Railroaders Blank Salem to Advance to ADK Title Game

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By Keith Harrington

It wasn’t one of their most memorable offensive performances, but it didn’t need to be. Whitehall scored a run in the bottom of the first and it was all they needed as the Railroaders went on to blank Salem 7-0 in the Adirondack League Tournament semifinals.

Madi Gould spun a two-hitter and struck out 18 to advance Whitehall to Friday’s championship game. With Gould in the circle, one run is often enough for Whitehall, but senior first baseman Blake Bird said the team understands they can’t just rely on their ace because anything can happen.

“Actually it’s very true. You never know. If a few girls connect with some hits that could turn around a game right there,” Bird explained.

It took the Railroaders some time to figure out Salem pitcher Sophia Keays, often getting under her pitches and popping them up.

“She had a good rise ball that I think was kind of getting us,” Bird said. “The other thing was timing. She gets it in really quickly which is a good thing for her but not as much for us.”

Whitehall got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first. Ava Ruby hit a one-out bloop single and scored on a Vinna Jensen RBI double.

The narrow advantage for the Railroaders stayed in place until the fourth. Whitehall parlayed one hit, three walks, a hit batter, and a fielder’s choice into four runs. Marissa Eggleston had an RBI single in the frame.

In the fifth Whitehall again took advantage of walks and a miscue from the Generals. Keays gave up three free passes and Eggleston’s fly ball to center field was dropped helping the Railroaders to score three runs in the inning.

Salem managed just two hits off Gould in the contest.

Jensen was 2 for 2 at the plate for Whitehall. Khloe Paddock chipped in an RBI double. Mia Waters was credited with a pair of RBIs.

Kayla McCauliffe and Bella Garrison had the Salem hits.

Bird feels that even when the hits are not falling the Railroaders find ways to score.

“One thing I think that we have is some smart base running. I think there are a lot of instances where we have that which really helps us out,” Bird said. “I know we can hit and that has not been there as much these past few days, but tomorrow I think we’re going to kick it into gear. We’re going to play our defense and just play our game overall.”

Whitehall goes for their second consecutive league title tomorrow against Lake George at 4:30 p.m. at Moreau Rec.

Whitehall, the top seed in the tournament, improves to 12-1