Brakettes Beat Freedom in Eighth on Two-Run Walk-Off Homer by Jess Serio

August 10, 2008 - Jess Serio launched a two-run homer to left field in the bottom of the eighth inning, giving the Brakettes a remarkable 2-1 walk-off win over the New York Freedom, in an elimination game at the ASA National tourney in Amherst, NY.

The Brakettes and Freedom went to the international tiebreaker after seven scoreless innings, with Brandice Balschmiter and Jen Martinez engaged in a pitcher’s duel.

The Brakettes had a golden opportunity in the second inning, when Whitney Mollica led off with a double to the left field fence. Mollica moved up a bag on a wild pitch, putting her at third with no outs. Jenna Lopez popped out to second for the first out of the inning.

Ashley Waters attempted a suicide squeeze bunt, but it stuck in the dirt in front of the plate. Freedom catcher Lisa Jusino picked it up and tagged out Mollica, who had no chance at home. Jusino then fired to first to complete the double play, as Waters stopped running to watch the play at the plate.

The Brakettes squandered another chance in the third, as Laura Trout and Jess Mouse walked to begin the frame. The next three Brakettes flew out, stranding the runners at first and second.

Balschmiter was dominant, despite being lifted for Leslie Malerich with one out in the eighth. Balschmiter struck out eleven batters, and the only hit she allowed was the RBI single to Jusino with one out in the eighth. The base hit scored Jen Martinez, giving New York a 1-0 lead.

Malerich made her entrance with runners at the corners, and faced only one batter. Sarah Hoffman put down a bunt in front of the plate, fielded by Malerich, who stared Martinez back to third. Malerich fired to first in time for the second out, and Waters threw home to Serio, after seeing Martinez break for home. There was a collision at the plate, and Serio held on for the last out.

Trout started the eighth at second for the Brakettes, and was sacrificed to third by Jess Mouse. Serio ran the count to 3-2 before delivering the dramatic home run, only her third of the year, but second of the tournament.

The 2-1 win advanced the Brakettes to the loser's bracket semi-final, matching them up against the Michigan Lady Explorers. The winner of that game will face the loser of the winner's bracket final between the So Cal Hurricanes and the Western NY Xtreme.

All Brakettes’ games from the ASA Nationals are broadcast right here at www.brakettes.com.