A Pitcher’s Duel for the Ages

Those in attendance for Tuesday night’s 2^nd game of the District One Juniors softball tournament, played at Donatoni Park field in Rockaway, will never forget the gutsy battle between two teams and two terrific pitchers. Layla Moroses for Morristown National and Sarah Smith for RP Thunder courageously pitched their hearts out for 10 innings each, producing one of the best pitching duels the Junior’s division has seen in years. After nearly 3 hours of playing time, RP Thunder finally prevailed in the bottom of the 10^th inning on a sacrifice fly, winning 3-2, thus tying the series at 1 game apiece, forcing the Championship game on Wednesday, to decide the Junior’s District One Championship.

Game 2 offered a little bit of everything, including a half hour rain delay, forcing both coaching staffs to decide whether they should stick with their respective starting pitcher. Thank goodness they did as both pitchers gave the fans their money’s worth. Moroses allowed 2 unearned runs to cross in the bottom of the first and then proceeded to pitch lights out the rest of the way, weaving in and out of trouble, backed up by some steady defensive play. For RP Thunder, Sarah Smith was equally sharp, managing the game very well, scattering 11 hits by Morristown. The Nationals finally were able to tie the game in the top of the 5^th inning, loading the bases with 2 singles and a hit batter. With two outs, Jade Davis delivered a laser line drive single to left field, driving in the tying runs and setting the stage for 5 more innings of nail-biting action.

Both teams had their chances as the marathon game continued, but both pitchers met every challenge and turned away continued threat after threat. Moroses was particularly effective as the game went and got stronger with each passing inning. Her final line for the night was: 10 innings, 3 runs (only 1 earned), 6 hits, 2 walks and 11 strikeouts, prompting manager John Cote to remark, “Layla has always been a gamer and thrives on a big game environment. She kept us in the game all night and we could not have asked for more from her. All the girls were in it as this was clearly the best game we have seen in years and we are all looking forward to the Finals.”

Wednesday’s Championship game is at Park Road Field in Parsippany at 6pm.