JEFFERSON TWP — Don't stop believing. Taylor Rotz certainly didn't.

Mars' junior softball pitcher wiggled her way out of a big-time jam in the bottom of the seventh, preserving a 2-1 win over rival Knoch Tuesday afternoon at Laura Doerr Park.

With one out and runners on second and third, Jhoey DeWalt hit a groundball back to Rotz, who fielded it and threw home to nab courtesy runner Calla Hinderliter, who was sprinting toward the plate.

Catcher Alyse Ciafre applied the tag and Hinderliter was called out.

Bethany Hay then drew a walk to load the bases before Rotz induced Abbi Smithmyer to fly out to center fielder Kasey Jones, ending the game.

“I was definitely a little nervous,” admitted Rotz, whose complete-game win featured six strikeouts and three walks. “But that's not the first time I felt that way. I just kept telling myself that we'd pull it out.”

Rotz played third base last season for the Planets, but she has gained valuable experience in the circle for the Pittsburgh Power Gold over the last several years.

“We expected her (Rotz) to have a strong season,” said Mars coach Michele Goodworth. “She plays year-round.”

Knoch's defeat was its first of the season. The Knights (7-1, 4-1) were averaging 10 runs per game entering their clash with Mars. The two teams are now tied for the Section 5-AAA lead.

“We knew Taylor was a good pitcher and figured it would be a low-scoring game,” said Knoch coach Tim Knappenberger. “Britni (Brandstetter) pitched a strong game for us, well enough to win on most days. This was a great game.”

Brandstetter held a 1-0 lead into the top of the fourth inning.

That frame began with Erin Hershman drawing a walk before Rotz singled to left, the Planets' first hit of the game.

A double steal was followed by Suzanne Papik's single that scored Hershman. Rotz was thrown out at the plate on the same play, but the Planets had tied the game at 1-1.

Mars (6-4, 4-1) took the lead for good in the next inning when Haley Jones singled and courtesy runner Randi Francis was sacrificed to second.

She stole third base and the throw bounced off the glove of third baseman Codi Reed and rolled into foul territory, allowing Francis to score easily.

“Sometimes it takes a lineup a few innings to get going,” said Goodworth. “That was the case for us today.”

Meanwhile, Rotz found her groove in the circle. Between the second and sixth inning, she allowed just three baserunners, including just one hit — Sarah Steedle's infield single in the fifth.

“My curveball and changeup were really working for me today,” she said.

Knoch's run came in the bottom of the first. Smithmyer reached on a bunt single, stole second and came home on a fielding error.

Brandstetter struck out 10 and walked just one, numbers not usually associated with a losing pitcher.

The win meant a lot to a Mars program that has not qualified for the WPIAL playoffs in four seasons.

“This was huge,” said Goodworth. “Before we got off the bus today, we talked about confidence. It's all about making plays.”

Despite the loss, Knappenberger saw the same effort from his team that allowed it to open the season 7-0.

“The girls have given 110 percent this year,” he said.

Mars 000 110 0 — 2 5 2Knoch 100 000 0 — 1 3 2W: Taylor Rotz 7 IP (6K, 3BB).

L: Britni Brandstetter 7 IP (10K, 1BB).

Mars (6-4, 4-1): Erin Hershman R, Taylor Rotz 1B, Suzanne Papik 1B RBI, Clare Galabinski 1B, Haley Jones 1B, Kady Huber 1B, Randi Francis R

Knoch (7-1, 4-1): Abbi Smithmyer 1B R, Mikayla Moretti 1B, Sarah Steedle 1B

Today: Saint Joseph at Knoch

Thursday: Mars at Hopewell