RECAP >> Danika Barthol is making a serious case for the MVP in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference this season.
The Emmaus junior pitcher struck out a season-high 13 and her solo home run in the top of the seventh inning proved to be the winning run as the Hornets atoned for their only loss in league play by knocking off previously-undefeated Northampton 9-3 on Tuesday afternoon at Northampton High School.
Barthol threw 120 pitches in the complete-game effort, scattering four hits and walking just one in improving to 8-1 on the season. She also went 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBI.
Emmaus (14-2 overall) picked up its ninth straight win as the Hornets are now tied atop the league standings with Northampton at 11-1.
The Hornets outhit the K-Kids 12-4 in the game. Junior second baseman Daria Krout went 2-for-4 including a two-run home run in the top of the fourth inning, center fielder Shayla Morgan also had a pair of hits and drove in two runs, senior third baseman Sami Lilly was 2-for-3 with two RBI and junior Kamryn Tokar also had two hits.
Emmaus had led for most of the game and carried a 3-0 lead into the bottom of the sixth inning when Northampton tied the game at 3-3 on second baseman Taylor Kranzley’s three-run home run.
The Hornets would respond, however, as Barthol’s solo shot to lead off the seventh ignited a six-run inning.
In a losing effort, Kranzley went 2-for-3 at the plate for the K-Kids who dropped to 12-1 overall. Starter Emma Fraley suffered the loss after being roughed up for six runs on 10 hits.
Emmaus will return to action on Saturday at 6 p.m. as they travel to Pates Park in Allentown to take on Whitehall. The game will be carried LIVE on www.easternpasportsnetwork.com beginning at 5:40 p.m.
To stay up to date with Emmaus sports, follow @Emmaussports.com on twitter and like Emmaus sports on facebook.
Emmaus 9, Northampton 3
Em – 000 201 6 – 9-12-1
No – 000 003 0 – 3-4-1
Danika Barthol and Mason Roselli; Emma Fraley, Kaitlyn Renson (7) and Angela Fisher. WP – Barthol, LP – Fraley
HR – Em: Daria Krout (4th, one on), Danica Barthol (7th, solo); No: Taylor Kranzley (6th, two on)