Jarrad Saffren recaps Thursday’s full slate of SOL baseball games that included several upsets and more than a few close contests. Truman/Neshaminy photo provided courtesy of Jesse Garber (http://jsgarber.zenfolio.com/p423031562)
By Jarrad Saffren
All 22 Suburban One League baseball teams were in action on Thursday. Ten of the 11 games were league games and one, Central Bucks East-Abington, was a crossover game that counted toward the District One Class 6A Power Rankings.
All 11 results and recaps are below.
SOL American
Springfield Township 1, Quakertown 0
Quakertown has two SOL American losses, both to Springfield Township. There is no shame in that. The Spartans are a good baseball team, and at 8-4 in games that count toward the District One 4A power rankings, they are in position to make the district playoffs. They are second in the rankings.
“Today was a big win, really big. It’s big because the kids are coming together and we’re playing well,” said Springfield coach Dennis Primavera. “We also beat our division champ. We had the occasion to play a good game and beat them before, and we did it again.”
Springfield got great pitching performances from three guys: Ethan Hamilton, Tim Dahme, and Macleod Farley. Hamilton, the starter, tossed four shutout innings and struck out six. Dahme (1.1) and Farley (1.2) combined for three scoreless frames, holding Springfield’s 1-0 lead.
“I started a sophomore (Hamilton) because we had a game Tuesday and we have another tomorrow. I was hoping to get 2-3 innings out of him, and I got four. He did the job today. He did what he had to do,” Primavera said. “He threw ground balls, struck out people at the right time, and got out of trouble.
“Tim was throwing ground balls. Macleod changes speeds and keeps the batters off balance. We also played good defense and that’s what we needed today.”
Farley also scored Springfield’s only run, in the bottom of the third. He singled to left to lead off the inning, then scored on Brian Murphy’s double down the left field line.
“Farley has been hitting in the eight position but he’s been hitting well in the eight position,” Primavera said. “Brian was struggling for us but has really been turning it on lately.”
“It was a crazy win,” Primavera added. “I never expected to beat Quakertown twice.”
Quakertown reliever Dennis Pierce pitched three shutout innings and fanned six.
Springfield (8-7, 8-4 SOL) hosts Upper Dublin on Friday at 3:45. Quakertown (13-4, 11-2 SOL) plays Plymouth Whitemarsh on Tuesday at 3:30.
Quakertown 0-0-0-0-0-0-0 0
Springfield Township 0-0-1-0-0-0-X 1
Plymouth Whitemarsh 7, Cheltenham 0
PW’s Ben Mascio came one pitch short of throwing a complete game shutout, forcing the second out of the seventh inning on his 100th pitch. He had to come out because of the 100-pitch limit, but he still earned the win, striking out nine.
“He pounded the strike zone and threw well. When our pitching leads the way, our offense gets comfortable,” said PW coach Chris Manero. “He’s definitely a strikeout guy. It’s why his pitch count gets up sometimes. But he mixes things up really well. He’s got a good ability to throw different pitches as the game goes on and keep guys off balance.”
Steve Blum got the final out for PW, on a strikeout. The Colonials supported their pitchers with six runs in the first four innings, then another in the sixth. Stephen Longo smashed three hits and three RBIs out of the leadoff spot.
“He led off with a single and did a nice job getting on throughout the game. He went from middle to leadoff and we’ve won three in a row since he started batting leadoff,” Manero said. “He’s been our leading hitter most of the year. He had a big two-out, two-run hit, and on a day when we didn’t get other big hits, that was big.”
Matt Mitchell and Ryan Kane both scored two runs. Kevin Reilly had three hits and an RBI. Brad Krenicky had a run, a hit, and an RBI.
PW is 17th in the 6A power rankings and 20 teams make the playoff field. The Colonials (11-6, 8-5 SOL) play Pennsbury on Saturday at 11.
Cheltenham (6-12, 3-10 SOL) plays Hatboro-Horsham on Tuesday at 3:30.
Cheltenham 0-0-0-0-0-0-0 0
Plymouth Whitemarsh 0-2-3-1-0-1-X 7
Wissahickon 2, Upper Moreland 1
Wissahickon starter Mike Gorman went the distance, striking out seven and walking none, leading the Trojans to a big win. They are now sixth in the 5A power rankings, and 16 teams make the playoffs.
“He just pounded the zone and challenged guys,” said Wissahickon coach Andy Noga. “He had trouble finding his breaking ball but once he did, he was back to the Mike Gorman we’ve known all year.”
