E = MC2

Albert Einstein’s “theory of relativity” is an equation that has been linked to many important discoveries in the field of physics and nuclear reactions.

The results of his equation throughout time have been explosive.

This season, the Palmerton softball team may be able to give Einstein a run for his money.

That’s because the Bombers equation of Emily Baumgardt, Megan Serfass, Megan Green and Carly Gaffney at the top of the lineup has served as their own personal atomic bomb.

On Tuesday, they were able to detonate it at just the right time as Palmerton came up with pivotal offensive innings late in the game to pull away from North Schuylkill for a 6-1 victory in the District 11 3A championship game.

“We went to league playoffs, and we came up a little short to some good teams in that tournament, but we didn’t want to come up short today,” said Palmerton head coach Robert Hock. “The girls were extremely focused and wanted this one bad. This team has been a treat all year long, and I couldn’t be happier for them. I really enjoy being their coach.”

With Palmerton leading 1-0, North Schuylkill was able to tie the game in the top of the fifth when a sharply hit line drive to left field by Joslin Stitzer looked to have some movement on it escaped the glove of the Palmerton outfielder and brought in a run to make it 1-1.

But Palmerton’s arsenal of weapons responded.

Baumgardt doubled to get the rally going. Serfass then walked and Green reached on an infield bloop single to load the bases. A sharply hit grounder by Gaffney to short was mishandled, bringing in a run to make it a 2-1 advantage. RBI singles by Yesmine Olewine and Kelsey Balliet upped the lead to 4-1 after five.

“Emily is like our spark. We have this thing where if she starts off an inning with a hit or gets on base, it just energizes our whole team and we have so much confidence at the plate,” said Green. “But there is also a lot of younger players who have stepped up as well. We’ve been able to put together a lot of two-out rallies this season, and I think that just shows what we can do offensively.”

Gaffney, who has had an outstanding season on the mound for the Bombers, kept the Spartans off the board in the sixth. North Schuylkill had first and third with two outs, but Gaffney got Abby Kuzio to ground out to second.

The freshman pitcher kept the Spartans off balance throughout the day, allowing seven hits and striking out four. North Schuylkill, who is aggressive offensively, was able to put some runners on base, but couldn’t get that one hit it needed to break open the offense.

“Today was just super fun. I was definitely amped up, that’s for sure. I was ready to come out here and make an impact,” said Gaffney. “I have all the trust and faith in the world in my team behind me when I’m out there, and that always gives me the confidence I need.

“I thought today I was just able to fool them just enough, move my pitches around to different locations and keep them guessing.”

In the sixth, the Bombers went to their masher in Green to add some insurance. The new Palmerton all-time single-season home run record holder roped a two-run single to left to score two and put the game out of reach.

Gaffney retired the side in order in the seventh to bring home the gold to Fireline Road.

“With our four seniors - three of them hitting .500 and the other one hitting .400 - you’re going to have some explosive innings,” said Hock. “Then the rest of the underclassmen have really filled in nicely, and have done a lot of good things.

“We thrive when we get people on base, and we’ve just been able to come through in big spots. That’s been the story this season, and we’ve ended this chapter with a championship.”

LEADERS … Green led the way for Palmerton with two hits and two RBIs. Baumgardt collected two hits as well for the Bombers. For the Spartans, Stitzer and Johannah Taylor each had two hits.

NEXT UP … Palmerton will face the runner-up in District 4 - either Loyalsock or Central Columbia - on Monday at a time and site to be determined.

N. Schuylkill 000 010 0 - 1 7 4

Palmerton 001 032 x - 6 8 1

Dinger, White (5), Stehr (6) and Taylor; Gaffney and Green. W - Gaffney. L - Dinger.