Harrisburg's first impression Sunday morning went a long way in determining the RBI Mid-Atlantic Regional softball champion.
On the strength of its five-run salvo in the bottom of the first, Harrisburg rode the pitching efforts of Cassidy Pinchorski and a 3-for-4 performance from Vanessa Hoffman to a 8-5 triumph over Philadelphia at Veterans Park.
Hoffman added three runs scored and Meghan Kisela chipped in two hits as Harrisburg earned an invite to next month's RBI World Series in Minnesota.
That's three straight regional crowns for skipper Mike Stepp & Co.
“We put Philadelphia on their heels with the five-run first, and not much happened with either team during the next couple of innings,” said Stepp.
“After we put two more on the board in the fourth, you started to get the feeling that this three-peat was going to happen for us.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Harisburg takes down Philadelphia 8-5 at Veterans Park
Blue Mountain's Kisela and Middletown's Emily Mattes were responsible for extending Harrisburg's edge to 7-0 in the fourth. Kisela's bases-loaded single chased home Rubie Teffeteller before Mattes' fielder's choice posted Hoffman.
It was plenty of insurance for Pinchorski, who struggled at times yet still managed five strikeouts over five innings. Reliever Lexus Allen, one of Stepp's most valuable commodities during Harrisburg's 5-0 weekend sweep, had a few more hiccups down the stretch.
Philadelphia, equalling Harrisburg's nine hits, decided to push back with four runs in the top of the seventh. It just wasn't enough to strip away Harrisburg's title.
“They did not go quietly. Their bats came to life against Lexus, who beat them 15-0 on Friday,” Stepp said.
“We wanted her on the mound at the end. She put in a good three days of work.”
Teffeteller singled and scored Harrisburg initial run on Hoffman's single. A Kisela single and pair of throwing errors by Philadelphia eventually put the visitors in a deep hole.
CD East's Nina Bruno later roped a RBI double in the first-inning blitz. Pinch-hitter Kira Waters chipped in a RBI double in the Harrisburg's sixth.
“Our girls achieved their goal this weekend of getting back to Minnesota. We'll be looking to be at our best when we're out there,” said Stepp.
“The seven girls on the team that were there last year have a good idea of what's in store.”
Epler on Twitter: @threejacker