Upper Moreland led 1-0 going into the top of the sixth, but with two outs and a man on first, Andrew Booth doubled to left, scoring Steven Loden to tie the game. Then Brian Mendhart singled to short, plating Booth. Wissahickon led the rest of the way.
Wissahickon’s Michael Steitz pounded two hits. Bobby McFarland “played great in right,” Noga said, even throwing out a runner at second in the home seventh.
Jack Dombrowski had a big day for Upper Moreland, going 3-for-3 with an RBI. Connor O’Donnell scored UM’s only run.
“Jack also tracked down a lot of deep balls in the gap,” said Upper Moreland coach Dan Heiland. “He was our big guy at the plate and in the field, and just overall had a really good game.”
Wissahickon (12-4, 10-3 SOL) plays Phoenixville on Friday at four. Upper Moreland (5-10, 3-9 SOL) plays Lower Merion on Friday at 3:30.
Wissahickon 0-0-0-0-0-2-0 2
Upper Moreland 0-0-0-0-1-0-0 1
Hatboro-Horsham 3, Upper Dublin 1
Hatboro-Horsham starter Benny Wilson pitched a complete game, striking out six and allowing just one run, in the top of the seventh. The Hatters backed up Wilson with a run in the first, a run in the third, and a run in the sixth.
Kevin Waeltz had two hits and an RBI for the Hatters. Anthony Bruno had a hit and a run scored. Jake Bianchini and Ryley Robinson scored H-H’s other runs.
Ben Kintzley drove in Upper Dublin’s run. Garrett Breslin scored the run. Elijah Peck had two hits.
Hatboro-Horsham (5-12, 5-8 SOL) hosts Radnor Friday at 3:45. Upper Dublin (3-11, 2-9 SOL) plays Springfield on the same day and time.
Upper Dublin 0-0-0-0-0-0-1 1
Hatboro-Horsham 1-0-1-0-0-1-X 3
SOL National
Council Rock South 5, Bensalem 3
Council Rock South won its second straight game, improving to 5-7 in power point games, moving up to 20th in the power rankings, the last playoff spot.
“Our backs are against the wall,” said South coach Ted Kirner. “We backed ourselves into a corner, typical South fashion making it harder than it has to be.”
The Golden Hawks did the same thing on Thursday. They faced Bensalem ace Stephen Aldrich, and trailed 3-0 after five innings.
“We went into a hostile environment and faced one of the best pitchers in the league,” Kirner said. “He threw great.”
Until the top of the sixth, when South exploded for five runs. With the bases loaded and one out, Evan Fisher singled to left, trimming Bensalem’s lead to 3-1. Then Nick Gallo walked, making it 3-2. Kevin Jurewicz followed with a two-run single to right. South never trailed again.
“I don’t know if anything clicked other than a spark. We got a leadoff double from our nine-hole hitter, a senior (Bryan Reiser). Any time you see a guy and it’s your third time through, you should go up there with a little more intelligence,” Kirner said. “I was surprised we put up a five-spot, but when you get baserunners, good things happen.”
CR South’s Jack O’Neill and Emilio Pallante also scored runs. Jake Barder tossed three shutout innings to keep South within striking distance.
“Barder threw two perfect innings against Pennsbury the other day. You talk about a kid who’s having fun playing the game, it’s Jake Barder right now. His calm demeanor is shining through and we feed off Jake,” Kirner said. “He’s a first-year varsity player and he’s been working his tail off waiting for his opportunity, and he’s making the most of it. He loves the pressure, he loves the spotlight, and he wants the ball, and as a coach that’s what you want.”
Aldrich did not allow an earned run in 5.2 innings. He also fanned eight. Keith Parrish had two hits, a run, and an RBI for Bensalem.
CR South (7-9, 5-6 SOL) plays North Penn on Monday at 3:45. Bensalem (12-3, 9-2 SOL) plays Abington on Tuesday at three.
Council Rock South 0-0-0-0-0-5-0 5
Bensalem 1-0-0-2-0-0-0 3
Harry S. Truman 2, Neshaminy 1
In the bottom of the fifth, TJ Brasier blasted a home run over the left field fence, putting Truman up 2-1. Michael Finsel held the lead, tossing three shutout innings and striking out four. He allowed one hit and walked none.
“TJ got a pitch he could put a good swing on. To his credit,` he stayed with the at-bat and came up clutch,” said Truman coach Tim Monaghan. “We count on him to drive in runs and when he does, we’re usually on the right side of things.”
