Check out the recaps for SOL baseball teams in action Tuesday. Hatboro-Horsham/PW photos provided courtesy of Michael Rice Photography. Check back for a gallery of photos. (North Penn/CB East photos courtesy of Cindy Manero/NP Baseball). CLICK HERE to go directly to the Suburban One Sports’ BASEBALL GALLERIES.
SOL Colonial Division
Central Bucks South 5, Central Bucks West 2
Connor Thompson had the big hit on Tuesday for CB South, as his RBI double in a three-run seventh scored Jake Ruddell, breaking open a 2-2 game and lifting the Titans to the 5-2 road win in the first of three games this week between the two rivals.
“Both pitching staffs held for the most part, but ultimately, we got into their bullpen,” said Titans coach Kevin Bray. “Games in these three-game series are a lot about pitching and your depth. Our guys had really good at-bats in the seventh.”
By the Numbers: CB South: Peter Morsa (2-for-3), Connor Thompson (1-for-3, double, 1 RBI), Jake Blum (1-for-3, 2 RBIs), Jake Yang (1 RBI), Brett Barrett (1 RBI), Luke Hillegass (W) (7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K)
CB West: Michael Graban (2-for-2, double), Jacob Greer (double), Ernie Sanchez (5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K).
Key inning: Top of the 7th: Jake Ruddell singles with two outs, and after a second West error of the inning, Connor Thompson hit a RBI double to center field. Jake Yang and Brett Barrett drew bases loaded walks for the final two runs.
CB South coach Kevin Bray: “(West) came out, scored a run in the first, and we were on our heels a little bit. But we came back in the second inning, got a couple guys on, Jake Ruddell sacrificed them over, and Jake Blum got a two-run single to get us back in the game.
“It was a good game all-in-all. It was back-and-forth. Our defense helped out with a couple plays. We had a quick sixth inning, and Luke was able to keep his pitch count down, get into the seventh and finish off the game.”
–On the mound: “Luke Hillegass threw a complete game. He probably didn’t have his best stuff, he wasn’t his sharpest, but he went seven innings, allowed two runs and struck out eight without his A-plus stuff. I’ll take that any day.”
–Thanks to field crew: “I want to thank the facilities staff at West for getting the field playable after the amount of rain we got last night. Shoutout to both ADs getting logistics squared away.”
Next up: CB South (3-1, 1-0 SOL) hosts CB West (5-1, 0-1 SOL) in the second game of the three-game set on Wednesday.
CB South 020 000 3 – 5 7 1
CB West 110 000 0 – 2 7 3
North Penn 5, Central Bucks East 0
After five non-league wins, North Penn turned to its ace for its Colonial Division opener on Tuesday, and junior Trevor Lugara stepped up with a shutout effort, blanking visiting CB East over 6 2/3 innings to lead the
Knights to a 5-0 victory.
“Trevor Lugara was awesome,” said Knights coach Kevin Manero. “He was as good as he’s ever been, using multiple pitches, keeping guys off balance and his change-up was really good today. That really was the difference maker.”
Grayson Fontaine recorded the final out in the seventh after Lugara reached 102 pitches.
By the Numbers: North Penn: Trevor Lugara (W) (6 2/3 IP, 5 H, O ER, 0 BB, 7 K); Kevin Brace (2-for-4), Mason Coyne (2-for-3, 1 RBI)
CB East: Chase Fulford (2-for-3), Colin Lynch (2-for-3)
Key Inning: Bottom of the 6th: Leading 1-0, North Penn struck for four runs, starting with a Mason Coyne single, a Christian Barnes double, a two-run single by Alex Pyle, a sac fly by Logan Waynick and an RBI single by Kevin Brace.
North Penn coach Kevin Manero: “We swung the bats well, but had some bad-luck contact. But we were able to extend the lead, and that’s one of the keys to winning, when you can open things up the last couple of innings.”
Next up: Game 2 of the season series is set for Wednesday as North Penn (6-0, 1-0 SOL) plays at CB East (3-1, 0-1 SOL).
CB East 000 000 0 – 0 6 2
North Penn 000 104 x – 5 11 1
SOL Patriot Division
Council Rock South 7, Bensalem 2
CR South scored five runs on seven hits to break open a tie game in the bottom of the sixth on the way to its second win over Bensalem in as many days.
After a Jake Andrews RBI single gave the Golden Hawks the 3-2 lead, Owen McLean belted his second double of the game to drive in two more and the home team never looked back.
By the Numbers: CR South: Owen McLean (2-for-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs), Billy O’Neill (1-for-4, 3 RBIs), Johnny Mendola (2-for-4, 1 RBI), Ryan Hickey (2-for-2) , Jack Albright (W) (2 1/3 IP, O H, O ER, O BB, 2 K)
Key Inning: Bottom of the 6th: Tied 2-2, CR South got things started on a single by Drew Nemeth and a bunt single by Ryan Hickey. Jake Andrews had a one-out RBI single, followed by a Reed Curtier single and a two-run double by Owen McLean. Billy O’Neill and Johnny Mendola followed with RBI singles.
