Softball Loses Battle of County Powers

The Pearl River softball team broke up a pitchers' duel in the third inning and didn't look back.

The Pirates defeated North Rockland 5-0 Thursday at Pearl River High School in a matchup that showcased last season's Class A runner-up (Pearl River) and Class AA state semifinalist (Red Raiders).

Center fielder Kristyn Neroda led off the bottom of the third inning with an infield hit and came around to score on an RBI double to left field by catcher Jamie Degennaro.

At that point, Red Raiders pitcher Krystn Benson was throwing her riseball effectively.

"I was down 0-2 in the count and she kept throwing the rises," Degennaro said. "I kept fighting them off because I didn't want them to be called for a strike. I finally hit one to left field and it felt good off the bat."

Shortstop Gemma Mahoney advanced courtesy runner Filiz Undemir to third on a base hit up the middle and pitcher Katie O'Flynn doubled to right-center to drive in two runs.

The Pirates made it 5-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning when Degennaro drove in left fielder Marianna Feger and Neroda on a double to left field.

"Jamie obviously pounded the ball; that was real big," Pirates coach Mike Carlacci said. "We had some good base running with Kristyn Neroda starting that off and once it got rolling we're a team that can put pressure on."

O'Flynn pitched a two-hitter with two walks and eight strikeouts.

"My arm felt good," O'Flynn said. "It was a relief pitching, it felt good."

The Red Raiders had a couple of chances to get a run across. Their best chance came in the top of the third.

Catcher Brianna Rivera hit a two-out single to right field. She stole second base and advanced to third on an error but was left stranded. Rivera had another hit in the top of the sixth.

Right fielder Destiney Jones and shortstop Taylor Corretjer walked in the first and second innings, respectively.

"We should've came out ready to play," Rivera said. "They're a very good team and competitive and we needed an opening game like that. So we'll come back against Nyack."

Benson allowed five earned runs on eight hits and struck out five in four innings to take the loss. Vittoria Adams pitched two innings, allowing a walk and striking out two.

"She pitched well," Rivera said of Benson. "We just couldn't get a run across."

This was a good test for the Pirates.

"This is just the beginning,'' O'Flynn said. "If we can do this we can do just about anything, North Rockland's such a good team."