“Mike gave us some great innings. He’s been lights out for us. He lives in the strike zone and challenges hitters with his fastball,” Monaghan added. “He didn’t have his curve in the first, so he had to work to find it. They were ready to attack his fastball when he came back out, and he went to the curve and kept them off balance.”
Dylan Jackson scored Truman’s other run. Wayne Pekarski drove him in.
Truman is 18th in the 6A power rankings after this win. The Tigers (7-11, 6-5 SOL) play Pennsbury on Tuesday at 3:45.
Neshaminy (8-10, 5-6 SOL) plays CR South on Tuesday at 3:30.`
Neshaminy 0-1-0-0-0-0-0 1
Harry S. Truman 1-0-0-0-1-0-X 2
Pennsbury 3, Council Rock North 0
Pennsbury’s Christian Buchler pitched a complete game shutout, fanning eight, allowing just three baserunners. The Falcons scored a run in the third, a run in the fifth, and a run in the sixth to support Buchler.
“Christian has been really good all year. His ERA is 1.40. Today he went six innings of no-hit baseball. He had a perfect game with two outs in the sixth and we made a throwing error. He was great today. Normally he gets outs. But he can be deep into his counts. Today he got ahead, stayed ahead. Sometimes he tries to be perfect instead of just letting the hitters make the outs. Today he did a great job letting the defense work,” said Pennsbury coach Joe Pesci. “He was throwing his curveball pretty much in any count and he really had them off balance. He throws four pitches, fastball, curve, change, split. He was also able to mix in the two-seam fastball.”
Zach DeMarchis scored two of Pennsbury’s three runs. Justin Massielo scored the other run. Massielo (two) and Kyle Dear (two) combined for four of Pennsbury’s eight hits.
“It was nice because we played South on Tuesday and had two hits in 14 innings. Today we had eight hits,” Pesci said. “I was really pleased with how we refocused and the way we came out and swung the bat.”
Pennsbury is 19th in the 6A power rankings. The Falcons (9-9, 5-6 SOL) play PW on Saturday at 11 a.m.
CR North is 12th in the power rankings. North (11-5, 8-4 SOL) hosts CB West on Tuesday at 3:30.
Council Rock North 0-0-0-0-0-0-0 0
Pennsbury 0-0-1-0-1-1-X 3
SOL Continental
North Penn 6, Central Bucks South 2
North Penn exploded for six runs in the top of the fifth, turning a 1-0 deficit into a 6-1 lead. That turned out to be all the runs the Knights needed. Starter Danny Kirwin and relievers Nate Brown, Billy Collins, and Jason Beideman combined to shut down CB South the rest of the way.
“CB South was keeping us off balance at the plate early. Danny Kirwin threw real well and kept us in the game. In the fifth we put a nice inning together. We put a crooked number on the board and that was enough,” said North Penn coach Kevin Manero. “We got an early baserunner and put together better at-bats. We were getting ourselves out early. Joe Picozzi connected on a nice two-run homer. It took a couple times through to get us to make a few adjustments and get going.”
Tyler Siddal, who had a pair of hits out of the leadoff spot, scored a run and drove in another during the rally. Jake Drelick had an RBI. Zack Miles, Ryan Bealer, and Hunter Hamlin all scored a run. Rob Weiss had a run and an RBI.
Kirwin earned the win on the bump, allowing two runs in 5.1 innings.
“Kirwin made big pitches in key spots, gutted it out and took us into the sixth, which is all we can really ask for,” Manero said.
Joey Loynd sparked the CB South offense, scoring a run and driving in two. Connor McKeown had two hits. Gavin Anderson pitched a scoreless inning.
North Penn is still first in the 6A power rankings. The Knights (15-2, 11-0 SOL) host CR South on Monday at 3:45.
CB South is 11th in the 6A rankings. The Titans (10-7, 7-4 SOL) play Bensalem on Friday at 3:30.
North Penn 0-0-0-0-6-0-0 6
Central Bucks South 0-0-1-0-0-1-0 2
Souderton 4, Central Bucks West 3
Souderton trailed 3-1 going into the bottom of the fifth. Then it rallied to take a 4-3 lead. With the bases loaded, David Gulibon ripped a single to center, plating two and tying the ballgame. One batter later, Tim Robinson scored on a bunt toward the mound.
