After Williamsport loaded the bases with one out in the top of the first inning and was only able to push one run across, Millionaire coach Scott Stugart felt that may end up being a missed opportunity in a matchup against Jersey Shore that was expected to be nip-and-tuck throughout.
The veteran coach has never been happier to be wrong on the softball diamond. Williamsport exploded for an astounding 20 runs en route to a stunning 20-0 demolition of Jersey Shore in a matchup of two teams that came in with a combined record of 8-1.

“They have quality softball players over there and a great coaching staff, and everything went our way today. Hitting is contagious, and when you start off right in the first inning, usually good things happen,” Stugart said.
Hitting spread like wildfire throughout the Millionaire lineup. Eight hitters had hits, nine different players scored runs and eight different players had RBIs. Even when they weren’t getting base hits, they were working the counts, drawing six walks, and putting the ball in play, as the Bulldogs made ten errors on the day. And once runners got on base, Williamsport cashed in aside from stranding three in the first inning.

“Earlier in the season, we stranded a lot of base runners. We actually stranded five in the first two innings today, but we also scored, so we’re making improvements in that area as a team. We’ll keep working at it. The hitting with runners in scoring position was a lot better today,” Stugart said.

Ashlyn Robinson drove in Emma Vollman in the first inning with one of her three hits on the day to put the Milllionaires up 1-0. Williamsport got three more in the second, highlighted by a triple by Brenna beck over the head of the centerfielder to score Kinsley Cannode. 
Jersey Shore went to the bullpen to start the third inning, but the Bulldogs simply had no answer for Williamsport’s attack. A Cannode triple off the top of a tall centerfield fence made it 7-0, and Beck followed that with a laser up the middle to make it 8-0 as the top of the Millionaire lineup continued their strong hitting early in the year. 

“I have so much trust in our first four. I trust Emma (Vollman) to get on and Kinsley (Cannode) to get on, and I’m going to hit them in and Ashlyn (Robinson) is going to hit behind me. I have so much trust in all my teammates that we can put runs on the board,” Beck said.

But you can’t score 20 runs in a game with just the top of the order producing. Williamsport got contributions throughout, especially in that third inning that saw them ultimately bring eight runs to the plate. 

“They did a really good job not only of putting the ball in play and getting base hits, but also working some walks. They had really quality at-bats, and that sets things up for the top of the order. They’re not only helping by getting on base and driving in runs, but they’re also setting the table for the top of the order. They’re doing it all for us,” Stugart said. 

On a mighty cold day, it was important to get back in the dugout as soon as possible in Jersey Shore’s turns at-bat. That’s exactly what Millionaire pitcher Ashlyn Robinson and her defense did. Jersey Shore had just three baserunners on the day, as Robinson pounded the zone.

“Ashlyn was definitely hitting her spots a lot better today and had great command. That was huge, because we were able to use the whole strike zone, and she was putting the ball where we needed it so they couldn’t lean out on anything,” Stugart said.

An eight-run inning for the Millionaires in the top of the fifth closed out the scoring. 
With another key HAC I game against Central Mountain on tap for Thursday, the Millionaires, who rallied to beat the Wildcats a week ago at home, know they have to quickly turn the page. 

“It’s pretty hard (to refocus after a 20-0 win) because the girls are human, and so are the coaches. We’ve been around the block, so we never want to relax. But it’s natural for the girls to see the results and think it’s easier and that it’s going to happen every time. It doesn’t,” Stugart said. “It’s a different day and a different challenge. Our next game is Central Mountain, so that should keep our focus. It’s another quality opponent, and that will definitely be addressed in our conversations.”

Williamsport 20, Jersey Shore 0

(5 INNINGS)

Williamsport 138 08 — 20 13 1

Jersey Shore 000 00 — 0 1 10

Ashlyn Robinson and Payton Penncyoff. Lynna Clark, Lexi Frey (3), Amelia Thomas (5) and Annika Clark. W: Robinson. L: Clark.

Top Williamsport hitters; Kinsley Cannode 2-4, 3 RBIs, 3 runs, BB: Ashlyn Robinson 2-2, RBI, run, 3 BBs. Top Jersey Shore hitters: Sophia Wrench, 1 hit.