Peters strikes out 15; Lady Eagles advance to second round

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: May 24, 2021

By Kenny Varner

MILESBURG – Despite a little time off between their last game against rival Bellefonte and today’s District 6 Class AAA playoff opener versus Penn Cambria, Bald Eagle Area hurler Maddie Peters had her pitches working the entire contest as she struck out 15 Panther batters.

The performance earned the Lady Eagles a first round victory, posting a 5-0 shut out and leaving Peters with a 2-hitter and a second round home game against Westmont Hilltop, Thursday at one.

“This probably one of her best games. During the Bellefonte game she threw well. She threw well tonight as well, said Bald Eagle Area coach Don Lucas. “She was really hitting her spots. We hit the ball hard but we were spinning our wheels a little bit. I think this group of gals have a pitcher who throws 65 miles an hour rather than someone who throws 50.”

Leading the way offensively was Maddie Perry who went 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run.

After a scoreless first inning, Bald Eagle got things going offensively in the bottom of the second.

With one out, Mara Hockenberry walked, setting the stage for Autumn Tobias blasted a double into the right field gap, scoring Hockenberry and landing herself on second with a stand up double.

Perry followed suit as she hit a shot into the same gap, giving her a double as well, making it a 2-0 advantage.

Peters was set them up and striking them down on a rapid pace, keeping the Penn Cambria bats relatively quiet.

The Panthers defense also kept the game close, allowing just two Lady Eagle hits until the bottom of the sixth when Bald Eagle Area exploded with some insurance runs.

Perry opened the inning with a hot sizzler to shortstop that ricocheted off the Panthers shortstop.

Peters helped her own cause when she moved Perry over to third with no one out. She would be replaced by courtesy runner Hailey Bucha.

Marina Shawley continued the hitting parade as she blasted a 2RBI double to right field, upping the lead to 4-0.

Kylie Swartz would later score, giving the Eagles a 5-0 cushion going into the Panthers last at bats.

Peters finished a strong as she started sending down Penn Cambria down in order, moving the team onto the second round.

District 6 Class AAA

Bald Eagle Area 5, Penn Cambria 0

PC 000 000 0 – 0 2 0

BEA 002 003 x – 5 7 0

WP: Maddie Peters (BEA)

LP: Madison Cavalot (PC)

Multiple hitters: Penn Cambria – None. Bald Eagle Area -Maddie Perry 2-for-3, RBI.