FALCONS KNOCKING ON THE DOOR TO STATE

The Fitch softball team is still alive in the postseason after beating Berea-Midpark 2-0 in the Regional Semifinal on Wednesday thanks to an impressive day for Caitlin Mitchell which started right off the bat. In the bottom of the first, the senior got on base thanks to an error and was easily able to get to second. On the next at-bat, pitcher Sydnie Watts hit a single which scored Mitchell all the way from second base to give the Lady Falcons a quick 1-0 lead. The frame would end with runners stranded on second and third. It would be a low scoring affair on account of another great pitchers’ duel that would see Watts come out on top in the end as she picked up her ninth career no hitter. However, it was Mitchell who stole the show and another base following a single to deep left field in the bottom of the sixth inning. A sacrifice grounder by fellow senior McKenna Hogan moved Mitchell to third and freshman Kylie Folkwein then brought her home for the game sealing run with an RBI single. Fitch led 2-0 heading into the seventh and Watts closed the deal with two more strikeouts with a caught foul ball in between.

Mitchell went 2-for-3 on the day and scored both of the team’s runs. Watts’ no hitter was the ninth of her career as she struck out 17 batters in the process.

Undefeated Fitch will face Walsh Jesuit in the Regional Final for a chance to advance to the State Tournament after the Lady Warriors beat North Canton Hoover by a score of 7-3 on Wednesday night. The game is scheduled for Friday at 5:00pm at the Youngstown State University Softball Complex.

*Contributed By Chris Lewis at austintownathletics.com