BINGHAMTON — Hamilton sophomore Ellie Freeth pitched her fourth no-hitter of the season and delivered one of the biggest offensive blows as the Emerald Knights earned a spot in the state Class D softball championship game by beating Forestville 5-1 on Friday, June 13, at the Greenlight Networks Grand Slam Park.
The Emerald Knights (18-2), winners of 12 consecutive games and ranked No. 1 in the state by NYSSCOGS, play again Saturday against Section II Argyle. Game time is 11 a.m.
Freeth struck out six batters and walked five, and was supported by strong defense throughout the game. Forestville scored its only run in the bottom of the third after Hamilton had gone up 2-0 in the top of the inning. Freeth walked back-to-back batters with one out, and a throw hit the runner at first base when Forestville bunted, allowing a run to score. Hamilton threw another runner out at the plate for the second out, and the inning ended with a popup.
Hamilton had loaded the bases in the third and scored on Adriana Catania’s sacrifice fly.
The Emerald Knights loaded the bases again in the fourth and Freeth drilled a single up the middle to send two run home. Forestville was caught off guard while getting the ball back to the pitching circle, and Katelyn Simpson raced home with what proved to be the game’s final run.
Hamilton will play in its third state championship game while tying to win its first.
More to come.
This article originally appeared on Times Telegram: Sophomore pitches no-hitter in Hamilton’s state semifinal softball victory
Reporting by Jon Rathbun, Herkimer Times Telegram / Times Telegram
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
