West Shamokin moved one win away from claiming back-to-back District VI Class 3A championships Thursday, defeating West Branch 10-0 in six innings in the semifinals at home. Next up for the undefeated Wolves, Bellwood-Antis.
The Wolves used a four-run fourth inning to pull away, triggering the mercy rule two innings later. Both teams were held scoreless in the first before West Shamokin began to pull away. Kolby Elkin drove in the game’s first run in the second inning with a double that scored Zoe Bennett.
The Wolves added three runs in the third. Leah Mondi delivered an RBI on a fielder’s choice groundout that plated Avery Elkin. Cameron Vandervort followed with a groundout RBI that scored Abbi Kimmel, and Mondi later came around to score on a passed ball to make it 4-0.
West Shamokin broke the game open in the fourth. Kolby Elkin again started the rally with a double. Two batters later, Avery Elkin drove in Bennett. Kolby Elkin then scored on a sacrifice fly by Kimmel. Mondi continued her strong day by doubling and later scoring on an RBI hit by Vandervort, pushing the lead to 8-0.
Senior captain Madi Keirn helped put the game away in the sixth, doubling to score both Mondi and Vandervort.
Mondi was dominant in the circle, allowing just two hits and no walks while stricking out 10 West Branch batters.
Despite a 10-day layoff heading into the semifinal, West Shamokin showed no signes of rust. Coach Gary Stewart admitted he had some concerns coming in.
"I was a little concerned. We had 10 days off. Practice can only do so much to get ready," Stewart said. "It's hard sometimes to simulate game situations to practice, but they answered the bell, that is for sure. I have the utmost confidence in them, but it was nice to see them ready. Because like I said, it's easy to come out sluggish when you're off that long."
Stewart was particularly pleased with how the offense performed after struggling to find consistent production at times this season.
"The hitting's started to come along. I mean, obviously we haven't scored as many runs as we have all season without hitting," Stewart said. "Of course, the pitching and the defense has been there all year. It's starting to come together. I would say last night was one of our better games--- the most complete game all the way around."
With the win, West Shamokin improved to 21-0 and will play for the Distric VI class 3A title on Thursday at 4 pm at Clayburg-Kimmel High School against the Blue Devils of Bellwood-Antis.
The Wolves, who have been cool, calm, and collected all season long need not change much heading into the biggest game of the year, according to their head coach.
"Just go out and play our game, and then business will handle itself."