Check out the recaps for SOL baseball teams in action Wednesday. Neshaminy/CR North photos courtesy of John Gleeson, CB West/Pennridge photos courtesy of Tracy Valko & Tennent/New Hope-Solebury photos courtesy of Karla Donohoe. Check back for galleries of all three games. (NP/CB South photos courtesy of Cindy Manero/NP baseball) CLICK HERE to go directly to Suburban One Sports’ BASEBALL GALLERIES.
SOL Patriot Division
Council Rock South 1, Pennsbury 0
CR South’s Reed Curtier was dominant, blanking potent Pennsbury bats to the tune of a complete-game, three-hit shutout as the Golden Hawks evened the season series with the win in a pitchers’ duel on Wednesday.
In seven innings, Curtier gave up three hits, walked two and struck out nine. This despite being at less than 100 percent, battling the after effects of strep throat.
“I could honestly see – he clearly lost some weight, and he’s still pale from the weekend,” said CR South coach Greg Paprocki. “To go out and have a performance like that is just so impressive. Obviously, Reed is a tremendous athlete and a tremendous player, but his heart and his willingness to lay it on the line for his team today was truly special.”
Pennsbury’s starter Mason Keith allowed just one run on six hits in 5 1/3 innings pitched in a standout effort of his own.
“My blood pressure is hopefully going down since the last inning, but we got out of there with a win,” said Paprocki. “This was a big one for us.”
By the Numbers: CR South: Reed Curtier (W) (7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K), Billy O’Neill (2-for-3), Jack Reynolds (1 RBI).
Key Inning: Bottom of 4th: Johnny Mendola led off with a double to left, and advanced to third on a ground out. The game’s only run scored on an RBI single by Jack Reynolds.
CR South coach Greg Paprocki: “Believe it or not, Reed was actually sick this weekend. He had strep throat on Sunday. He was supposed to pitch on Monday. Then we got rained out and pushed it back a day. He was able to gut it out on the field Tuesday, and then he pitched today.
“I am so impressed with him and his character. The only thing that matters to that kid is winning. He wasn’t feeling his best today, and he still went out and put on an incredible performance. For him to come out and pitch that way – and by the way, have three hits in the series – all while having strep throat, it’s so impressive. He never ceases to amaze me. What a great teammate. That’s leadership at its finest.”
Up next: Pennsbury (5-2-1, 3-2 SOL) will be on the road at Council Rock South (5-4, 3-2) Thursday for game three of the series.
Pennsbury 000 000 0 – 0 3 2
CR South 000 100 x – 1 6 1
Bensalem 9, Harry S Truman 1
Pete Pasquarella pitched a complete-game, no-hitter, and a big fifth inning blew open a close game as Bensalem got past Truman for the second straight day, this time by a 9-1 final score.
Pasquarella allowed just one run (unearned), walking four and striking out eight. He threw 86 pitches over seven innings.
By the Numbers: Bensalem: Tyler Anderson (double, 2 RBIs), Jimmy McGinty (double, 2 RBIs), Joey Doc (double, 1 RBI), Mikey Kramer (double, 1 RBI), Pete Pasquarella (WP, 7 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 8 K).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 5th: Leading 2-1, Bensalem scored seven runs in the inning. Tyler Anderson had an RBI double, Pete Pasquarella drove in one with a single, Joey Doc was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, Jimmy McGinty had a two-run double, Tommy Jackson had an RBI single, and the final run scored on a groundout by Thomas Bailey.
Bensalem coach Harry Daut, Jr.: “Great pitching performance from Pete Pasquarella. We had a good all-around performance for us. We played solid defense behind Pete. As a team we had timely hits.”
Up next: The two teams will wrap up the three-game series Thursday when Bensalem (7-3, 4-3 SOL) travels to Harry S Truman (1-6, 0-5).
Truman 001 000 0 – 1 0 4
Bensalem 002 070 x – 9 8 2
Neshaminy 14, Council Rock North 1
Neshaminy scored four runs in the first inning and never looked back in this one, scoring 14 runs on 13 hits in a game shortened for five innings via the mercy rule.
Chase Bonner was 2-for-3 with a home run, triple, three RBIs and three runs scored, while Dan Marable was 4-for-4 with six RBIs.
By the Numbers: Neshaminy: Chase Bonner (2-for-3, HR, triple, 3 RBIs), Dan Marable (4-for-4, 6 RBIs), Danny Nocito (2-for-3, double, 2 RBIs, 3 runs), Noah Wallace (2-for-3, 2 runs), Anthony Kurley (2 RBIs), Matt Gryn (WP, 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K).
Key Inning: Top of the 1st: Jake Plebani led off with a walk, and two batters later, Chase Bonner hit a two-run home run to right field. Marable and Anthony Kurley added RBI singles to put Neshaminy up 4-0.
