Four Runs in the First Plus Baran's 10 Strikeouts Power Eagles Past Blue Jays in Landmark Tournament Play-In Game

HUNTINGDON, Pa.- The Juniata softball team defeated Elizabethtown, 4-1 as they advance in the Landmark Conference Tournament.

Juniata got off to a great start as they scored all four of their runs in the first inning. Cate Baran (Tyrone, Pa. / Tyrone Area HS) singled through the left side. Caleigh Love (Yardley, Pa. / Pennsbury HS) singled to center field which advanced Baran. Love and Baran each stole second and third, respectively. Alison Superka (Orefield, Pa. / Parkland HS) singled down the left-field line to score Love and Baran. Catherine Miller (Huntingdon, Pa. / Huntingdon Area) doubled to right-center to bring home Superka.

After the Eagles were up 3-0, the Blue Jays put in a new pitcher who just allowed two hits the rest of the game. Alaney Vereshack (Smokerun, Pa. / Glendale) singled and then advanced to second on the throw which brought home Miller. The Blue Jays scored their lone run on a double to left-center in the top of the fourth. At the top of the sixth was Etown's next best shot to score more runs, after a double and a single the Blue Jays had two on base. The next two batters struck out swinging. The final out of the inning was a pop-up to the shortstop. 

Baran's ten strikeouts in today's game are a season-high for the freshman pitcher. When the Eagle's faced the Blue Jays on April 10th, Baran had a season-high of nine strikeouts.  

Juniata will travel to Moravian as they continue on in the Landmark Tournament. Juniata will play Susquehanna at 11 am this Saturday.