In a HAC-I battle against rival Jersey Shore at home, it had narrowed a three-run gap to one, and its top of the order was on deck for its last shot. And two one-out singles elevated said chances, putting the winning run on base and tying run in scoring position.

However, just when it seemed like it was sprinting towards victory, the Bulldogs dropped the hammer. Two straight outs from their outfield completed a sound defensive effort from the visiting team, as Jersey Shore edged out its rival, 5-4, to pick up its first win in the matchup since 2024.

With the win, the Bulldogs improved to 10-3 on the season, bouncing back from a tight loss to Warrior Run while securing their fourth win in five games. For Central Mountain, the loss moved it to 6-3 and marked its third in league play, dropping it a few slots below front runner Williamsport (9-1).

After falling behind 1-0 through one, Jersey Shore was able to respond immediately. Three hits – including one triple and double, a sacrifice bunt and multiple CM errors helped it pick up four runs, which ultimately proved to be just enough cushion.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Jersey Shore's Dani Miller attempts to tag out Central Mountain's Camdyn Weaver on a slide at second during a softball game at Central Mountain on Tuesday. The Bulldogs won 4-3.

Mya Lehman got the ball rolling with a leadoff double, and Annika Clark helped the Bulldogs establish corners without an out with a line-drive single to left. Then, a sacrifice bunt from Dani Miller got Lehman home to tie the game before a two-RBI triple from Lynna Clark gave it a lead it’d never surrender.

Two Central Mountain errors would bolster Shore’s lead to 4-1 and put two Shore runners in scoring position with one out. But the Wildcats were able to stop the bleeding from there with back-to-back outs.

RBI singles from Central Mountain’s Payton Hull and Ava Miller would narrow the gap to one in the bottom of the fourth. But ultimately, both defenses would put their best foot forward down the stretch, as three scoreless errors on both sides followed.

For Jersey Shore, it was Lexi Frey that led its defensive effort from the mound. Though she allowed eight hits, she was consistently able to strand runners and finished pitching five scoreless innings, striking out three and issuing two walks. Offensively, Lynna Clark was the lone Bulldog to attribute multiple hits, turning them into two RBIs and a run.

For Central Mountain, Camdyn Weaver continued what’s been a strong season from the mound. Outside of a blemished, four-run fourth, she pitched six scoreless innings, striking out four while allowing six hits and one walk. Offensively, Cirstyn Watson and Mallory Wunder each had two hits, including two singles in the seventh.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Central Mountain's Camdyn Weaver tries to get Jersey Shore's Isabell Carrasquillo out at first during a softball game at Central Mountain on Tuesday. The Bulldogs won 4-3.

The Bulldogs return to action on Thursday, completing their two-game road stint at Williamsport (9-1) with a chance to tie it for first in the team standings. Central Mountain also plays on Thursday, hosting HAC-I foe Shikellamy (1-10), with both games set for 4:30 p.m.

Jersey Shore 4, Central Mountain 3

Jersey Shore 040 000 0 – 4 6 1

C. Mountain 100 200 0 – 3 8 2

Lexi Frey and Annika Clark. Camdyn Weaver and Mallory Wunder. W – Frey. L – Weaver.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Jersey Shore's Lexi Frey (13) prepares to pitch during a softball game at Central Mountain on Tuesday. The Bulldogs won 4-3.

Top Jersey Shore hitters: Lynna Clark 2-4, 3B, 2 RBIs, run; Mya Lehman 1-3, 2B, run; Amelia Thomas 1-4, RBI; Dani Miller RBI, run. Top Central Mountain hitters: Cirstyn Watson 2-3; Mallory Wunder 2-4; Payton Hull, Ava Miller 1-3, RBI; Aubrey Miller 1-4, 3B, run; Camdyn Weaver 1-4, run.

Records: Jersey Shore 10-3 (5-1 Heartland-I); Central Mountain 6-3 (3-3 Heartland-I).

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Jersey Shore's Makayla Wrench (20) swings at a pitch TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Jersey Shore's Sophia Wrench hypes up her teammates during a softball game at Central Mountain on Tuesday. The Bulldogs won 4-3.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Central Mountain's Aubrey Eiler smiles while handing equipment to manager Taylor Thompson at third during a softball game against Jersey Shore at Central Mountain on Tuesday. The Bulldogs won 4-3.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Jersey Shore's Lynna Clark and Central Mountain's Aubrey Miller wait for action to resume at third TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Jersey Shore's Sophia Wrench hypes up her teammates during a softball game at Central Mountain on Tuesday. The Bulldogs won 4-3.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Central Mountain softball players gather at the mound during a softball game against Jersey Shore at Central Mountain on Tuesday. The Bulldogs won 4-3.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Jersey Shore's Sophia Wrench sprints to first during a softball game at Central Mountain on Tuesday. The Bulldogs won 4-3.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Central Mountain's Aubrey Eiler slides home for a run during a softball game against Jersey Shore at Central Mountain on Tuesday. The Bulldogs won 4-3.