FALCONS DODGE THE RAIN AND BEAT POLAND

AUSTINTOWN OH- It was a big matchup in the softball realm on Thursday evening. With both schools featured in YSNs Top 10 Power Rankings.

Those teams, of course, being #1 Austintown-Fitch vs. #7 Poland.

The focus on this matchup happened in the circle. Poland started the junior leader in Katie McDonald, who went in with a 3-0 record and a 1.92 ERA.

On the flip side, The Falcons started “The Untouchable” Sydnie Watts. The freshman has been on a tear to open this season. She headed into the non-conference game with a 5-0 record, a 0.70 ERA and 72 strikeouts.

Both pitchers went through the order the first time with ease. As both teams struggled to scratch across a run in the first couple innings.

The scoreless tie went into the third until Ayla Ray manufactured the first run for Falcons, and then did it again in the fifth.

It was 2-0 Falcons lead in the bottom of the 5th inning, when Player of The Game, junior Caitlin Mitchell hit a 2 RBI single to double the lead 4-0.

That would be all The Fitch offense would need, as the rain ended things early in 5 innings with Austintown on top.

Sydnie Watts got the win in the circle, her sixth of the season. Fitch will also move to 6-0 ahead of their matchup on Friday, April 8th against Glen Oak.

Poland will refocus themselves with a game against The Hilltoppers of Chardon. Also due to take place on Friday.

Stats: Pitching

Fitch: Sydnie Watts- W (6-0), 0 ER, 8 K (80), 1 H, 3 BB.

Poland: Katie McDonald- L (3-1), 2 ER, 8 K (39), 5 H, 3 BB.

*Contributed By YSN’s Ty Bartell

Postgame Interview With Steve Ward: