The Panther Valley softball team knew what was in store with visiting Pottsville on Tuesday.

The Crimson Tide proved to be tough visitors, pulling away for a 14-0 Schuylkill League victory in five innings.

It was a similar outcome to the first meeting between the teams a month ago, as Pottsville once again controlled the game from the start.

Despite chilly, damp conditions, Pottsville’s offense stayed productive, while Payton Eckert delivered in the circle with a four-hit shutout, striking out eight and walking none.

Panther Valley managed just four hits, with Ava Alabovitz accounting for two singles. Brooklynn Mika and Danika Blazosky each added a hit.

“She has very good command of her pitches,” Pottsville manager Jeff Bowers said. “The (changeup) was her best pitch … she’s just one strikeout away from her 200th.”

Pottsville took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Megan Yost was hit by a pitch, and Cadence Borger followed with a triple to center to bring her home. Reece Ketner added an RBI on a groundout to score Borger.

The Crimson Tide extended their lead to 3-0 in the second, capitalizing on a Panther Valley error.

“It’s tough to hang with a quality team like Pottsville when you make errors, both mental and physical,” Panther Valley manager Tara Yuricheck said.

Pottsville broke the game open in the third inning, scoring five runs on a string of singles, along with an error and a sacrifice fly, to build an 8-0 lead.

The Crimson Tide added four more runs in the fourth inning, using a combination of timely hitting and Panther Valley miscues to extend the advantage to 12-0.

Pottsville tacked on two runs in the fifth on a hit-by-pitch, and a sacrifice fly to close out the scoring.

“It’s really tough playing from behind, especially against a good team like Pottsville,” Yuricheck said. “It’s easier to play with a lead.”

“We don’t try running up the score on anybody,” Bowers said. “But we’re an aggressive team and want to keep our heads in the game.”

WET CONDITIONS… Damp, chilly weather created slick conditions, with several wet softballs throughout the game.

WALK-UP TUNES… Panther Valley brought plenty of energy with its walk-up music.

GREAT EFFORT… Panther Valley catcher Jovie Breiner showed her toughness, chasing a popup near the visitors’ dugout and sliding into the protective screen in an attempt to make the play.

Pottsville 215 42 — 14 12 0

Panther Valley 000 00 — 0 4 5

Eckert and Wessner; Alabovitz, Goida (5) and Breiner. W — Eckert. L — Alabovitz.

Records: Pottsville (10-7; 5-6). Panther Valley (8-9; 2-9)