By Cole Rogers
For the Forsyth County News
October 9, 2019
The Region 5-7A champion North Forsyth Lady Raiders outplayed the Berkmar Patriots in both games of their doubleheader Wednesday and were able to extend their win streak to 19 games.
In its first game North Forsyth won 18-0, and then won the second game 16-0. Both games ended after the third inning because it would’ve only gotten worse from there.
“We’re excited to be going back to the Sweet 16 again,” North Forsyth coach Jim Cahill said. “Hope to give ourselves a chance to go to Columbus.”
Berkmar wasn’t able to get anything going offensively in either game. They didn’t have a hit in either game and never made it to first base.
North Forsyth’s pitching was too good, and Berkmar just couldn’t make any contact.
Kyleigh Sanders was almost perfect in the first game striking out eight and refusing to allow a single hit. She was hitting the strike zone consistently and only threw a handful of balls.
On the other hand, the pitching from Berkmar was abysmal at best. They used a couple different pitchers, but it seemed like they were all allergic to the strike zone.
There were a plethora of wild pitches in both games, and North Forsyth took advantage of them all afternoon.
North Forsyth had six stolen bases in the first game, and two in the second game. They also scored 12 total runs off runners advancing home on a wild pitch in both games.
North Forsyth’s base stealing is something that other teams will have to watch out for. The Raiders' roster doesn’t need much time for them to show off their speed and steal a base.
The main reason North Forsyth had runners on base all afternoon was all the walks they got. Berkmar gave up an astounding 25 combined walks in both games.
The North Forsyth offense didn’t have a lot to work with due to all the walks, but they were still able to hit the ball well.
Mallorie Black played a big role in the offense during the first game, hitting 3 for 3 with five RBIs. She also made her presence felt in the second game going 2 for 2 with four RBIs.
“She’s a great hitter. Bottom line,” Cahill said. “A good hitter like her can hit slow pitches, fast pitches, spin — really anything.”
North Forsyth has a lot of momentum going into in this year’s playoffs, but need to stay focused so they can take it one game at a time.
“We’re a talented team. They’re great teammates who get along great and are fun to coach” Cahill said. “It’s been a great year, and we’re looking forward to even more.”
North Forsyth (28-2) will face Hillgrove (19-7) in the Sweet 16.
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