“We drew some walks, had some hits. We got some timely hits, which we’ve been struggling with in prior games,” said Souderton coach Michael Childs. “Gulibon is also doing a great job spraying the ball with power.”
Conlan Wall had two hits and a run for Souderton. Luke Shank scored a run. Luke Barnum scored a run, got a hit, and drove in a run.
“Barnum has been our rock all year. He’s spraying the ball all over the field,” Childs said. “Luke Shank at second has been doing it with the bat this year. He stepped up.”
Souderton starter Aaron Groller gave up two earned runs in seven innings, fanning seven.
“That’s our first pitcher to throw a complete game. He started off with two walks, allowed two runs, and then settled in. He was throwing hard,” Childs said. “The kid’s a DI kid going to Seton Hall. He turned into that Division I pitcher, throwing hard, the off-speed pitch was breaking hard and guys were chasing.”
Tyler Dalzell drove in two of CB West’s three runs. Jake Boehm, Matt McCarthy, and Trevor D’Arcy scored the runs. Luke Nitschke pitched 1.2 scoreless innings.
Souderton (11-6, 7-4 SOL), now 14th in the 6A rankings, plays Lansdale Catholic on Friday at 3:45. CB West (3-14, 3-9 SOL) plays CR North on Tuesday at 3:30.
Central Bucks West 3-0-0-0-0-0-0 3
Souderton 1-0-0-0-3-0-X 4
Pennridge 10, William Tennent 9
Pennridge trailed 7-2 in the third inning, but the Rams scored eight runs over the next three innings, outscoring Tennent 8-2 and earning an exciting senior day victory.
“Overall it was our best game. We showed some energy today,” said Rams coach Tom Nuneviller. “It was our senior day, we had a lot of cheering people in the stands, and it was a good weather day.”
Evan Freed had a big day for Pennridge, going 2-for-4 with four RBIs. Jason Petrik went 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Ryan Lerro was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Pennridge reliever Alex Podraza pitched three shutout innings to close the game and earn the win. He allowed just one hit in 12 batters.
“Alex pitched extremely well. He pitched the last three and struck out (Greg) Delgado to start the sixth, which was a huge play,” Nuneviller said. “To get him out was a boost for us and took momentum away from them.”
Delgado went 3-for-4 with an RBI for Tennent. Kip Mooney and Pat McCauley each had two RBIs.
“Delgado is a real good player,” Nuneviller said.
Pennridge (5-9, 3-8 SOL) plays Upper Perkiomen Friday at four. Tennent (8-9, 4-7 SOL) plays Souderton on Tuesday at 3:30.
William Tennent 3-0-4-2-0-0-0 9
Pennridge 0-2-3-1-4-0-X 10
Crossover
Central Bucks East 13, Abington 3
CB East scored in five of seven innings, including seven in the sixth, to cruise to a road win over Abington. James Pello drove in four East runs and scored another run. Sean E’Nama scored four runs. Grant Meiers had two runs, two hits, and two RBIs. Will Masterson scored two runs and knocked in one. Tommy Webb had a run, two hits, and two RBIs.
“James (Pello) has been patient at the plate and is just not swinging at bad pitches. He’s also swinging if he gets his pitch early. He’s doing a good job picking his spots and not swinging at bad pitches,” said CB East coach Kyle Dennis. “E’Nama has been in our two-hole all year. He’s a consistent hitter and can spray the ball all over. He won’t go gap to gap but he’ll spray the ball and get on. He’s tough to get out, even with two strikes. He’s got a good approach.”
East starter Jack Roland allowed just two earned runs in seven innings, striking out six. “He hit his spots and we made plays behind him. He’s not going to overpower anybody,” Dennis said. “He’ll let guys put balls in play and we just have to make plays behind him.”
Even though East scored 13 runs, Roland’s performance was the decisive element. “We’ve been hitting pretty well all year, scoring 6-7-8 runs a game. Pitching has let us down every now and then, and we’d lose when we’d score a lot,” Dennis said. “We’re going to put up enough runs to win, so if we pitch well enough and play good enough defense, we’ll win.”
Stephen Vogl and Christian Lavallie drove in runs for Abington. JP Nolan, Angelo Pearson, and Jake Silverman all scored runs.
CB East (10-9, 6-7 SOL) plays CB South on Monday night at 6:15. Abington (4-15, 1-12 SOL) hosts Bensalem on Tuesday at 3:45.
Central Bucks East 1-0-2-0-1-7-2 13
Abington 0-1-0-0-1-1-0 3
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