Emalee Sines and Ava Strahan each recorded three hits to lead Perry to a 13-3 five-inning win over visiting Geneva in a clash of the Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division’s top teams on Thursday.
As potent as Perry’s offense was, Faith Hartman shut down the Eagles. She allowed three runs on six hits and struck out three in the win.
“I cannot say enough about Faith Hartman,” Perry coach Joe Medlen said. “She is starting to settle in and is starting to pitch like a seasoned veteran. Faith needs to learn a little more about the game within the game and when that happens, look out. We have gone to Faith for all our big games and she is an absolute soldier. She battles and never lets up. I’m very proud of her and how she has handled a very tough circumstance she has been tossed into as a freshman. I’m really looking forward to her carrying the Perry Pirates for three more years.”
Sines and Strahan both finished 3-for-4 with a double and knocked in two runs for the Pirates.
Every player in the batting order recorded at least one hit for the Pirates, who pounded out 15 in the game.
“Our offense is starting to really focus and make needed adjustments at the plate,” Medlen said. “Tonight, Emalee Sines and Ava Strahan had some huge hits that I feel was the difference in the game. I told Emalee after the game it seems that in every big game we have played through her high school career she absolutely brings it. Em is a true throwback player and loves the game. Ava is having a very quiet, very effective year at the plate. She is making small adjustments at the plate that are paying huge dividends.”
Elena Ciolli and Sydney Moon both finished with two hits and Ciolli also knocked in a pair of runs.
“A lot of teams focus on our seniors but five positions are occupied by underclassmen,” Medlen said. “They are working hard and focusing and playing like seniors. The young guns, as I like to call them, stepped right up and handled the pressure with no problem today, but that is a direct reflection of our senior leadership.”
Raegan Jahn led Geneva with three hits and Megan Pitcher knocked in two runs.
The Pirates are now alone in first place with a 10-0 record in league play. Geneva dropped to 8-1 in the Chagrin Division.
