WARRIORS GRAB SHARE OF TITLE AFTER SPLITTING DOUBLE HEADER WITH BLUE STREAKS
Story contributed by Larry Jennings
In a gripping series of games, the Edgewood Varsity Warriors experienced the full spectrum of baseball’s highs and lows, securing a narrow 1-0 victory in the finish of a game that was delayed by rain from April 17 on Thursday before falling 5-4 to a dramatic comeback by Madison.
Game 1: Paolillo’s Masterclass Leads to Narrow Victory
Lucianna Paolillo finished strong in finishing the delayed game from April, striking out 13 batters and allowing only one hit over eight scoreless innings to lead the Warriors to a 1-0 victory over Madison. Paolillo’s dominant performance was matched by Madison’s Kara Mekulsia, who struck out an impressive 18 batters in a complete-game effort but was ultimately outdueled.
The game’s lone run came in the bottom of the eighth inning, when a defensive miscue by Madison allowed Edgewood to score. Gianna Ianetta was a standout for Edgewood, going 2-for-3, while Mckenna Vencill contributed an RBI single. Edgewood’s defense was flawless, turning a double play and committing no errors, with Natalie Ianetta excelling with 13 defensive chances.
Game 2: Madison’s Comeback Stuns Edgewood
Despite Paolillo’s strong pitching, striking out nine and allowing no earned runs over seven innings, defensive lapses proved costly as Madison scored five unearned runs to secure a 5-4 victory. Mekulsia’s stellar performance on the mound, allowing four runs on seven hits with 12 strikeouts, and Madison’s error-free defense were pivotal in their comeback.
Offensive and Defensive Highlights
Across both games, Edgewood displayed solid offensive contributions from multiple players. In game 1, Gianna Ianetta and Mckenna Vencill led the charge, while Game 2 saw Natalie Ianetta, Faith Vencill, and Paolillo each contributing key hits and RBIs.
Madison’s consistent performance came from Kara Mekulsia, who not only excelled on the mound but also led the team offensively with key hits and RBIs. Defensive standout Ally Negan anchored Madison’s error-free play with 12 chances in the field.