Freeport's Rachel Grubbs connects for single Tuesday in the Yellowjackets' 7-1 loss to Burrell in the WPIAL playoffs.

MONROEVILLE — Freeport pitcher Madison Rotto and Burrell's Casey Moses put the chill on hitters through the first three innings Tuesday.

Then, the heat became a factor.

Rotto surrendered five runs and six hits over the next two innings as the Bucs went on to post a 7-1 victory over the Yellowjackets in a WPIAL Class AA quarterfinal softball game at Gateway High.

"(Rotto) was getting tired," said Freeport coach Tom Rotto, who also is Madison's father. "She's been battling bronchitis the past couple of weeks."

Burrell (16-2) had defeated Freeport 4-3 April 28, then 9-3 May 6, but the teams were evenly matched Tuesday.

Rotto and Moses each allowed no hits and only one baserunner through three innings, but Burrell broke through in the fourth inning with a pair of runs.

Burrell's Nina Spagnolo led off with a walk. One out later, Jordan Moses lined a single toward a diving Carlie Bieranowski. The ball bounced past her and Spagnolo scored.

With two outs, Tess Napierkowski lined a run-scoring single to make it 2-0.

"I was started to get worried. It was turning into a pitchers duel," said Burrell coach Tom Spagnolo. "We needed to get that first run before they did. If they get it, it lifts them up mentally."

The Bucs then tacked on three insurance runs in the fifth inning to help their cause.

Freeport (11-8) had a chance to cut into the lead in the fifth inning when Ashley Sample reached on an error, then, one out later, Carlie Bieranowski lined a double down the third-base line.

A fielder's choice off the bat of Meggan McGuire plated Miranda Lingelbach, but Anna Christy struck out to end the inning.

With Freeport freshman pitcher Alyssa Meta in the game to open the sixth inning, Burrell received hits from four of its first five batters, including an RBI single by Jordan Moses. Courtney Reed added an sacrifice fly RBI to make it 7-1.

"Burrell's a very good team," said coach Rotto. "They hit through all nine players."

Freeport loaded the bases with one out in the home half of the sixth inning with singles by Rotto and Rachel Grubbs and a walk to Ashley Massart, but Sample flied out and Lingelbach popped out to close out the inning.

Moses pitched a complete game, allowing three hits with seven strikeouts and one walk.

"I've told our girls so many times to stay off the high (pitches)," said Rotto. "(Moses) was hitting inside, then outside, and we couldn't put the bat on the ball."

Burrell 000 232 0 — 7 12 3Freeport 000 010 0 — 1 3 1W: Casey Moses 7 IP (7K, 1BB).

L: Madison Rotto 5 IP (5K, 5BB).

Burrell (16-2): Claire Fisher 1B; Nina Spagnolo 3-1B, RBI; Kaitlyn Sweeney 1B, 3B, RBI; Jordan Moses 2-1B, RBI; Courtney Reed RBI; Casey Moses RBI; Tess Napierkowski 2-1B, RBI; Justine Damico 2-1B

Freeport (11-8): Madison Rotto 1B; Rachel Grubbs 1B; Carlie Bieranowski 2B; Meggan McGuire RBI