Next up: CR South (5-2, 2-0 SOL) goes for the season sweep at Bensalem (3-3, 1-3 SOL) on Thursday.
Bensalem 000 110 0 – 2 5 2
CR South 002 005 x – 7 10 3
Pennsbury 9, Council Rock North 4
Two runs in the top of the first got the Pennsbury bats going early, and the Falcons never slowed down on the way to the 9-4 win at CR North, the second in as many days over the Indians.
Pennsbury scored nine runs on 10 hits – all singles – by seven different players, jumping ahead 7-0 in the fifth before CR North was able to get on the scoreboard.
Mason Keith didn’t allow an earned run in 4 2/3 innings on the mound to pick up the win with a little help from relievers Quinton Shaffer and Connor O’Brien.
By the Numbers: Pennsbury: Nolan Kolanko (2-for-5, 1 RBI), Brendan Zuckerman (2-for-4), Pierce Perry (2-for-4, 1 RBI), Mason Keith (W) (4 2/3 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, O K).
CR North: Will Seiler (2-for-3, 1 RBI)
Key Innings: Top of the 1st: Pennsbury took advantage of an error, a dropped third strike and a passed ball to open the scoring, Nolan Kolanko made it 2-0 with an RBI single.
Top of the 4th: With two outs, Michael Sogness drew a walk, followed by a Ty Lee single and an RBI single by Carlton Crane to make it 3-0. Ryan Webber added a two-run single later in the inning.
Pennsbury coach Joe Pesci said: “It was a little frustrating today, but we still picked up the win. I hate when we have unenjoyable wins. I say that only because we gave up three runs on errors in the sixth. I was frustrated. We were pitching really, really well, but we had a couple of ground balls that were routine and should have been outs.”
–Offensively: “We struggled a little bit. (CR North’s Will) Seiler did a good job keeping guys off balance. What’s great was we were able to score two runs early. (Owen) Hawkes got on on an error, and Nolan Kolanko hit him and Dylan Hirsh in.
–On the mound: “Mason Keith was pitching really, really well. He had gone through the lineup a third time. It wasn’t about pitch count. We thought we had a big enough lead at that point, and we brought Quinton Shaffer in, and he threw well, but we had a crap (defensive) inning for him.
“Mason didn’t have any strikeouts, he had no walks and four hits. We always tell the kids – we want you pitching to contact. More often than not, high school kids will get themselves out. It’s about being efficient.”
Next up: Pennsbury (4-0-1, 2-0 SOL) goes for the sweep of the season series at home against CR North (1-3, 0-2 SOL) on Thursday.
Pennsbury 200 321 1 – 9 10 4
CR North 000 013 0 – 4 7 1
Neshaminy 9, Harry S Truman 1
With nine runs on 10 hits, Neshaminy erased an early deficit and rolled to its second straight win over visiting Truman in as many days on Tuesday.
“It was very good to come out today and keep the momentum moving in the right direction,” said coach Dan Toner. “After a big win, it’s very easy to come out and be flat.
“It took us a couple innings to get rolling, but we were able to string some hits together and put up runs in every inning after. We had eight of nine starters collecting hits, and the one guy that didn’t walked three times. It was another very productive day on offense.”
By the Numbers: Neshaminy: Matt Gryn (W) (7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K), Chase Bonner (2-for-4, 2 runs , double), Noah Wallace (2-for-4, 2 RBIs), Dan Marable (1-for-3, 2 runs, 2 RBIs)
Key Innings: Bottom of the 3rd: Trailing 1-0, Neshaminy got on the scoreboard thanks to a two-run single by Noah Wallace to score Jake Plebani and Brandon Lall.
Bottom of the 4th: After a single by Danny Nocito to lead off the inning, a sacrifice bunt by Anthony Kurley, Dan Marable singled to make it 3-1, and Mike Sassano followed with an RBI single of his own to stretch the lead and put Neshaminy in control for good.
Neshaminy coach Dan Toner: “Noah Wallace has been locked in at the plate and put together another multi-hit game. He has been coming through in big moments all season long.”
–On the mound: “Matt Gryn had another very good outing. He has been consistently getting ahead of hitters and keeping them off balance.”
Next up: Neshaminy (3-3, 3-1 SOL) looks to make it three in a row when they play at Truman (1-4, 0-2 SOL) on Thursday.
Truman 100 000 0 – 1 5 1
Neshaminy 002 241 x – 9 10 0
SOL Freedom Division
Lower Moreland 3, New Hope-Solebury 0
James Cronin pitched a complete-game four-hit shutout, as Lower Moreland shook off a lopsided loss 24 hours earlier to take Game 2 of the three-game set against Freedom Division rival New Hope-Solebury on Tuesday afternoon.
“After our loss yesterday, I knew we couldn’t lose today, so I threw my strikes and trusted my fielders,” Cronin said.
Cronin threw 91 pitches over seven innings, didn’t walk a batter and struck out eight.
