Hasler hits two homers, drives in 7 runs as Avon whips Innovation for 12th win

Freshman catcher Amanda Hasler hit two home runs in Thursday’s victory over Innovation of New Britain. Hasler has hit a team-leading 10 home runs in 20 games for the Falcons.

AVON, May 23 – Freshman pitcher Jackie Pengel has made a big impact with the Avon High softball team this spring. She has struck out more than 180 batters, including four games with more than 15 strikeouts.

But she’s not the only freshman to make a difference. Pengel’s batterymate – catcher Amanda Hasler has also had an outstanding season.

Hasler has hit 10 home runs this season and had two, including a grand slam, in Avon’s 12-0 win in five innings over Innovation of New Britain on Thursday.

Hasler had two home runs in the game and seven RBI. She had a three-run home run early in the first inning and had a grand slam home run later in the first inning.

Avon (12-8, 3-7 CCC West Patriot) had 13 hits in the game. Nicole Detora and Michelina Centofanti were each 3-for-3 with one RBI for the Falcons. Kendra Hards was 2-for-3 with two RBI.

Pengel struck out three in the first inning with Centofanti pitching the final four innings, striking out five.

With the win, Avon snapped a two-game losing streak and finished with their first winning season since 2001 and the most wins in a single season since 2000 when Avon won 13 games.

Avon will play their first CIAC state tournament game since 2001 on Tuesday when they host No. 20 East Lyme (10-10) at Fisher Meadow beginning at 4 p.m.  The Falcons are the No. 13 seed.

Avon 13, Innovation 1 (5)
At New Britain
Avon (12-8)                        (11)20  00 – 13-13-0
Innovation (8-12)                 000  10 – 1-1-4
Jackie Pengel, Michaelina Centofanti (2) and Amanda Hasler; Izzy Orejuela and unknown; WP: Pengel (11-6); LP: Orejeula; Save: Centofanti (2); HR: Hasler (A) 2

2019 CCC West standings