By: Brad Loff | SportzWire | May 8, 2026 | Photo courtesy SportzWire
Berwick, PA – The Berwick Varsity Bulldogs softball team delivered a dominant performance on Thursday, defeating Greater Nanticoke Area 12-1 in a mercy-rule victory. The Bulldogs’ offense exploded for 16 hits, with Emma Welsh leading the charge, driving in five runs on three hits, including a home run.
Berwick wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning. Emma Welsh singled, bringing in the first run, followed by Lauren Ashworth grounding out to score two more, giving the Bulldogs an early advantage. The offense continued its momentum into the second inning, extending the lead with four more runs courtesy of RBI singles from Emma Welsh and Lauren Ashworth.
The Bulldogs further cemented their lead in the third. Liliana Belles connected for a double down the left field line, and Makayla Brown followed with a single down the right field line, each play adding a run to Berwick's tally. The game concluded in the bottom of the fifth when Emma Welsh blasted a three-run home run to center field on an 0-2 count, pushing the score to 12-1 and ending the contest.
Makayla Brown earned the win for Berwick, delivering a stellar outing. She allowed only one hit and one unearned run over five innings, striking out nine batters and issuing no walks. C Welch took the loss for Greater Nanticoke Area, pitching four and two-thirds innings and giving up 12 runs (11 earned) on 16 hits, while striking out three and walking one.
Offensively, Berwick showcased a powerful lineup, with several players contributing multiple hits. Liliana Belles, Emma Welsh, Morgan Drauschak, and Makayla Brown each collected three hits. Ashlyn Klahold also had a strong day at the plate, going two for three. For Greater Nanticoke Area, H Verazin accounted for their only hit, going one for two.
Emma Welsh is the undeniable Player of the Game for her exceptional offensive output. Welsh was directly responsible for five of Berwick's 12 runs, hitting a crucial three-run home run in the fifth inning to seal the victory. Her timely RBI singles in the first and second innings ensured the Bulldogs established and maintained a commanding lead from the outset, showcasing her impact at the plate throughout the game.
Berwick Varsity Bulldogs
Emma Welsh: 3 hits, 5 RBI, 1 home run
Liliana Belles: 3 hits, 4 runs, 1 RBI, 1 double
Makayla Brown: 3 hits, 3 runs, 1 RBI
Lauren Ashworth: 1 hit, 4 RBI
Ashlyn Klahold: 2 hits, 2 runs
Greater Nanticoke Area
H Verazin: 1 hit, 2 at bats
O Ventura: 1 run
A Schneider: 2 hit by pitch, 1 stolen base
C Welch: 3 strikeouts (as pitcher), 2 at bats
S Cromer: 3 at bats