Christopher Dock scores 13 in 1st, routs Delco Christian in 3 innings

TOWAMENCIN — The Christopher Dock softball team used the momentum of a 13-run first inning to dominate Delco Christian by a final score of 15-0 Monday.

Dock (8-2 overall, 6-1 conference) batted around not once, but twice in the opening frame. The Pioneers collected eight hits and drew four walks in the first as well.

“I just wanted them to hit the first strike,’ Christopher Dock head coach Wayne Benner said after the game. “Both (the Delco Christian pitchers) were doing their best but they were struggling to throw strikes. You may not see many (strikes), don’t waste them.’

It’s easy to say a 15-0 win constituted a full team effort, but that’s truly what this was for the Pioneers. Twelve different Dock hitters reached base during the first inning explosion. For the game, 13 different hitters reached base, nine different players scored at least one run and nine different girls had at least 1 RBI.

“It was a good game for us so I got everybody in today,’ Benner said. “It’s been hard this year, I kept more girls on the roster than I normally do because I saw promise in all of them, but then to get them in with no JV is tough. Today I was able to do that so that’s a positive for us.’

In a game full of standout stars for Christopher Dock a freshman stood the tallest on both offense and defense. Emily Groarke went 2-for-2 at the plate with a walk, a triple, two RBIs and three runs scored. She also pitched in the game, allowing three walks as the only Delco Christian base runners in her three innings of work. She also struck out five on the day.

“Emily is a freshman pitcher that continues to do really well,’ Benner said. “She just throws strikes and that’s what we needed her to do.’

Groarke’s batterymate, Emily Gordon, also played big in all aspects of the game. The senior leadoff hitter went 1-for-2 with a walk during her three plate appearances, all of which came in the first inning. She also scored two runs, collected an RBI and stole a base to add to her school-record total in that category. Behind the plate, Gordon threw out the only two attempted base stealers she saw.

Adding to the hit parade was Jill Bolton, who went 2-for-3 with an RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base. Lanae Hunsberger and Mattasyn Shisler made the most of their opportunities as well, each stroking a 2-RBI double in their only plate appearances.

Dock will look to extend its win streak to three on Wednesday when they Pioneers travel to face Morrisville Boro.