By Carl Holcomb, Moorefield Examiner
East Hardy senior pitcher Madison Strosnider pitched the first perfect game in school history on military appreciation night.
The West Virginia Army National Guard provided the Cougars with camouflage uniforms to play in the military appreciation night and the Cougars recognized active duty members and veterans with those in attendance came down to the field to shake hands with the players and stand together for the national anthem as part of the recognition ceremony.
Strosnider was laser focused pitching 13 strikeouts with no walks for a perfect game and the offense provided the scoring support for a 10-0 shutout against Berkeley Springs.
East Hardy senior catcher Gracie Heishman’s advice to Strosnider was to just take it easy on the pitch speed, because she still needed her hand to catch and not be throbbing.
“I have always been huge supporter of our troops, because of everything they do for us and being so brave. I am super glad for what they do, they are very brave and strong. I absolutely love these camo jerseys. Ever since I was young, I have always been in camo. When I saw these camo jersey, I thought it was awesome,” East Hardy senior Madison Strosnider remarked.
“It is a special honor to pitch this perfect game and it feels good. I have been working hard ever since I was little. When I stepped on the field my freshman year, I wanted to do my best to represent our seniors and show them they had another person here for them. My catcher Gracie, just tells me to take it easy, because I throw super hard and hurt her hand, but I throw super hard when I have to. I enjoy sponge time with my teammates and really love how we come together before the game in the out field corner to pray and give God the praise for the special day he has given us. When I look at my glove to the Bible verse Philippians 4:13 for inspiration whenever I need to be uplifted. I want to thank my father for helping me by calling the pitches. I always look to him for what is needed”.
“We were so honored that the West Virginia Army National Guard gave us this opportunity to wear these special jerseys on military appreciation night. We have so much respect for our military and happy to honor them here. I am so proud of Madison for having the first perfect game in school history. She deserves this honor with all her hard work,” East Hardy coach Noah Orndorff stated.
