. However, Towanda used a good defensive play at third base to get out of the jam.

Then, in the fifth, Post got things started with a double to left field. Melanie Shumway then reached on a fielder’s choice to, followed by Thoman loading the bases with a bunt single.

Post would make it 1-1 by scoring on an error, then a Susanj single brought in Shumway, and Thoman to put NEB up 3-1.

Neuber then sacrificed herself to allow Franklin to score, putting NEB up 4-1.

Then, in the seventh, Thoman bunt singled with 1-out to start another rally. After another out was made, Susanj walked.

Thoman, and Ramires, running for Susanj, then moved up to second and third on a wild pitch. That set up Neuber’s 2-run single which brought them both in, making it 6-1.

The victory pushes NEB to 7-0 on the season, but the schedule stays tough as they host Athens (Wednesday) and CV (Friday) later this week.

“Athens has always proven that they’ve been tough,” said Franklin. “I know that they have good pitching, they do play a little bit of small ball, too. We’ll definitely do it one game at a time, and go from there.”

Towanda (3-6) travels to Elk Lake on Wednesday, then will get a rematch with the Wildcats on Friday.

CUTLINE: NEB’s Kayleigh Thoman slides safely into home as Towanda’s Athena Chacona tries to handle the throw Monday...PHOTOS BY CHRIS MANNING.