Kimberton Wins Babe Ruth State Championship

LIMERICK-To say that the Kimberton girls softball team never gave up in its game against Levittown on Sunday night would be a complete understatement. The Babe Ruth Pennsylvania State 12U and 16U Softball Tournament was played at  in Limerick. Sunday night's championship was in the 16 and under category.

Struggling through the first six innings, Kimberton had yet to score a run and put its team on the board. Levittown pitcher Jordan Szumigala, who was bringing her heat all night long, pitched several no hit innings.

With Levittown leading 6-0 at the bottom of the sixth, Kimberton's Lexi Daggett scored the team's first run. By the end of the sixth inning, Kimberton had finally made its mark on the board, scoring two, themselves.

Going into the seventh, Levittown was first up to bat. It was a one-two-three inning for them as they had two fly-outs and a strikeout. Up to bat next was Kimberton, whose team was still down 6-2. Their first batter made it to first base, with their second and third batter's striking out. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh and final inning, Kimberton's Kelly Anthony walked to first.  Then Meghan Coccia slammed the ball into the field, got on base, and advanced the other two runners to second and third.

With bases loaded and two outs the heat was on. Standing up and cheering for their team the whole game, the Kimberton girls would not let Levittown take the win easily. 

Batting next for Kimberton was Daggett, who slammed the ball down the third base line and brought home the runner on third base, making the score Kimberton. Then Sydney Schnarrs sailed the ball into the outfield, bringing home two more runs, making the score 6-5 in favor of Levittown.

Still with two outs, Kimberton brought up its eighth batter, Amber Martin. With a swift swing of her bat, Martin sent the ball flying out of the field, bringing home two runners and winning the game for Kimberton.

Coach Dennis March ran out onto the field and met Martin, who stood there astonished on second base, and gave her a big hug. After receiving awards, Martin was awarded the Most Valuable Player award, and Schnarrs was awarded the Hitting Champ award.

"I'm so proud of them," March said. "They lost their first game and were able to come all the way back from the losers bracket. We used everybody we had and it was just amazing.  I can't even put it into words."