Marple Newtown jumps all over Kennett, clinches berth to states

A big first inning set the tone for Marple Newtown in clinching a states berth Tuesday.

The third-seeded Tigers plated five runs in the opening frame and cruised to an 8-2 win over No. 8 Kennett for third place in the District 1 Class 5A tournament. The Tigers advance to the PIAA Class 5A playoffs, which get underway next week.

Fielding the ball was a problem for the visiting Blue Demons, who committed five errors. Marple managed only three hits off pitcher Genevieve Ebaugh but made them count. Lindsay Walsh smacked an RBI single in the first inning and later scored for the Tigers.

Brianna Kelly roped a run-scoring triple. Amanda Smith and Marissa Stracciolini also connected with RBI hits.

Marple ace Kelsey Racine was strong once again from the circle. She hurled a complete game, scattering five hits and one earned run while striking out six.

Ebaugh went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI for Kennett.