May 19, 2016 2 min read

CALIFORNIA – Katie Tarr allowed five hits and three runs in the first inning but then sat down 18 of the next 18 batters as Burgettstown defeated South Allegheny, 5-3, in the opening round of the WPIAL Class AA high school softball playoffs Thursday at California University.

Tarr finished the game with 13 strikeouts – 10 after the first inning – and two walks. The only baserunner after the first inning against the Blue Devils senior came via a walk.

The shutdown pitching was needed as South Allegheny’s Brenna Pribanic, who had a run-scoring double in the first inning, also allowed just five hits.

But Burgettstown (15-6), which advances to Monday’s quarterfinals to face top-seeded Ellwood City at a site and time to be determined, made its hits count as well.

The Blue Devils scored all five of their runs in the second inning.

After a leadoff walk and fielder’s choice, the Blue Devils strung together three consecutive singles. Tarr then had an RBI single and Paige Sherman hit a three-run double that Tarr made stand up.

Laurel 7, Bentworth 0: Morgan Patterson threw a two-hitter with nine strikeouts and also homered as Laurel shut out Bentworth, 7-0, in the opening round of the WPIAL Class AA playoffs Thursday at West Allegheny.

Mackenzie Latess and Danielle Duddy also homered for Laurel (15-3), which blew open a 1-0 game in the fifth inning, scoring three runs and then adding three more in the sixth.

Sidney Switzer and Brooke Atkins both added doubles for Laurel, which advances to the quarterfinals to play Deer Lakes.

Casey Hite took the loss for Bentworth, which finishes its season at 11-5.