Generals Split Doubleheader with Jefferson, Rally for Extra-Inning Victory

HERKIMER, N.Y. – The Herkimer Generals softball team earned a split in a hard-fought doubleheader against Jefferson Community College on Thursday, falling 3-0 in the opener before battling back for a thrilling 6-5 extra-inning victory in game two.

Olivia Perry turned in another outstanding day in the circle, striking out 18 batters over 14 2/3 innings, while also delivering a clutch game-tying hit in the nightcap.

Game One: Jefferson 3, Herkimer 0

A pitching duel highlighted the opener as Perry and Jefferson's Layla Killian matched each other inning for inning through the first three frames.

Jefferson broke the scoreless tie in the fourth inning when Lizzy Hobbs delivered an RBI single, and the Cannoneers added two more runs to secure the 3-0 victory.

Perry was impressive despite taking the loss, striking out 10 batters while allowing just three runs on seven hits over six innings.

The Generals collected six hits, led by Autumn Roberts and Alexis Broderick, who each finished with two hits. Roberts also stole two bases as Herkimer continued to apply pressure offensively.

Defensively, the Generals were flawless, committing no errors. Broderick led the way with 11 defensive chances.

Game Two: Herkimer 6, Jefferson 5 (8 innings)

The Generals responded in dramatic fashion in the nightcap, erasing a two-run deficit in the bottom of the eighth before walking off Jefferson for a 6-5 victory.

Herkimer struck first in the opening inning when Emma Powers doubled home the game's first run. The Generals extended the lead to 3-0 in the second as Grace Neville ripped an RBI double and Emma Carlton followed with an RBI single.

Jefferson chipped away before tying the game in the sixth inning on Olivia Dalin's RBI single, sending the contest into extra innings.

The Cannoneers regained the lead in the top of the eighth on Shea Odell's RBI double and a sacrifice groundout, taking a 5-3 advantage.

The Generals refused to go away. Down to their final outs, Perry delivered a clutch game-tying single following a seven-pitch at-bat to bring Herkimer even at 5-5. The Generals then completed the comeback with a walk-off run later in the inning to secure the 6-5 victory.

Perry battled through 8 2/3 innings in the circle, allowing five runs while striking out eight. Emma Carlton recorded the final out in relief to help preserve the win.

Neville, Roberts, and Powers each collected two hits to pace the Generals' offense. Neville, Powers, Carlton, and Perry each drove in a run.

Herkimer also turned a key double play and played another error-free game defensively, with Roberts leading the team with nine defensive chances.

The split showcased the Generals' resilience, overcoming a late two-run deficit in the nightcap to salvage the doubleheader behind timely hitting and another strong all-around performance from Perry.