The Kings Park varsity softball team took home a key victory on Thursday afternoon, going on the road to defeat Deer Park, 5-0, and avenge its only loss this season. Senior starting pitcher Lindsay Taylor, one of the top pitchers in New York State, was once again a dominating presence in the pitcher’s circle.
Records: Kings Park 12-1, 12-1 League V; Deer Park 10-3, 10-3 League V
Heroes: Taylor continued to showcase one of the best arms in all of high school softball, baffling batters from the opening inning to the final out on her way to recording her ninth shutout of the season. Taylor pitched a two-hitter, and although she appeared a little wild in the opening inning, walking a batter and having a runner in scoring position following a stolen base, she settled down and allowed only one more walk the rest of the game. The Syracuse-bound senior struck out 15 batters, marking the fifth time this season she’s struck out at least 15 in a game.
Notable Hitters: Nicole Torlincasi had two hits in three at-bats, including the game-winning RBI single in the top of the first inning when she hit a fly ball between shortstop and centerfield which dropped in for a base hit. Cheyenne Giarraputo also had a hit to go along with two RBI and she scored two of the Lady Kingsmen’s five runs.
The Turning Point: Kings Park jumped on the scoreboard in the top of the first inning, and Taylor managed to make the early lead hold up. Deer Park, which had handed the Lady Kingsmen their only loss of the season back on March 28, barely made a dent in Taylor's repertoire.
Key Stat: Taylor has now thrown 21 consecutive scoreless innings, allowing only three hits over that span while striking out 43 batters.
Bottom Line: Kings Park, now 12-1 in League V, has full control of its destiny for the remainder of the season. It holds a one-game lead over Hauppauge, which drilled Huntington on Thursday. The two teams meet on the final day of the regular season, May 17, in what may determine whether KP wins the league outright or they have to share it.
