Hatters win pitchers’ duel

Leitner tosses gem against Souderton

HORSHAM » Kendal Leitner knew she was in for a good afternoon.

The Hatboro-Horsham pitcher felt the positive vibe her teammates were giving off as she warmed up for Friday’s game against visiting Souderton, then only felt it get strong once she started throwing. Knowing she was in for a pitcher’s duel with Souderton’s Abby Burns, it was exactly what Leitner wanted to have in her corner.

A solo home run from Amya Lundy was the only run the Hatters

needed as Leitner’s gem propelled Hatboro-Horsham to a 1-0 win over Souderton.

“My rise was my best friend today,” the junior right-hander said. “The vibe of the team helped with the mojo on the mound, so I knew something good was going to happen today.”

Leitner was terrific, striking out 14 batters while giving up just three hits and two walks. She credited several of those strikeouts to her battery partner, catcher Abby Waeltz, who did an excellent job framing pitches behind the plate.

The Hatters (6-0, 4-0 SOL American) hurler pitched out of two jams but otherwise kept Souderton’s offense in check with a good mix of pitches and her trusted rise ball when it was time to record an out. She also needed to be that locked in because her opposite was dealing as well.

Souderton (9-3, 3-2 SOL Colonial) junior Abby Burns also allowed just three hits and while she punched out just five hitters, the righty didn’t allow any walks and kept her team in the game until the final out.

“Abby pitched an amazing game, she really did,” Souderton coach Carol Atkinson said. “She’s always so good at hitting

Hatboro-Horsham’s Amya Lundy approaches home plate as her teammates prepare to celebrate her home run against Souderton.