FRANKLIN, Mass. — Franklin continued its postseason run Tuesday afternoon, edging Wachusett Regional 3-2 behind a complete-game effort from Sophia Sacramone and a timely fourth-inning offensive surge.
The Panthers collected 10 hits and used a three-run fourth inning to secure a spot in the next round of the Division 1 state tournament.
After three scoreless innings, Franklin broke through in the bottom of the fourth. Amelia Rakitin delivered an RBI double, and Ella Weston added a two-run hit to give the Panthers a 3-0 advantage.
That cushion proved crucial as Wachusett mounted a late rally. The Mountaineers cut the deficit to one with a pair of solo home runs in the sixth inning from Cassie Wilkins and Averill Maarouf, but Sacramone settled in and closed out the victory.
The Franklin ace went the distance, allowing just four hits and two runs while striking out seven and walking one over 6.2 innings. She threw 71 strikes among her 96 pitches and kept Wachusett off the scoreboard until the sixth.
At the plate, Rakitin paced the Panthers with a 2-for-3 performance, including a double and an RBI. Ciara O’Brien added two hits, while Olivia Caruso, Phoebe O’Connor, Sacramone, Ava Florest, Brooke Bonetti, and Ella Weston each contributed a hit as Franklin’s lineup produced from top to bottom.
Wachusett managed only four hits on the afternoon as Franklin’s defense played error-free softball behind its ace.
With the 3-2 win, the Panthers advanced to the Division 1 State Quarterfinals and continue their postseason march.
