Check out the recaps for SOL baseball teams in action Friday. Cheltenham/Tennent photos courtesy of John Gleeson, and Pennsbury/Truman photos courtesy of Darryl Rule of J&D Photography. Check back for galleries of both games. (PW/Quakertown photos courtesy of Cindy Manero/PW baseball)
SOL Colonial Division
Central Bucks East 7, Pennridge 0
Behind the pitching of Michael Colbert and solid production up and down the lineup, CB East captured its first season series of the year with its second straight win over Pennridge, Friday by a 7-0 final score at James Memorial Park.
Colbert pitched six shutout innings, allowing just two hits, to pick up the win. Nick Mutchler had a home run for the Patriots, who had 10 hits as a team and scored in the first three innings to take command.
By the Numbers: CB East: Michael Colbert (WP, 6 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K), Chase Fulford (2-for-4, 3 runs), Tyler Muszi (2-for-3, 2 doubles, 1 RBI), Anthony Niro (2-for-3, 3 RBIs), Nick Mutchler (HR, 1 RBI).
Key Inning: Top of the 3rd: Leading 2-0, the Patriots got some breathing room with two more. Chase Fulford led off with a single, and Tyler Muzsi then doubled to put runners on second and third with nobody out. Fulford later scored on a wild pitch, before Niro drove in a run with an RBI single.
CB East coach Kyle Dennis: “Today, we played how I think we can play. In all areas – offense, defense made some spectacular plays, pitched great. In some of our other games, we pitched well and didn’t defend. We didn’t have all three facets of the game. Today, we had all of them.
“We fell behind a little bit early in the season. Today was an indicator of what we can do. We scored, we defended. Our pitcher was competitive, throwing strikes.
“Michael Colbert, he’s a sophomore, and he scattered two hits over six innings. He struck out two, but he pitched to contact. We try to tell our guys – you don’t have to overpower everybody. This was his second really good start for us.”
–Offensive explosion: Seven of our nine guys had hits. We’re going to be okay when that happens. The top of our lineup carried us today. (Chase) Fulford had two hits. He’s just a great player. (Tyler) Muszi, our 2 hitter, had two doubles. Sean Hill hits sixth for us, he had a double. Our catcher, Nick Mutchler, hits seventh and he hit a home run today.
“Up and down the lineup, our guys hit, and even at the bottom of the lineup, we had guys work walks and have great at-bats.
“Today was definitely what we think we can be. As a team, we were competing offensively and defensively.”
Up next: Central Bucks East (6-7, 3-6 SOL) will host Central Bucks West Monday in game one of its three-game series, and Pennridge (8-6, 3-6 SOL) will host Central Bucks South Monday in game one of its series.
CB East 112 020 1 – 7 10 0
Pennridge 000 000 0 – 0 4 2
North Penn 8, Central Bucks West 3
It wasn’t an easy series by any stretch, and Friday continued that trend as North Penn trailed early, but the Knights found their stride and put away CB West for the series sweep by an 8-3 count.
North Penn’s offense came alive with eight runs on 11 hits, including five home runs, and it answered CB West’s three-run first inning with two in the second and two more in the third to take a lead it would never surrender.
Third baseman Luke Chartrand, the No. 9 hitter, went 3-for-3 with three of those home runs to lead the Knights.
By the Numbers: North Penn: Luke Chartrand (3-for-3, 3 HRs, 3 RBIs), Mason Coyne (2-for-3, 1 RBI), Josh Martinell (HR, 2 RBIs), Christian Barnes (HR, 2 RBIs), Jake Nunn (WP, 7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K).
Key Inning: Top of the 3rd: Still trailing 3-2, Luke Chartrand quickly tied it up, leading off the inning with a home run to right, his first of three on the day. Kevin Brace then singled, and with two outs, he came around to score on a Mason Coyne RBI single.
North Penn coach Kevin Manero: “Jake Nunn continues to step up in the Game 3 role for us. He’s been outstanding on the mound and economical with his pitch counts. “
–Power bats: “Obviously, a big day for our guy Luke Chartrand. He’s a high-energy, team-centered guy, and he has not been in the lineup all year, but there’s no question a kid like him is ready when his name is called. He’s never not locked in to what’s going on.”
