SSZ has highlights and post-game reaction from Caldwell University as Sarah Corey’s 2-run homer in the 4th inning proved to be the game winner in Middletown South’s 5-3 win over West Essex in the Group 3 semifinals. Donovan Catholic will join the Eagles as Shore Conference teams in the state softball finals this weekend at Kean University
Middletown South 5 West Essex 3
Two homers and solid pitching and defense was the formula for the Eagles to return to the state finals. Maddie McMahon pitched a complete game and launched a three run homer in the 3rd inning and Sarah Corey’s 2-run blast in the 4th proved to be the game winner in Middletown South’s 5-3 win over West Essex. Trailing 1-0 after a sacrifice fly in the first, McMahon delivered a two out blast to left field to make it a 3-1 game. Lightning and rain delayed the game for just over 30 minutes and when Middletown South returned from the delay, the Eagles increased their lead in the 4th. Ciara Sullivan doubled followed by a high fly ball from Corey that drifted over the fence in left center. McMahon went the distance striking out 9 and gave up three runs including a 2-run homer in the 5th from Julia Vardiman to make it a 5-3 game. Vardiman returned to the plate in the 7th with a man on, but Sullivan made a diving catch to get the Eagles back to the state finals. Watch all the highlights and interviews from Caldwell University:
Thanks to our friends at Tom’s Ford for sponsoring our Middletown South coverage and allowing us to capture great moments from the Eagles softball state title run. Because of Tom’s Ford, we’ll be at Kean University this weekend to bring all the action of the Eagles quest for back to back state championships.
State Softball Semifinal Scores
Group 3 Semifinals
Middletown South 5 West Essex 3
Steinert 2 Lacey 1
Non-Public South “A” Finals
Donovan Catholic 3 Notre Dame 1
State Finals (Friday-Saturday at Kean University – SSZ will post dates and times once they are made official)
Middletown South vs. Steinert
Donovan Catholic vs. Immaculate Heart Academy