Bretz homer, no-hitter propel Pennsville Senior Softball within one win of another South Jersey title, trip to state tournament
By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News
PENNSVILLE – Jess Bretz drove all the way over from her home in East Greenwich Sunday to scout Middle Twp. pitcher Grace Hall for Monday night’s Section 4 Little League Senior Softball playoff game.
She was seated alongside Pennsville manager Chris Watson prepared to take copious notes to help her at the plate. Because of the circumstances of the game Bretz only got to see Hall throw to four Monroe hitters.
But apparently that’s all she needed.
Bretz belted a long two-run homer in her first at bat to set the tone for Pennsville’s 15-4 five-inning victory that placed it one win away from a fourth straight South Jersey title and another trip to the state tournament.
Bretz had settled in for a full game Sunday night, but the game was called in the bottom of the first when a Monroe player fell ill leaving the team with only eight to play. Monroe batted in the top of the first with Hall recording two strikeouts, a ground out and giving up a triple to the only batters she faced.
The Pennsville slugger and pitcher had seen enough to know what she needed.
“Whenever I come to scout a pitcher I’m getting my timing every single pitch,” Bretz said. “Even if I’m just sitting there and talking to my friends, I’m going to stand there and get my time with my hits every single time.
“I know where she’s throwing, how fast she’s throwing, so I was thinking just hit it out in front because if I hit it out in front it’s going to go every time. Yesterday I knew that.”
It didn’t surprise Watson at all his pitcher made the 45-minute drive down the interstate on what amounted to an off day to do some special reconnaissance. She’s been going the extra mile all year.
“One hundred percent committed this year,” Watson said. “She was committed last year, don’t get me wrong, but this year it’s another level. She’s committed to our goals here and to put this team where we want to be.”
The win moved Pennsville into Thursday’s 6 p.m. district title game against the winner of Wednesday night’s Middle Twp.-Monroe game. If an “if game” is needed, it will follow at 8 p.m.
Pennsville hit throughout the order. Seven of the nine spots in the lineup had at least one hit and one run; all nine spots reached base at least once. Six of their 12 hits went for extra bases. They scored in every inning they batted, batted around twice and led 10-0 after two innings.
Leadoff Lily Edwards went 2-for-3, Kylie Harris went 3-for-3 with three RBIs, Bretz reached base all three times she batted and Llily Birney had a pair of RBIs. Pennsville has scored in 10 of their last 12 innings and have run-ruled their last three tournament opponents.
“I think that’s how we’re going to win this year; every single person in our lineup can hit the ball,” Bretz said. “Last year we went 17 innings with this team. This year we didn’t even go seven.
“I think that’s going to be the difference this year in going all the way to the World Series – we have every single girl on our team who can hit.”
Bretz’ big night wasn’t just confined to the plate. In addition to the home run, she pitched a five-inning no-hitter and stole four bases, including home. When she stole third in the second inning, somebody in the stands asked, “What can’t Jess Bretz do?”
“I don’t know the answer to that, because we haven’t seen the limit yet,” Watson said. “I think we’re just starting to see the beginning of what she can do, honestly.”
“I can’t golf,” Bretz said.
The no-hitter was her second in the tournament, but she admitted it didn’t feel like one. She had a four-inning no-no in the first game of the district finals against Elmer last week. Middle had 11 base runners and scored three runs in the fifth inning that threatened to extend the game.
“No, it didn’t, just because of all the errors I personally made,” she said. “It doesn’t feel like it because they were making contact, which to me doesn’t feel like a no-hitter. I know it was, but it just doesn’t feel like it.”
Pennsville made easy work of their section tournament opener, but Watson knows “it’ll be a lot harder Thursday” when Middle’s ace Gabby Cruz will be back from a travel ball tournament in South Carolina. Last year, Bretz and Cruz battled for most of the 17 innings in their two games of the sectional championship round.
“The good thing is we are in the driver’s seat and they have to beat us twice,” Watson said. “So, even if they do get us the first game, the chances of her (Cruz) pitching 14 strong innings that night is a big advantage to us.”
SECTION 4 LL SENIOR SOFTBALL
Middle Twp. 001 03 – 4 0 3
Pennsville 464 1x – 15 12 2
WP: Jess Bretz (4-0). LP: Grace Hall (1-1). 2B: Kylie Harris (P), Gina Shinn (P), Lily Edwards (P), Bella Rappa (P). 3B: Savannah Palverento (P). HR: Jess Bretz (P).
Wednesday’s Game
Monroe vs. Middle Twp., 6 p.m.
Thursday’s Game
Monroe-Middle winner vs. Pennsville, 8 p.m.
If necessary, 8 p.m.
STATE TOURNAMENT
At Par-Troy West Softball Complex
Parsippany, N.J.
July 15
Game 1: Morris County vs. Roberto Clemente LL (Jersey City), 10 a.m.
Game 2: Section 4 winner vs. Game 1 winner, 3 p.m.
July 16
Game 3: Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 10 a.m.
Game 4: Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 3 p.m.
July 17
If necessary, 5:30 p.m.
Riverview Sports News 