Patton's no-no leads Perry past Allen East

SPENCERVILLE - Sophomore pitcher Megan Patton was simply too much and now Perry's softball team will play for a district title.

Perry threw a no hitter as Perry defeated Allen East 1-0 in the Division IV district semifinal.

Patton struck out 12 and walked four in seven innings of work.

"I really rely on my dad (coach Paul Patton) who calls all my pitches," Megan Patton said. "I really had good control today."

Perry will play Parkway at 5 p.m. Thursday at Wapakoneta in the district final.

Patton allowed runners to reach base in the first, second and third innings, but recorded 13 straight outs, eight of them strik outs, to finish the game.

"She pitched a tremendous game," Allen East (10-11) coach Dave Newland said. "We had some chances early and had runners on second base twice, but we didn't have the timely hits we needed."

The Commodores (13-5) got their lone run in the fourth inning after sophomore left fielder Olivia Hinds walked with two outs and was replaced with freshman pinch runner Karlie McKinley. Junior Chelsea Kuck followed with a single to move McKinley to second. Number seven hitter Sarah Ewing's base hit up the middle plated McKinley and gave the Commodores the margin of victory.

"Karlie is a lot faster," Paul Patton said. "Olivia is better at getting on base so it works out well."

Hinds finished the game without an official at bat, but walked twice to reach base.

Playing for the third time this season, after splitting a doubleheader earlier this season, the teams are familiar with one another.

"We are rivals and we really wanted to win," Megan Patton said.

Allen East sophomore pitcher Kayla Crow went six innings, allowed five hits and walked four.

"She pitched a nice game, hit her spots well and did a tremendous job," Newland said. "It's the best defense we played all year."

The Commodore defense was flawless behind the superb pitching of Patton.

"This is the first game we've had no errors and I couldn't do it without them (the defense)," Megan Patton said. "I figured if our defense played the way they do it (one run) could be enough."