“He really stepped up and showed us the work he’s been putting in on the mound,” said LM coach Mike Guido. “He’s our starting center fielder and offensive leader. There’s no rest for him. He loves the game, and he loves to compete. He’s really been working really hard. I know he wants to win every time he steps on the field.”
By the Numbers: Lower Moreland: James Cronin (WP) (2-for-3), Jackson Calder (2-for-4, double, 1 RBI), Evan Stine (1 RBI), Eddie Weber (1 RBI)
Key inning: Top of the 6th: LM broke open a scoreless game, taking advantage of two walks and an error to plate two runs. Gavin Blumhardt led off with a walk, Jackson Calder singled, and Kevin Fay walked to load the bases. One run scored when an Evan Stine grounder was played for an error, and another scored on a fielder’s choice grounder by Eddie Weber.
LM coach Mike Guido said: “I think the 13-1 loss yesterday was an early-season gut check. (New Hope) beat us at home in every way. We challenged ourselves after that game to come out with more intensity. They stepped up today. We’re excited for Thursday. No doubt, coach Vlahovic will have them ready. They’re a really strong team. We know they can hit. His teams always hit.”
Next up: Lower Moreland (3-3, 1-1 SOL) hosts New Hope (4-1, 1-1 SOL) in the rubber match on Thursday afternoon.
Lower Moreland 000 002 1 – 3 8 0
New Hope 000 000 0 – 0 4 0
Upper Moreland 13, William Tennent 1 (5 innings)
The Golden Bears won their third game in a row, the second over Freedom Division rival William Tennent in convincing fashion, 13-1, on Tuesday afternoon.
UM has outscored Tennent 23-1 over the last two days. Tuesday, they scored 13 runs on 14 hits, in a game shortened to five innings because of the mercy rule.
“Another solid team performance,” said coach Jim Fasano. “It’s nice to be 2-0 in the league, but we have to focus on going 1-0 tomorrow again. As cliche as it sounds, it is absolutely true. Bring our best tomorrow and continue to improve on the little things like baserunning and situational hitting.”
By the Numbers: Upper Moreland: Chase Moore (3-for-3, 1 RBI), Josh Darsney (3-for-3, 1 RBI), Jackson Townsend (2-for-3), Pat Kilgus (1-for-2, HR, 3 RBIs), Jimmy Murray (2-for-3, 2 runs, 1 RBI), Luke Sword (W) (5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, O ER, 2 BB, 6 K).
Key Inning: Top of the second: Up 1-0, the Golden Bears added two more runs. After Luke Sword led off with a walk, and then the courtesy runner advanced to third on an error, Murray picked up an RBI single for UM. Another run scored on an error later in the inning to make it a 3-0 lead, as the Bears took control and never looked back.
UM coach Jim Fasano: “Zach O’Connor (Jr.) and Cannon Campbell (Fr.) both got their first varsity hits today. Tremendous kids and I am happy for them. Cannon will get his first varsity start on the mound tomorrow and Zach will pitch as well, so more big things to come for them.
“‘Beef’ Kilgus with a jack, Josh Darsney and Chase Moore with three hits each, Jackson Townsend and Jimmy Murray also had three hits of their own. It was another total team effort. Any time you score 13 runs it takes a bunch of quality individual performances.”
–On the mound: “Our 5-star punter/kicker, Luke Sword, threw a complete game and pounded the zone with multiple pitches. I often joke with him that he’s increasing his baseball star recruiting rating with every quality performance and today was another good one.
“Great kids, great families, a wonderful community, I am happy for everyone involved but know there’s a whole lot more work to do.”
Next up: Upper Moreland (3-4, 2-0 SOL) hosts Tennent (1-5, 0-2 SOL) in the third and final game between the two teams on Wednesday.
Upper Moreland 121 27 – 13 14 3
William Tennent 000 01 – 1 2 5
SOL Liberty Division
Hatboro-Horsham 4, Plymouth Whitemarsh 2
Jamie O’Neill was solid on the mound, and Hatboro-Horsham had big innings in the fourth and fifth to edge Plymouth Whitemarsh for the 4-2 win in the first of three this week between the Liberty Division rivals.
By the Numbers: H-H: Jamie O’Neill (W) (6 2/3 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 8 K), Dominic Rapino (3-for-4, 1 RBI), Chase Canney (triple), Chris Yeager (double).
Key Innings: Top of the 4th: Dominic Rapino led off with a single and was bunted to second by Ryan Thomas. Two batters later, Chase Canney ripped a RBI triple to left, and Chris Yeager followed with a RBI double to make it 2-0.
Top of the 5th: After PW tied it at 2 in the bottom of the fourth, H-H answered. Dominic Rapino broke the tie with a RBI single, and the fourth run later scored on an RBI groundout by Isaiah Brown.
Next up: H-H (2-3, 1-0 SOL) hosts PW (2-4, 2-2 SOL) in the second game of the three-game set on Wednesday.
Hatboro-Horsham 000 220 0 – 4 9 0
Plymouth Whitemarsh 000 200 0 – 2 4 3
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