Offense has been the main ingredient to Palmerton’s recipe for success this season.

The Blue Bombers are off to a terrific 10-1 start, and have scored double-digit runs in seven of their 11 games.

On Tuesday afternoon against Colonial League rival Northern Lehigh, the Palmerton bats once again delivered in a big way, helping the Bombers defeat the Bulldogs 10-0 in five innings.

Palmerton’s first two hitters in the lineup - Emily Baumgardt and Megan Serfass - have been the metaphorical meat and potatoes for the Bombers – consistent and steady. Both are hitting over .500, and both got their team off to a good start against Northern Lehigh.

A triple by Baumgardt to start the game was followed by a single from Serfass. Their two hits in the inning, paired with a defensive error, helped the Bombers get out to an early 2-0 advantage.

“The top of our lineup has been able to come out hot in a lot of our games, and that has really helped us get out to fast starts,” said Baumgardt. “I always like to pay close attention to the opposing pitcher’s warm-up throws, so when I get up there, I have a good idea of what she has and what’s coming my way.”

Serfass hinted at Palmerton’s depth in the lineup as a huge reason for its impressive start.

“The top of our lineup has been strong, but our whole lineup is strong up and down, and it’s also great to see people come off the bench and contribute,” said Serfass. “Today, like we’ve been able to do a lot this season, we jumped on them early, and then we were able to hold them out on the field.”

After going scoreless in the second, the Bombers pulled away in the third and fourth.

A three-run inning in the third, and a four-run inning in the fourth put Palmerton up 9-0. Serfass collected two hits and Baumgardt, Megan Green, Carly Gaffney, Megan Matsko, Kelsey Balliet and Kaylee Strohl each came up with a hit during that span.

“Our winning formula this season has been the good starts offensively, and hopefully we can keep that going as the season moves forward,” said Palmerton head coach Robert Hock. “Our bats are lively at the moment, and you try to enjoy that as long as it lasts.

“We’ve got some really good hitters, and our four seniors have been really good for us. We also have some exciting youngsters too. It’s a good bunch that is just feeding well off each other.”

Palmerton added a run in the fifth to close out the game.

SCORELESS … The Palmerton bats were indeed impressive, but freshman pitcher Carly Gaffney was just as exceptional. Gaffney tossed five strong innings, striking out five and allowing no runs on just three hits.

LEADERS … Serfass led the way for the Bombers with four hits and three RBIs. Baumgardt and Strohl also had multiple hits. For the Bulldogs, Emma Smith, Jordan Hemingway and Kaitlyn Stock each collected a hit.

STILL PERFECT ... Palmerton is still undefeated in league play at 8-0. The Bombers have won seven in a row. Their only loss was a 3-2 decision against Tamaqua. Tuesday’s loss dropped the Bulldogs to 3-6.

Palmerton 203 41 - 10 12 3

No. Lehigh 000 00 - 0 3 1

Gaffney and Green; Heiney, Smith (4) and Peters. W - Gaffney L - Heiney.