Winning becomes a theme in Milton as 8-10 softball all-stars show out

Early in the District 3 softball tournament, the Milton 8-10 all-stars have demonstrated they are capable of winning in different ways.

Another chapter in the Lewes-Milton rivalry was written July 2, when Milton dispatched its neighbor 15-0 in three innings, proving the girls can put up runs when they need to. Improving with each frame, Milton scored four runs in the first inning, five in the second and six in the third to hit the 15-run threshold needed to end a game in three innings. 

Lead-off batter Gia Scott technically did not have an at-bat, but scored three times and scooped up an RBI after walking twice and getting struck in another at-bat. Hannah Hartstein fueled the offense, driving in six runs on three hits, including two triples, and scoring twice. 

Pyper Willey was in the circle for Milton, striking out nine over three innings while walking only two. She helped herself out by scoring twice and driving in a run off her two hits. Journey Watson and Aubree Dukes each walked twice and came around to score in the July 2 win.

Things got a little more difficult for Milton in its July 3 game against Georgetown, which had dispatched Nanticoke 15-3 the night prior. 

Willey was in the circle again, and this time had to go the full six innings. She was impressive, collecting 15 strikeouts while walking three and surrendering one earned run off one hit. 

Scott got the party started again, stealing home after reaching on a bunt single to give Milton an early 1-0 edge. Georgetown evened things up in the first before taking a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second.

Helping her own cause, Willey navigated the base paths following a walk to knot up the game 2-2 in the top of the fourth inning. Peyton Dunn broke the deadlock in the sixth inning when her grounder to first scored Scott. Hartstein crossed on a wild pitch to double Milton’s lead to 4-2.

Putting her stamp on the game, Willey struck out the side to clinch the victory and put Milton one win away from the District 3 title. The girls will square off against Lower Sussex at 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 8, at Milton Little League.