Solid defense key as J-M softball heads to semis
MCMURRAY — Often lost in softball behind hitting and pitching is a team’s ability to field and play defense.
Jefferson-Morgan needed every bit of its ability to make plays in the field Monday night at Pleasant Valley Athletic Complex in McMurray, as the Rockets nipped Serra Catholic in a thrilling quarterfinal game, 2-1.
Jefferson-Morgan (16-6) advanced to Thursday’s semifinal action in the WPIAL Class A softball playoffs against No. 1 seed Union (17-2) at a site and time that has yet to be determined.
Rockets second baseman Braelynn Bayles made two sparkling plays to take away base hits. Her first diving snag robbed Johana Domek of a hit in the bottom of the second inning. But it was her second play of significance was one that saved the evening for Jefferson Morgan.
The Eagles (12-6) were able to finally score a run in the bottom of the seventh off ace pitcher Emilee Bazzoli by way of a Brianna Dobnak RBI single. Bazzoli, who struck out eight; then faced her mound opponent Kelly Morrissey with two outs. A wild pitch moved runners to second and third. A hit most likely would have given the Eagles the walk-off win.
Morrissey laced a line drive that appeared destined for center field and result in a Serra Catholic come-from-behind victory, but Bayles was there to save the day with another diving snag that ended the contest.
“She’s been that way for us all year,” Rockets coach Rich Rush said. “We flex her on defense and use her to bunt on offense and pinch run as well. We said before the last batter came up, someone needs to make a play in the infield. Thank goodness she did.”
Bazzoli, who was magnificent all game in the circle, was quite appreciative of Bayles’ effort.
“I can’t even describe what I was feeling. I am so proud of her,” Bazzoli commented. “She was my MVP for the game, no question. I was shocked, I thought that ball was headed for the gap.”
Jefferson-Morgan showed some punch on offense in the top of the sixth when it appeared Morrisey would stymie them all game. Robi Finley lead off the inning with a solid double to right center field. Kelsey Vessels then sacrifice bunted her over to third. Ava Wood then came up and smashed a triple to give the Rockets a 1-0 lead.
As if she hadn’t done enough, Bazzoli then ripped a single to bring home the eventual game-winning run and a 2-0 lead.
Rush added they did well enough to get two runs off Morrissey, who was almost as good as Bazzoli all night.
“She’s did a good job keeping us off balance and was around the zone all night,” Rush said.
But Bazzoli was the one who was left standing in a pitchers duel and game that those there may not forget for a while.
“Emilee has been a rock for us all season and was nothing short of that tonight,” Rush said.