Batter Lianna Fischer focuses on pitch for Empire State Huskies-Paterson.
By Sean Reilly
There was a common thread for the Empire State Huskies-Paterson on Saturday at Diamond Nation.
The Huskies played three pool play games at the 12U Aces Spring Invitational, and won each contest.
Upon closer examination, the New York team scored runs in six of the 12 innings in which it batted during the day. And in all six of those frames, the Huskies scored multiple runs.
There was no bigger uprising for the Huskies than in its middle game, against the Staten Island Saints 12U.
Trailing by a run heading into the top of the third inning, and with time beginning to run low on the play clock, the Huskies scored seven times in what became a 7-1 victory in Flemington.
“We keep rallies going,” said Willow Vellila, who was 4-for-6 on the day.
She was 2-for-2 with a home run, double and four RBI in a 11-7 win over NJ Gators White in the first game.
Against Staten Island, she walked and had an RBI groundout as part of the seven-run third.
In the third game, she was 2-for-3 with one RBI as part of a 4-2 triumph over Ascent Athlete 12U.
In the game against Staten Island, the Huskies had to rally after the Saints scored in the bottom of the second, with Peyton Janicke drawing a bases-loaded walk with two out.
Hope McGinley slides safely into third base for the Staten Island Saints 12U.
Walks were a huge factor in the top of the third for the Huskies. The first six batters walked, with Tory Davidson and Emma Martenson drawing the passes which brought in the tying and go-ahead runs.
Hailey Becker also walked to bring in a run, before the first out was recorded on a force out at the plate.
Rylee Armstrong then delivered the big blow, a three-run triple to center. She scored the seventh run as Vellila grounded out to second.
“This was a good start to the tournament,” said Lianna Fischer, the Huskies third baseman who made several impressive plays. “I really like it here, how it’s really big and how the fields are nice.”
The Saints closed out the day with a 1-2 record after posting a 12-6 victory over NJ Gators White.
All 20 teams in the field, including the five which went 3-0 in their pool play games, will compete in the playoffs on Sunday.