The last 20 county wins for defending champion Francis Scott Key have come in a bevy of ways, some with unique circumstances surrounding them. Monday’s game against Liberty, however, featured a unique set of obstacles for the Eagles to overcome.
With three players out sick and coach Stephen Turner also absent, the Eagles stepped up against the biggest threat to their county supremacy. The normal rock-steady standouts combined with some new players in elevated roles all came through for the Eagles as they walked away with the 8-2 win over Liberty.
“Today, we were a little shorthanded,” acting coach Josh Ritz said. “We still did what we do: play good defense and have some timely hits.”
Regardless of who played and who was sick, the Eagles knew they had a chance to win because Jasmine Kline was still on the mound. The junior went all seven innings, only allowing one earned run while striking out eight as she had to rely on a couple of new pieces behind her.
“They’re on the team for a reason,” Kline said. “Some of them were nervous coming in, but as the game went on and they made plays, everyone’s energy and confidence went up and we were rolling.”
One of the rearranged pieces, Morgan Kenney, was great. Normally an outfielder, Kenney held down first base Monday. Her diving stop in the fifth inning was an example of how talented and versatile every player on the Eagles roster is.
“She came in and played a position she’s only played one other time this season,” Ritz said. “She did great for us.”
At the plate, it was Kenney’s RBI triple in the second inning that started the scoring for the Eagles. She finished 2-for-2 at the plate, earning her second RBI of the game after a third-inning sacrifice fly. After putting the finishing touch on an extremely productive day with a double in her final at bat, Kenney leaned on her teammates and some newfound confidence to step up for her shorthanded squad.
“Playing a new position that I’ve only played once before, my teammates gave me that confidence with that and with my hitting as well,” Kenney said. ” My confidence went up a lot this game.”
Along with Kenney, Lilly Reiter also had multiple RBIs for the Eagles, and Piper Beahm matched Kenney with two hits of her own as the Eagles (13-1) moved to 8-0 in Carroll County. They’re one step closer to another county title and continue to establish a standard that can be matched by anyone who becomes a part of the program.
“We’re deep,” Ritz said. “We got some talent waiting in the wings ready to fill that void and step up for us.”
Francis Scott Key — 023 021 X — 8 10 1
Liberty — 001 001 0 — 2 7 3
WP: Jasmine Kline (FSK) LP: Sophia Steele (L)
2B: FSK – Piper Beahm, Morgan Kenney, Jasmine Kline; L – Evelin Conner, Leyla Hoffman . 3B: FSK– Morgan Kenney.