Up next: North Penn (12-2, 7-2 SOL) will travel to Souderton Monday for the first game of its three-game series, and Central Bucks West (7-6, 3-6 SOL) will travel to Central Bucks East Monday for game one of its three-game series.
North Penn 022 031 0 – 8 11 3
CB West 300 000 0 – 3 4 1
Central Bucks South 4, Souderton 3
Brett Barrett delivered on the mound for CB South with seven strong innings, holding off Souderton in the bottom of the seventh to give the Titans the season series in the important rubber match.
They also spoiled the first game at Souderton’s new artificial turf, lighted field on campus.
“We did what we needed to do,” said Titans coach Kevin Bray. “When you think about high school baseball in this area, this is a game that stays true to that. Really good competition, two teams just battling all week in the series and then culminating with a Friday night under the lights. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
By the Numbers: CB South: Brett Barrett (WP, 7 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K), Jake Yang (2-for-3,
HR, 2 RBIs, 2 runs), Owen Pinkerton (HR, 1 RBI).
Souderton: Trent Lutz (LP, 7 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 9 K).
Key Inning: Top of the 5th: Leading 2-1, Jake Ruddell was hit by a pitch to start the inning. Then, with one out, Jake Yang blasted a two-run home run to left field and just like that it was a 4-1 game.
CB South coach Kevin Bray: “We had Brett Barrett on the mound for us, so we felt really confident in our ability to take Game 3, and right out of the gate, we scored a couple runs in the first and second innings, which was huge. To get out early on them at home was huge. That was really the key to starting the engine of the team right out of the gate.”
–Props: “Brett did an excellent job on the mound. Jake Ruddell has been our backstop for the last two years, and he had a great night behind the plate.
“Offensively, we got guys on base, and we cashed in big time. Jake Yang had two hits, including a two-run home run in the fifth, which ultimately was the difference maker, with them being able to scratch a couple runs toward the end of the game.
“Owen Pinkerton has a solo shot in that second inning, which was really an uplifting moment for our kids.
“We played really well defensively. We did well in all phases of the game. I’m really proud of our guys. It’s a long week playing stiff competition week in and week out, but it’s a testament to our guys and their ability to stay focused, especially after losing one to a really good pitcher (Souderton’s Tyler Lutz) and then having the ability to bounce back with two wins at the end was huge.”
Up next: Central Bucks South (8-5, 5-4 SOL) will be on the road at Pennridge Monday for game one of its three-game series, and Souderton (7-4-1, 6-3 SOL) will host North Penn Monday in game one of its series.
CB South 110 020 0 – 4 6 0
Souderton 000 110 1 – 3 3 1
SOL Patriot Division
Pennsbury 13, Harry S Truman 2
Timely hitting, good pitching and error free defense was a recipe for success as Pennsbury finished off the three-game sweep of Truman by a 13-2 final score on the road Friday.
The Falcons scored 13 runs on 12 hits and drew seven walks on the day. Nolan Kolanko hit a three-run home run, while Mike Sognass was 2-for-4 with two doubles.
The win was career No. 200 for coach Joe Pesci.
“Technically, it’s my 16th year, but with COVID, it’s the 15th season,” Pesci said. “200 wins in 15 seasons is a pretty good average. (Kevin) Manero at North Penn and (Jim) DiGuiseppe at Wood both had their 200th win this year in their 14th or 15th season, so it’s a good average.
“My first three years we had losing seasons, but since then it’s been much better. A lot of great coaches, a ton of talent and it’s about building a great culture.”
By the Numbers: Pennsbury: Pierce Perry (WP, 5 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K; 2-for-4, 3 RBIs), Nolan Kolanko (HR, 3 RBIs), Mike Sognass (2-for-4, 2 double), Ben Seidler (2-for-5), Shane Robison (2-for-4).
Key Inning: Top of the 3rd: Shane Robison led off the inning with a single, Carlton Crane reached on a one-out error, pinch-runner Henry Garlits scored on a double-steal attempt, another run scored on an error and an RBI single by Pierce Perry made it 3-0.
Pennsbury coach Joe Pesci: “I’ve said this every single time; I don’t know why it takes us three or four innings to get going. Every time Truman comes out hot, we know that. We had a great game plan we worked on at practice yesterday. We knew we were facing (Ryan) Kerns, and we were off-balance and on our front foot. We had a couple opportunities to get a run across and didn’t. Then, we jumped up and scored every inning after that. It was great to see.”
