RECAP >> A three-run sixth inning proved to be the difference on Wednesday night at Kiwanis Field as Emmaus celebrated its Senior Day with a much-needed and important 4-2 win over Whitehall.
Junior left fielder Tatum Kresley provided the big hit as she lined a two-out, two-run single in the bottom of the sixth inning and teammate senior Lily Trexler also had key RBI in the inning as Emmaus snapped its three-game losing streak and swept the season-series from Whitehall.
The victory improved the Hornets overall mark to 11-6 on the season and 9-4 in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. Whitehall dropped to 12-6 and 10-4 in the league.
“These kids really needed this win,” said Emmaus second year coach Brittany D’Agostino. “We’ve been trying to tell the girls that the game is not over until it’s over and you have to give everything and that’s what they did today. They didn’t give up and they kept pushing.”
Senior pitcher Hannah Palinkas gave up a pair of runs in the top of the first inning but then settled down nicely as she shutout the Zephyrs the rest of the way while allowing just one hit. The hard-throwing right-hander gave up just three hits on the day while striking out four and walking two.
Emmaus had seven hits on the day off Whitehall starter Madison Cunningham. Kresley was 2-for-4 with two RBI, Palinkas also had a pair of hits and drove in a run, while Trexler, shortstop Marah Sisonick and first baseman Jordyn Brucker all went 1-for-3.
Whitehall had jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a RBI single from shortstop Abby Reese (2-for-3) and an RBI groundout from Cunningham.
Emmaus then rallied in the bottom of the fourth on a RBI single from Palinkas to cut the lead to 2-1, before rallying with three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Prior to the game, Emmaus honored its five seniors along with their parents. Hannah Palinkas, Abby Bartels, Jordyn Bruckler, Lily Trexler and Olivia Sander were all recognized.
One day after the win over Whitehall, the Hornets went on the road and picked up their second win in as many days knocking off Stroudsburg 5-2.
Palinkas was dominant again inside the circle as she tossed a one-hitter with nine strikeouts.
Kresley went 4-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored, while Marah Sisonick hit a two-run home run, her first of the season, and sister Peyton also had key two-run hit.
Emmaus will return to action on Saturday at 4 p.m. as they face their rival Parkland on the road.
Emmaus 4, Whitehall 2
Whitehall – 200 000 0 – 2-3-1
Emmaus – 000 103 x – 4-7-0
Madison Cunningham, Abby Reese (6) and Lasko
Hannah Palinkas and Abby Bartles.
WP – Palinkas, LP – Cunningham
Emmaus 5, Stroudsburg 2
Emmaus – 000 040 1 – 5-9-1
Sburg – 000 011 0 – 2-1-3
Hannah Palinkas and Abby Bartles, Carly Anderson
K. Gioglio, L. Gutlay (5) and H. Longo
WP – Palinkas, LP – Gioglio