Piedmont Girls U12/U14 Softball Champs

By Kristin A. Pace

The Piedmont Ball Hogs closed out their 2012 season with a winning record record of 9-1-1. On Saturday, they won their division by besting two Oakland teams in the playoffs.

Piedmont Ball Hogs 10, Oakland Green Flash 7

In game one, the Ball Hogs' offense was powered by Caroline Welch, who went three for three with a triple, a double and a single. She also had 4 RBIs. Megan Deutsche, Nicole Shoptaugh, Hannah Castles and Jenny Hosler also had a good showing at the plate. Shoptaugh, Kerry O'Connor and Sophie Reynolds pitched for the Ball Hogs. Reynolds had nine strikeouts in the inning she pitched and Shoptaugh had three strikeouts in the two innings in which she pitched. 

Piedmont Ball Hogs 5, Oakland The Rush 3

The Ball Hogs faced a formidable opponent in the championship game against The Rush — the only team Piedmont lost to all year. Outstanding pitching came from Reynolds and Shoptaugh. Reynolds pitched four innings of almost flawless softball with nine strikeouts. Shoptaugh was equally impressive with five strikeouts in three innings.

Good defensive performances came from Sydney Boxer, Hannah Castles and Jenny Hostler, who played catcher in both games. Katherine Weisbrock had her second hit of the day, which resulted in an RBI when Annie Pellegrini scored from second. Deutsche was also strong at the plate with a double. Julia Tucher, Boxer and Reynolds were each credited with an RBI.