–No-hit bid: “Pierce (Perry) had a no-hitter going into the sixth. He walked the leadoff batter, the next guy gets a hit, another guy hits a ground ball that’s pretty much unplayable and they end up scoring two runs. It’s no
one’s fault. Pierce pitched great. You can’t really complain about it. He pitched great, five innings, 75 pitches, he only gave up one hit. It was great to see.”
–Production at the bottom: “The top of our lineup, the first four guys didn’t have any hits. Perry had two hits, Ben Seidler had two hits, Sognass had two hits, Danny Seidler had a hit, Ty Lee had a hit, Shane Robison had two hits. The bottom half of our lineup – 5 thru 9 – had all 12 of our hits. A couple of guys had pinch hits. Nolan Kolanko had a pinch hit home run. It came late, and the bottom of our order was great.”
Up next: Pennsbury (10-2-1, 7-2 SOL) will host Bensalem Monday in game one of its three-game series, and Harry S Truman (2-10, 0-9 SOL) will be on the road at Council Rock North Monday in game one of its series.
Pennsbury 003 214 3 – 13 12 0
Truman. 000 002 0 – 2 2 4
SOL Liberty Division
Abington 3, Upper Dublin 0 (9 innings)
Great pitching throughout and clutch production at the plate in the top of the ninth was the difference as Abington salvaged Game 3 of the season series with Upper Dublin with a thrilling extra innings victory.
Joe Loughney pitched eight shutout innings for the Galloping Ghosts and picked up the win, while Chase Wolf – who also had the game-winning hit – came on in the ninth and set the Cardinals down to earn the save.
By the Numbers: Abington: Joe Loughney (WP, 8 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K), Pat Loughney (1-for-4, double, RBI), Gavin Grasso (2-for-4).
Upper Dublin: Evan Sanders (6 2/3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 0 K)
Key Inning: Top of the 9th: Mason Kishbaugh got things started with a one-out double to right field, followed by Chase Wolf’s RBI single that broke the scoreless tie. Pat Loughney followed with an RBI double to make it 2-0, and then the third run scored on a bases loaded walk to Jacob Delgado.
Abington coach George Kotsopoulos: “Joe Loughney pitched eight shutout innings, and (right fielder) Gavin Grasso played a spectacular game both defensively and contributed two hits at the plate.
“Chase Wolf had the game-winning hit and earned a save with a shutout ninth inning. It was a well-played game by both teams.”
Up next: Abington (2-7, 2-7 SOL) will host Plymouth Whitemarsh Monday in game one of the three-game series, and Upper Dublin (8-5, 6-3 SOL) will host Hatboro-Horsham in game one of its three-game series on Monday.
Abington 000 000 003 – 3 6 0
Upper Dublin 000 000 000 – 0 5 1
Quakertown 4, Plymouth Whitemarsh 3
With two runs in the top of the sixth, first-place Quakertown captured the season series with the rubber match win at Plymouth Whitemarsh on Friday by the 4-3 final score.
The go-ahead and eventual game-winning run scored on a RBI groundout by Jarred Housten.
“We don’t have as many guys in the dugout as we have in previous years, but having all the guys in the same direction is special and fun,” said Panthers coach Jon Pallone. “The example has been set from previous years. I am really lucky to coach and live here with these guys, their families, the coaches and this community.”
By the Numbers: Quakertown: Carter Tucholski (WP, 7 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K; 2-for-3), Cole Reich (HR, 2 RBIs).
Key Inning: Top of the 6th: With one out, Carter Tucholski reached first on a single for Quakertown, after stealing second, he scored on Nick DePiero’s RBI single to tie the game. After a walk, Housten pinch hit, and his grounder to second scored DePiero, who had advanced on a wild pitch from third for the go-ahead run.
Quakertown coach Jon Pallone: “Carter Tucholski is a special kid, We don’t have too many freshmen get time on varsity in the last decade – Jake Reed, Justin Butler and Danny Qualteria are a select few – but this guy doesn’t just put himself in the lineup, but in the rotation too.
