WEXFORD - Whether it was its inability to produce runs or to stop Ambridge from doing so, the Mars softball team simply never got on track.

The Planets surrendered three unearned runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and three more in the fifth in a 10-0, six inning loss to the Bridgers in a WPIAL Class AAA quarterfinal playoff game Wednesday at North Allegheny High School.

The Bridgers entered the contest having surrendered just one run in their previous six games.

"We knew we had to keep it a low-scoring game and we had a few opportunities, but we just couldn't get on the board," said Planets coach Michele Goodworth.

Mars managed only seven base runners the game. Four came on walks from Ambridge starter Amy Joy, one reached on an error, one on a fielder's choice and the other reached base on an infield single.

Joy struck out six in her one-hit shutout victory.

With Ambridge leading 5-0 in the top of the fifth, Mars catcher Brie Berkopec came to the plate after Joy had walked three Planets to load the bases with two outs.

Berkopec had homered in the Planets' first-round win over Keystone Oaks, but this time she lifted a high fly ball to center fielder Katrina Gross to end the threat.

"The bases loaded and Brie at the plate, we couldn't have asked for a better scenario than that," said Goodworth.

"I think she's probably walked about five all season," said Ambridge coach Jim Huwar of his junior pitcher. "I just think she got a bit flustered out there, but she battled through it."

The Bridgers went on to score five runs over the last two innings. The final two came on RBI singles in the bottom of the sixth off the bats of Kara Hochevar and Joy, ending the game via the mercy rule.

Mars' Monica Glomb pitched the entire game, fanning five and walking two.

The Planets' lone base hit came from shortstop Hannah Taggart, who hit a dribbler up the first base line with two outs in the top of the third.

Joy got to the ball and fired to first baseman Amy Gottuso, but not before Taggart reached the base.

That put runners on first and second for the Planets, but, like the few scoring chances they managed, it led to no runs.

The Bridgers (18-2) have outscored their two playoff opponents by a combined score of 19-0. They defeated Thomas Jefferson 9-0 in the first round.

The Planets end the season with an overall record of 13-7.

Mars 000 000 x - 0 1 3

Ambridge 001 432 x -10 10 2

WP:

Amy Joy (6 IP) 6 strikeouts, 4 walks.

LP:

Monica Glomb (5

IP) 5 strikeouts, 2 walks

Mars (13-7):

Hannah Taggart 1B

Ambridge (18-2):

Kara Hochevar 2-1B RBI 2R, Amy Joy 2-1B RBI, Amy Gottuso 1B 2B RBI R, Rachelle Carello 1B 2B R, Kelly Fernandez 2R