STROUDSBURG, Pa. — Fairmont State (38-14) secured a 1-0 victory over West Chester (30-27) in an extra-inning battle on Friday to stay alive in the NCAA Atlantic Regional. The game-winning run came in the eighth inning, breaking a scoreless deadlock in a tense, low-scoring affair at Creekview Park.
The first seven innings saw both teams locked in a defensive struggle, with neither side able to score.
In the eighth inning, Fairmont State broke the deadlock. Abbie Keilhoz led off with a double to right center.
Bella Hess executed a sacrifice bunt, advancing Keilhoz to third.
Allyson Nordling, pinch hitting, singled to shortstop, putting runners on the corners.
Emma Paul drew a walk, loading the bases.
Breonna Marietta then delivered the decisive hit, a single through the right side, allowing Keilhoz to score.
Delaney Haller delivered an exceptional performance for the Falcons, pitching a complete game over 8 innings without allowing a run. Haller limited the Golden Rams to just 4 hits and recorded 3 strikeouts while issuing 2 walks.
Abbie Keilhoz contributed offensively by scoring one run and adding two hits, including a double.
Emma Paul added with two hits and one walk.
Breonna Marietta delivered the walk-off hit for the Falcons in the eighth.
Fairmont State will now face East Stroudsburg in another elimination game on Friday, May 15. Start time is set for 3:00 p.m.
