FITCH PUTS ON ANOTHER SHOW

By Ty Bartell

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH SC- The Austintown-Fitch Falcons softball team continued their early-season dominance with a commanding 7-0 victory against the Penfield Patriots from Penfield, New York, as part of The Grand Strand Classic in North Myrtle Beach.

The Falcons wasted no time asserting their authority in the top of the first inning, as Kaliana Ray drew a leadoff walk and promptly stole two consecutive bases. This set the stage for Ayla Ray’s sacrifice fly, driving in her younger sister and giving Fitch an early 1-0 lead.

Fitch extended their lead in the top of the third inning when Abby Toth belted a triple to center field, paving the way for Kylie Folkwein’s RBI single. Later in the inning, Morgan Roby, Sam Severn, and Lily Stevens contributed with three consecutive hits, pushing Fitch’s advantage to 4-0 after three innings of play.
In the following inning, Abby Toth once again showcased her hitting prowess, leading off with another triple. A wild pitch then allowed Toth to score, further extending the Falcons’ lead to five runs.
The Falcons kept the pressure on in the top of the fifth inning, adding two more runs with back-to-back hits from the Ray sisters. Kaliana Ray’s single was followed by Ayla Ray’s triple, bringing home Kaliana. Abby Toth continued her stellar performance with an RBI single, tallying her fourth hit of the day and giving Fitch a commanding 7-0 lead.

Meanwhile, in the circle, Sydnie Watts delivered another outstanding performance, tossing a two-hit, one-walk, 17-strikeout shutout through seven innings of work.

Post-game interviews with Players of the Game Sydnie Watts and Abby Toth, along with Head Coach Steve Ward, provided insight into Fitch’s impressive victory.
With the win, Fitch remains undefeated at 3-0 and looks ahead to a double-header scheduled for Wednesday, April 3rd, in North Myrtle Beach, pending weather conditions. Fans can stay updated with Austintown-Fitch softball throughout the season, with live games, scores, stats, stories, and more available on YSN