Photo by Jeff Shomo

By Kenny Varner

SPRING MILLS – The Penns Valley Lady Rams exploded for nine runs in the second inning en route to the   victory in the opening round of District 6 Class AA Monday at Penns Valley, topping visiting Mount Union 12-0 in a five inning contest.

Leading the way offensively was Elle Dinges who smashed two hits in the game.

Penns Valley pitcher Taylor Bumgardner started strong posting three strikeouts to start the first inning and three to end the game in the sixth. She finished the game tossing a 2-hit shut out in the process.

“She (Taylor Bumgardner) set the tone tonight. She gotten better every week through the year. She set the tone for us right away,” said Penns Valley coach Terry Bumgardner. “We are very fortunate to have two pitchers like her and Avery.”

After a scoreless first inning, the Lady Rams manufactured nine runs.

Haddley Stover opened the inning with a walk.

Elle Dinges follows with a bunt single, moving up Stover to third.

Catcher Ellie Coursen loaded the bases picking up walk of her own.

Madison Bowen brought home two as she roped a single into right field, scoring Stover and Dinges.

Clara Brooks followed with a walk, putting runners on first and second.

With the bases loaded Scotty Dinges picked up an RBI walk, making it a 3-0 contest.

Noelle Webb bounced into a fielders choice as the Trojans forced the lead runner at home.

Bumgardner bounced into an RBI fielders’ choice.

Avery Dinges loaded the bases once again with a walk.

Stover continued the inning as she notched an RBI walk, making it a 5-0 inning.

Elle Dinges singled in a run, keeping the inning going.

Avery Dinges scored on a passed ball.

The Rams ended the scoring when Coursen reached on a Mount Union miscue scoring two in the play, making it a 9-0 advantage.

Penns Valley took over from there as its defense clamped down and refused to allow a run.

Though the Lady Trojans got runners on, the Rams would shut things down and remained unscathed throughout.

“I think that was the key. We weren’t hitting home runs and doubles but we had such great at bats,” said Bumgardner. “We’d get down or at 2-2 and we’d foul it off, end up moving up on a walk. Our at bats tonight up and down the line up, I can’t say enough about the young ladies.”

Penns Valley added three more in the fifth, sending them to a second round match up against Southern Huntingdon.