That appears not to matter after throwing two eighth-graders in their first two playoff games, the Golden Falcons find themselves back in the Section VI Class C final with their 2-0 win over No. 4 Randolph on Wednesday at Ernie Strickland Field.

It was Emily Rhinehart who got the call in the circle Wednesday and she kept the playoff shutout streak alive by stifling the Cardinals offense the whole game. Rhinehart struck out just one batter, but gave up just three hits and walked three batters for the victory.

“I had another eighth-grader in the circle and just absolutely dominant,” stated Falconer head coach Kayleigh Sieber. “One way to summarize that performance was immediately the second batter she faced tried to bunt, she dove and caught the ball and doubled them up. That’s the kind of aggressiveness and the kind of ballers these kids are. They show up and they’re going to play 100% every game all seven innings.”

Thanks to Rhinehart and the defense, just one run would be needed for the win, but going against Randolph’s Kendall Steward made it a tall task. Steward gave up just five hits, walked five and struck out seven while giving up two earned runs.

Randolph's Kendall Steward hits a double during the sixth inning of Wednesday's semifinal. P-J photo by Christian Storms

“Any time you’ve got Kendall on the mound, you’ve got a chance to win that game,” said Randolph head coach Geoff Olson. “She’s just been absolutely phenomenal this year, over 220 strikeouts. Even when you get players on base, you know you have a chance to get out of it. We just always have a chance to win when she’s out there.”

In most cases, a pitching performance like Steward’s will yield a victory, but Falconer capitalized on most of its chances. After having the door closed on a bases-loaded situation in the bottom of the first inning, Falconer did strike first in the bottom of the second.

Dani Krenzer worked a one-out walk and then Angelina Fiasco laid down the sacrifice bunt to move Krenzer into scoring position. With two outs, Kalya Lynn stepped up and made sure not to strand Krenzer as she hit a hard single into the outfield to give Falconer the 1-0 lead. On the play to home, Lynn was able to advance to second, but Steward was able to get out of the inning on the next batter.

“Our game plan today was try to find a way to put the ball in play,” added Sieber. “Kendall is a great pitcher, she moves the ball well, she reads swings very well and she is able to keep people off balance. I just really wanted my girls to be able to shorten up and get direct to that ball. Keep it simple, hit the ball and turn left.”

Randolph came close to responding in the top of the third inning when Isabella Syracuse made her way to third base after Kyra Pence beat out a double-play ball that set up runners on first and third with two outs. Sadie Steward had the chance to knot the game at one, but grounded out to Falconer shortstop Tess Spangenburg who made the play to first.

Falconer's Dani Krenzer crosses home plate for the first run of Wednesday's semifinal. P-J photo by Christian Storms

Randolph would not come close to scoring again, until trailing 2-0 in the top of the sixth when Kendall Steward laced a two-out double that was just short of the fence in center field. The Cardinals were unable to get another hit, leaving Kendall stranded on second.

Falconer tacked on its insurance run in the bottom of the fifth, this time it was Rhinehart giving herself a little breathing room in the circle. Rhinehart led off the inning with a booming triple to put Falconer in prime real estate for another run. Immediately in the next at-bat, Spangenburg flew out to left field far enough for Rhinehart to cross home plate with no contest for the 2-0 lead.

“It just came down to they had a couple of hits when they needed them and they made a couple plays when they needed them,” added Olson.

With the victory Falconer will have its chance to repeat as Class C champions, but the Golden Falcons will have to top No. 3 Gowanda.

“We really have an amazing team here,” added Sieber. “Incredible team chemistry which is incredibly valuable as a coach. The emotion is just being so proud of these kids, because I’ve watched most of these kids grow into who they showed up to be today.”

Randolph's Kendall Steward delivers a pitch during Wednesday's semifinal against Falconer. P-J photo by Christian Storms

Falconer shortstop Tess Spangenburg makes a throw to first base during Wednesday's semifinal. P-J photo by Christian Storms

Randolph's Kyra Pence swings at a pitch during Wednesday's semifinal. P-J photo by Christian Storms

Falconer's Kayla Lynn catches a pop fly during Wednesday's semifinal. P-J photo by Christian Storms