HERKIMER, N.Y. — The undefeated Hamilton Emerald Knights defeated the Herkimer Magicians 5-1 in Girls’ Softball action on Friday at Herkimer High School.
There was a subplot within the game, however, as two friends were competing to hit career milestones. Herkimer’s Leah Bray and Hamilton’s Ellie Freeth are pitchers who train together in the offseason and play in the Utica Lady Comets club softball. On Friday, they both sought to hit 300 career strikeouts for their respective teams.
Herkimer’s Leah Bray delivers a pitch during Friday’s game against Hamilton. Photo credit: Scott Kinville/The Daily Post
Bray, a freshman, entered Friday night’s contest with 283 strikeouts in her young career. Sophomore Freeth took the mound on Friday with 289 strikeouts to her credit.
Not only did Freeth’s Emerald Knights pick up the win, but she also went the distance, putting in a dominating 18-strikeout performance to hit the 300 mark. She now has 307, with more certainly on the way.
Hamilton’s Ellie Freeth picked up her 300th career strikeout on Friday against Herkimer. Photo credit: Scott Kinville/The Daily Post
Like Freeth, Bray pitched all seven innings. She struck out nine Emerald Knights, raising her career total to 292.
Hamilton opened the scoring in the top of the second inning. Adrianna Catania turned a leadoff single into a run after scoring on a passed ball. Bray settled down after the run and struck out the side to hold the Hamilton threat to one run.
Three Magician errors led to two more Hamilton runs in the top of the fourth to make it 3-0, but the home team battled back in their end of the fifth inning. Mia Calicchia got things started for the Magicians with a two-out single. Gwen McCutcheon followed with a walk to keep the inning alive. With Calicchia on third, Bray stepped in and delivered an RBI single to score Calicchia and make it 3-1.
Madysen Ward stands ready as a Hamilton baserunner eyes home plate during Friday’s game. Photo credit: Scott Kinville/The Daily Post
The Emerald Knights expanded their lead to three runs in the top of the sixth inning when Isadora Catania turned a double into a run. They would add another in the top of the seventh when Katelyn Simpson came around to score, as Freeth struck out six batters in the sixth and seventh innings to secure the victory.
Herkimer is now 3-3 this season. They have 10 days off before they hit the road for their next game on April 28 at South Lewis.
