Emmaus got its season off to a great start on Thursday afternoon as the Hornets went on the road and defeated Nazareth, the defending PIAA Class 6A state runner-up, 9-1.
Head coach Rich Giering’s squad scored runs in five of the seven innings as they pounded out 12 hits on the day. Nine different players had at least one hit in the game for Emmaus (1-0).
Starting pitcher Mari Eiswerth got it done in the circle and at the plate. Eiswerth tossed a complete game, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out 10. She also drove in three runs, including a two-run homer in the fifth inning.
Second baseman Bri Gitski went 2-for-4 with two RBI, center fielder Taylor Hauver was 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and catcher Julie DeFanti was also 2-for-3 with an RBI. First baseman Abby Derr had a solo home run in the third inning.
Nazareth was led by second baseman Gianna Perillo who was 3-for-3. Kylie Grover suffered the loss on the mound after being touched up for eight runs on 10 hits.
The Hornets will return to action today at 4 p.m. as they host Blue Mountain in a non-league game at Williams Street Field.
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Emmaus 9, Nazareth 1
Em – 202 022 1 – 9-12-0
Naz – 001 000 0 – 1-5-1
Em – Mari Eiswerth and Julia DeFanti; Naz – Kylie Grover, Avery Kauffman (6) and Briana Recchia. LP – Grover. HR – Emmaus – Derr (3rd, none on), Eiswerth (5th, one on)