Mertz' Homer Captures Group IV Softball Title for Watchung Hills

It was near record temperatures Friday afternoon when the Watchung Hills Warriors traveled to host North Hunterdon for the North 2, Group 4 Championship game.  The two teams played through six scoreless innings, broken up by the game's only run scored in the top of the seventh inning.

The two teams depended on different skills to hold the opponent down.  North Hunterdon was led by pitcher Mason Spichiger who had nine strike outs, one walk and gave up only three hits.

Watchung Hills' Abby Cline pitched a 5-hitter, with a single strike out and a walk, depending heavily on the defense. "It was definitely a pitcher' battle," said Cline. "But is was the amazing defensive plays from our team that made this win. They are so good with our defense and they know how to play in high pressure situations. It's really good."

But the final result came down to a seventh inning blast that scored the game's only run.  With one out in the inning, Dana Mertz hit a long fly ball that cleared the fence in left field.

"I'm shaking, I am so happy right now," said Dana Mertz.  "I just literally saw that pitch and took a swing."

"It was an absolute pitcher's dual," said Watchung Hills head coach Mike D'Alessandro. "Both pitchers were very strong. Their pitcher was getting a lot of strike outs and we were having trouble getting on base. They had more runners on base during the game, but our defense made some clutch plays and stopped the rallies."

"Our defense has always been a strength," added D'Alessandro.  "Today, we came through, held them off and got one big swing from Dana."