Wood Forces Inside-the-Park Home Run as Valley Forge Explodes for 12 Hits in Mercy-Rule Victory

PHOENIXVILLE, PA – April 2, 2026 – The University of Valley Forge softball team continued their hot streak with a dominant 16-4 victory over York (N.Y.) in four innings, marking their third consecutive win.

The Patriots unleashed a relentless offensive attack, scoring in every inning and collecting 12 hits while drawing 9 walks. Valley Forge plated six runs in the first inning, added seven more in the second, and scored three in the third to invoke the mercy rule.

Arianna Harris earned the win in relief, and Harley Wakeman provided stellar middle relief work with 3.1 innings of three-run ball while striking out 4 batters.

Joanie Wood was the offensive star, performing an inside-the-park home run in the second inning as part of a 3-for-3 performance that included a double and 3 RBIs. Wood reached base safely in all three plate appearances, providing clutch hits throughout the contest.

Lyla Smith went 2-for-2 with a double and 3 RBIs, while Hannah Rodriguez added 2 RBIs on a double. Harley Wakeman contributed two doubles and 2 RBIs, and Clarissa Lockman collected two hits including a double and an RBI.

Arianna Harris went 2-for-2 with 2 RBIs, Melina Ragotzy reached base in all three plate appearances (three walks, HBP), and Marissa Urner added patience at the plate with two walks while scoring a run.

The Patriots' offense was relentless from the opening pitch. In the first inning, Valley Forge loaded the bases on three walks before Wakeman delivered a two-run double. Harris followed with an RBI single, Lockman added another RBI single, and the Patriots sent 10 batters to the plate while scoring six runs.

The Patriots added three more runs in the third inning to extend the lead to 16-3, with Smith delivering an RBI single and Wood adding another run-scoring hit.

York (N.Y.) scored single runs in each of the first three innings and added one in the fourth, but couldn't keep pace with Valley Forge's offensive onslaught.

The victory showcased Valley Forge's complete offensive dominance, with the Patriots demonstrating excellent plate discipline (9 walks, 0 strikeouts) and aggressive baserunning (four stolen bases). The Patriots left just two runners on base while capitalizing on every scoring opportunity.

Game Notes:

• Valley Forge wins third consecutive game
• Patriots invoke mercy rule with 16-4 victory in four innings
• Joanie Wood hits inside-the-park home run, goes 3-for-3 with 3 RBIs
• Patriots draw 9 walks, do not strike out
• Lyla Smith goes 2-for-2 with 3 RBIs
• Valley Forge scores in all four innings (6-7-3-0)

Box Score Summary:

• Valley Forge: 16 runs, 12 hits, 1 error
• York (N.Y.): 4 runs, 3 hits, 2 errors