READING — Facing an offense which averaged 14 runs per sport over its earlier 5 outings, Arlington pitcher Janelle Lucente did a superb job to restrict Reading to lower than one-third of that quantity in a battle of Middlesex League elites on Friday.
And but, Rockets senior Analise Grady pitched even higher.
By permitting simply two hits with 15 strikeouts in a complete-game shutout, Grady powered Reading (6-1) to a 4-0 win over Lucente and the beforehand unbeaten Spy Ponders (6-1) for a signature league victory. That paired properly along with her RBI double within the second inning to get the crew on the board, serving to it overcome a stalled offensive efficiency in comparison with what it’s grown accustomed to.
Throw in a pair of insurance coverage runs late from situational softball, and it was an all-around win per regular for a Rockets group with six straight victories.
“(Grady) stays strong for us, and it’s not just her pitching, it’s her offense as well,” stated head coach Jill McElroy. “Today was tough, (Lucente) was good. … When you’re used to scoring (so much), this was a little different. People were getting a little (antsy), but this was good.”
As Lucente (six innings, three earned runs, 4 hits, 4 walks, six strikeouts) held Reading to only two runs over the primary 4 innings, Grady did her one higher each body amid a pitcher’s duel. A triple within the third inning and a double within the fourth had been her solely blemishes, however Grady overwhelmed hitters instantly after to get out of every two-out jam.
Her off-speed pitches had been significantly efficient, thrice placing out the aspect so as as Arlington couldn’t get into any rhythm on the plate.
“It feels so cool,” Grady stated. “I know that my team is behind me and I trust them, and I was happy that I was able to help them, and they helped me. … (This win) is very important. I think it gives us a lot more confidence.”
The fifth inning is the place Reading actually began to separate, using an Ella Haley (1-for-2, double, RBI) stroll and steal to place a runner in scoring place. A primary-and-third steal play with Grace Weston allowed Haley to steal residence for a 3-0 lead, after which a handed ball with the bases loaded within the sixth inning capped a day of aggressive baserunning as Jackie Malley (2-for-3) scored the fourth and ultimate run.
“Kids are pretty good with trying to take advantage of the defense when they can,” McElroy stated. “Any team can beat any team (in the league). … We’ve got to come every day to play.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com