NTL SOFTBALL: JOHNS, WYALUSING TOP NEB (2023-04-20)

Northern Tier Sports Report
WYALUSING — Wyalusing rode another strong pitching performance from Jenelle Johns to a 6-0 win over Northeast Bradford in NTL softball action Thursday.

“Jenelle Johns was outstanding today,” said Wyalusing coach John Loomis. “She did a great job of throwing all of her pitches.”

Johns, coming off a perfect three inning win over Wellsboro Wednesday, allowed just three hits and one walk in seven innings on Thursday, while striking out 13.

“I am just so proud of our team as a whole,” Johns said. “We really pulled together tonight offensively and defensively. This win really was an overall team effort. We really needed this win, and everyone showed up, and played their part.”

The Rams scored five of their six runs in the third inning as they pounded out nine hits on the day. Allie Liddick led them, going 3-for-3 with 2-RBI, while London Edwards (2-for-4) scored a run.

“Allie Liddick and London Edwards had a great day at the plate,” said Loomis. “Both coming up with clutch hits.”

Addison Bly (1-for-2), Johns (1-for-3), Kylie Pickett (1-for-2) and Madalyn Broschart (1-for-3) also had hits, with Pickett scoring twice, while Sydney Friedlander and Johns both crossed home once.

“Kylie Pickett is also hitting the ball very well, and made some nice plays at second base,” Loomis said. “Overall, a good team effort.”

Kelsea Moore struck out eight in the loss, allowing the nine hits, one walk, and six runs. Melanie Shumway (1-for-3) had a double, while Kiarra DeLancey (1-for-3) and Alexis Corter (1-for-3) also had hits.

NEB threatened with runners in scoring position in both the first, third, and fourth innings. However, each time Wyalusing got out of the jam - the first and fourth innings with strikeouts. Johns would retire nine of the last 10 batters she faced the second half of the game.

Wyalusing got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the second as Pickett had a 1-out hit. She would work her way to third, where she scored on a wild pitch for the 1-0 lead.

Then came the big third inning with Friedlander drawing a 1-out walk to get things started. Edwards then reached on a hit to put two runners on.

Friedlander would score on an error off the bat of Bly, with Edwards also scoring to go up 3-0.

Liddick then had the big hit, bringing in Bly and Johns for a 5-0 lead. Pickett got the final run, scoring on another wild pitch to make it 6-0.

From that point on it was a pitcher’s duel as Moore retired 11 of the next 14 batters she would face. Wyalusing did load the bases in the fifth, but Moore got a strikeout to end the inning.

In terms of league standings the win keeps Wyalusing’s hopes of defending their league title alive, though they’re still two games back of NP-Liberty. NEB still sits on top of the Small School standings, and control their own destiny.

Things got a little bit tighter when it comes to district standings.

NEB (7-3) came into the day sitting in third while Wyalusing (7-3) was fifth. It’s a glut at the top so expect some bouncing around throughout the second half of the season.

Wyalusing is slated to travel to Holy Cross on Saturday with a 4 p.m. start, while NEB traveling to Towanda on Tuesday with a 4:30 p.m. start.

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PHOTOS BY TINA MAYNARD & PROVIDED

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