Facing a bases-loaded jam with no outs in the top of the second, Daviess County 12U starting pitcher Kenley Evans produced three consecutive groundballs to escape the jam unscathed. Two innings later, Ella Nonweiler ripped a two-run single to score the only runs of the game – powering Daviess County to a 2-0 win over Indiana and a trip to the Regional Championship on Friday.
In a game dictated by stellar pitching, Evans and Michalea Knight were a step above their opposition, combining to throw six shutout innings, striking out five. When Evans or Knight did allow the ball in play, their defense had their back – highlighted by Brynlee Zembryckis’ backhanded outfield grab and Marlee Duncan’s diving catch to record the final two outs of the game.
Nonweiler led the way at the plate for Daviess County, finishing 1-2 with two RBIs, while Duncan, Adley Proctor, and Avery O’Bryan had the team’s three other hits.
“We knew this game was going to be our toughest test yet,” Daviess County coach Jon Roberts said. “Indiana has two great pitchers, and Briley Mercer threw a phenomenal game for them. It created a game that made us sit back and be patient for the right moment to capitalize. Our pitching was strong as well. Kenley Evans started the game on fire, and Michaela Knight closed it out like it was another day at the park. Our defense was lock down and made some big plays during the game.”
