RECAP >> Emmaus came out swinging and jumped all over Nazareth standout senior pitcher Sam Gorkos for what seemed like a ‘safe’ 8-0 lead after four innings on a cold and blustery day Tuesday at Nazareth High School.
As it turns out, it’s a good thing the Hornets scored as many runs as they did because they needed each and every one of them in their Eastern Pennsylvania Conference opener.
Down to their final at-bat, the Blue Eagles put together an incredible rally as they scored seven runs and had the game-tying and game-winning runs on second and third with two outs, but the comeback would fall short as Emmaus got the final out and escaped Nazareth with a wild 8-7 win.
“A very crazy ending,” said Hornets second year head coach Brittany D’Agostino. “Nazareth simply hit it to the right spots at a time that mattered, but we didn’t let our heads hang. We picked up the pieces and finished strong.”
And with it, a 2-0 start to the season for the Hornets who have exploded for 26 runs in their two victories.
“The girls are staying aggressive and confident at the plate,” said D’Agostino. “If we continue to stay aggressive and stick together we are going to accomplish great things this season.”
The Hornets banged out 12 hits against Nazareth with junior outfielder Tatum Kresley leading the offense going 4-for-4 at the plate with three runs scored. Senior catcher Abby Bartels also had a big day as her three-run home run was part of a five-run, fourth inning that gave the Hornets an 8-0 lead.
Senior center fielder Lily Trexler and sophomore second baseman Maddie Bruns also had two hits in the win, while senior pitcher Hannah Palinkas went 1-for-3 with two RBI.
Palinkas picked up her second win of the season inside the circle as she went 5 2-3 innings allowing just one run on three hits. The right-hander started the game and then came in relief of Kresley who got into trouble after giving up six runs on seven hits in the sixth.
Nazareth dropped to 0-1 on the season with the loss. Senior shortstop Serena Smith went 2-for-4 at the plate for the Blue Eagles, while classmate center fielder Maddy McClary drove in a pair of runs.
Emmaus will return to action at 4 p.m. on Thursday as they play their home-opener at Kiwanis Field against Northampton. The game will broadcast live on www.pennsportsradio.com with the pregame show starting at 3:45 p.m.
Em – 120 500 0 – 8-12-3
Na – 000 000 7 – 7-10-3
Em – Hannah Palinkas, Tatum Kresley (6) and Abby Bartels.
Naz – Sam Gorkos and Daphney Adams
WP – Palinkas (2-0); LP – Gorkos