“He’s a special player that has earned his way every step of the way. Not only is he physically talented, he’s a gamer too.”
–Clutch performances: “Cole Reich’s HR was one of the hardest hit balls I’ve seen all season. He hit it right on the nose. We were wondering if it’d get to the fence, it was, if it was high enough.
“Jarred Housten came up for a pinch hit situation and puts the ball in play to score what turned out to be the winning run.”
–Props for an opponent: “I love all the kids on our team, but if I had to add one from another team, it might be (PW’s) Gabe Caucci. That kid is tough as nails. I’m glad not to be seeing him the rest of the regular season. Chase Wolf (Abington) and Jamie O’Neill (Hatboro-Horsham) being another.”
Up next: Quakertown (8-4, 7-2 SOL) will be on the road Monday at Wissahickon for game one of its three-game series, and Plymouth Whitemarsh (6-7, 4-5 SOL) will travel to Abington Monday for game one of its series.
Quakertown 200 002 0 – 4 8 2
PW 010 020 0 – 3 6 1
SOL Freedom Division
Cheltenham 12, William Tennent 3
The hit parade continued for Cheltenham against William Tennent, as it completed the three-game sweep on Friday with a
dominating 12-3 road victory.
In three games this week against Tennent, Cheltenham has scored 32 runs.
Emile Chanoine went 5-for-5 to lead a 13-hit attack on Friday.
“I thought we brought a lot of energy from the start of the game which was great,” said Cheltenham coach Lukas Nakkula. “A lot of guys hit balls hard which was great to see, and we were aggressive on the basepaths which led to runs. Our defense made some huge plays as well which was a big factor in the win too.”
By the Numbers: Cheltenham: Emile Chanoine (5-for-5, 2 doubles, 5 runs, 2 RBIs), Xavi Chanoine (2-for-3, 1 RBI), Finn Kopp (3-for-5, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs), AJ Gordon 2-for-4, double, 3 RBIs), Nate Leary (WP, 5 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K).
Key Inning: Top of the 1st: Cheltenham did a lot of damage with two outs early. Emlio Chanoine got the first of his five hits on the day with a single to lead off the inning, but the next two batters were retired. Finn Kopp then had an RBI single and AJ Gordon followed with a bases clearing, bases loaded double to make it a 4-0 game.
Up next: Cheltenham (4-7, 3-6 SOL) will host New Hope-Solebury for game one of its three-game series on Monday, and William Tennent (4-10, 3-6 SOL) will host Lower Moreland Monday in game one of its three-game series.
Cheltenham 430 220 1 – 12 13 1
Tennent 030 000 0 – 3 4 3
Non-League
Neshaminy 11, Archbishop Ryan 2
Playing for the first time in over two weeks, Neshaminy showed no signs of rust Friday, blowing out visiting Archbishop Ryan in a non-league game 11-2.
Neshaminy scored four times in the first inning and never looked back. Brandon Lall, Dan Marable and Nick Sassano had three hits each as the team mashed 14 hits for the game.
“We needed to come out today and be successful after a 15-day break,” said coach Dan Toner. “We have had inter-squad games, but it’s just not the same as going against another school. We had time to work on different things during our break, and today was our day to apply it.
“I was very happy with our approach to today’s game. It was great to go against a quality program like Ryan that is coached very well and has some big time players.”
By the Numbers: Neshaminy: Brandon Lall (3-for-4, 2 RBIs), Noah Wallace (double, 2 RBIs), Danny Nocito (2-for-3, 2 RBIs, 2 runs), Dan Marable (3-for-4, 2 runs), Nick Sassano (3-for-3, double, 3 RBIs).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 1st: The first six reached base as Neshaminy got to work early, starting with a Jake Plebani walk, a Brandon Lall single and Chase Bonner was hit by a pitch. Noah Wallace made it 2-0 with a two-run double, followed by a two-run single by Danny Nocito.
Neshaminy coach Dan Toner: “It is very encouraging to see all the hard work we put in pay off.
“Next week, we run into a very good CR South team, and we will need to be on our ‘A’ game to be successful.”
Up next: Neshaminy (7-4) will be on the road at Council Rock South Monday for game one of its three-game series.
Ryan 000 101 0 – 2 3 1
Neshaminy 402 032 x – 11 14 2
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