LA PLUME, PA-Keystone earned a split in Wednesday's doubleheader against Valley Forge, dropping game one before responding with a composed and efficient 4-1 victory in game two.
Game One: Valley Forge 6, Keystone 3
Valley Forge wasted no time setting the tone in the opener, plating four runs in the top of the first inning highlighted by a three-run home run to jump out to an early advantage. The Giants settled in as the game progressed, chipping away at the deficit and showing resilience at the plate.
Keystone tallied 10 hits in the contest, with Isabella Benitez (East Windsor, N.J./Hightstown) leading the way with a three-hit performance while Briana Aponte (El Paso, Tex./Chapin) added two hits. The Giants broke through in the third inning on an RBI single from Aimee Lyons (Ajax, ON/Pickering) and continued to apply pressure with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Jordan Chabreck (Lacombe, La./Lakeshore) also contributed with an RBI knock to keep Keystone within striking distance.
Despite the steady offensive production, the early deficit proved too much to overcome as Valley Forge added an insurance run late to secure the 6-3 decision.
Game Two: Keystone 4, Valley Forge 1
The Giants responded in a big way in game two, putting together a complete performance behind timely hitting and a strong outing in the circle.
After Valley Forge struck first in the opening frame, Keystone answered immediately. Emily Schultz (Tunkhannock, Pa./Tunkhannock Area) doubled to start the rally before Isabella Benitez (East Windsor, N.J./Hightstown) delivered an RBI triple to even the score at 1-1.
The turning point came in the third inning, where Keystone capitalized on its opportunities. Shalimar Lopez Ramirez (Baltimore, Md./Perry Hall) reached base to spark the offense before Schultz came through again with a clutch two-run triple to give the Giants the lead. Krista Cortazar (Throop, Pa./Mid Valley) followed with a sacrifice fly, extending the advantage to 4-1.
From there, Keystone took control defensively. Amaia Smith (Berlin, N.J./Overbrook) was dominant in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing just one run on eight hits and not issuing a walk. The defense backed her up throughout, keeping Valley Forge off the board over the final six innings.
Offensively, Schultz led the way with two hits and two RBIs, playing a key role in the decisive third inning surge.
The Giants spring back into action on the road against Wilson College in yet another United East double header scheduled for April 18. Keystone's remaining schedule consists of a road trip to Penn College on April 21 in a double header, before rounding out the regular season against Penn State Brandywine on April 25 at Edmunds Field in La Plume, PA.