Neshaminy coach Dan Toner: “Our thought process today was score early and often. Last game, we left a lot of runners on base early in the game, and we missed out on a ton of scoring opportunities. Today, we knew we could not let that happen again.”
–Props: “One of our biggest leaders on offense made sure to get that point across. Chase Bonner hit a no doubt about it home run to get us rolling. We were able to build off that the rest of the game.
“Every situation that we weren’t as successful in last game, we came through today. “Sophomore Dan Marable had a fantastic day at the plate. He keeps getting more and more comfortable with every at bat. Dan has been delivering for us all year and did so again today going 4-for-4 with six RBIs.”
–On the Mound: “Matt Gryn was dominant on the mound, only giving up a single hit. He was able to get ahead of hitters and keep them off balance. Matt has been very impressive in his first two varsity starts.
“We are very happy we were able to win the series with a game left to go, but that’s not the ultimate goal. The third game of last week’s series proved difficult for the teams that were up 2-0 around the league, so we will have to make sure we are locked in and playing our best to complete the series.”
Up next: Neshaminy (6-3, 6-1 SOL) will host Council Rock North (2-5, 1-4) Thursday in the second game of the series.
Neshaminy 403 43 – 14 13 2
CR North 000 10 – 1 1 1
SOL Colonial Division
Souderton 14, Central Bucks East 13 (8 innings)
A wild game was capped by a wild eighth inning, as Souderton remained unbeaten in division play in a back-and-forth game that saw the Indians and CB East combine for 27 runs, 19 hits and 11 extra base hits.
In a game Souderton once led 6-2 and 10-6, CB East came back to go up 11-10 and then 13-11 in the eighth, before the Indians walked it off with three in the bottom of the eighth – two on a home run by Evan Divens.
“Today’s game felt like a SOL Colonial heavyweight battle,” said Souderton coach Mike Childs. “We had some big blows, they punched back even harder, and eventually Evan Divens delivered the knockout punch with his walk-off homerun. Today was his day – four hits and great defense to add to his walk-off.”
By the Numbers: Souderton: Evan Divens (4-for-4, HR, double, 4 RBIs, 3 runs), Ben Divens (double, 3 RBIs), Gavin Wisnoski (double, 2 RBIs), Connor Klock (double, 2 RBIs), Nathan Kleppinger (WP, 1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER)
CB East: Jack Thompson (2-for-3, HR, double, 5 RBIs, 3 runs), Nick Mutchler (2-for-4, double, 4 RBIs), Tyler Muzsi (HR, 1 RBI, 3 runs).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 8th: Trailing 13-11, Tyler Lutz drew a one-out walk, and Tyler Deery cut the lead to one with an RBI double. Evan Divins won the game with a two-run home run to left on the second pitch.
Souderton coach Mike Childs: “As a team, we did a nice job at the plate with 11 hits and seven extra base hits which included six different guys with doubles. We are hitting 1 through 9 right now and seeing the ball well.
“We called on a lot of guys today to come off the bench and contribute to this win. I keep telling them to be prepared when their number is called at any time in the game, and they were. Chris Southard was one of them and did a nice job coming in a tough situation with nobody out and minimalized the damage.
“I tip my hat to CB East for their discipline at the plate today. They are a good hitting team and hit the ball hard.”
Up next: Central Bucks East (3-5, 0-5 SOL) will be on the road at Souderton (6-1-1, 5-0) for game three of the series Thursday.
CB East 200 135 02-13 8 1
Souderton 321 040 13-14 11 2
North Penn 3, Central Bucks South 1
After six days off – courtesy of a pair of rainouts this week – North Penn returned and Trevor Lugara had another dominant performance as the unbeaten Knights edged CB South in the first of three on Wednesday.
The win was also career win number 200 for veteran NP coach Kevin Manero.
Lugara pitched a complete-game two-hitter allowing just one unearned run. Chase Jones hit two home runs, including the game-winner in the sixth.
“Trevor Lugara was such a bulldog today,” Manero said. “In the first couple innings all of his stuff wasn’t as crisp as he’d like it, and he had to battle a bi, but after that he settled in and really commanded the game.”
By the Numbers: North Penn: Chase Jones (2-for-4, 2 HRs, 2 RBIs, 2 runs), Trevor Lugara (7 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K).
Key inning: Bottom of the 6th: Tied at 1, Chase Jones led off with a home run to left to put the Knights in front. Matt Pownall later walked with the bases loaded to make it 3-1.
North Penn coach Kevin Manero: “It was a big day for Chase Jones. He’s been close to breaking out and he’s been a little frustrated, and I know today will go a long way with him.”
“(CB South’s Brett) Barrett is a tough pitcher. He really knows how to pitch and control the game around him.
“Games like these are hard, and there’s not a lot of margin for error if you want to be on the right side of the score at the end.”
Up next: Central Bucks South (3-4, 1-3 SOL) will travel to North Penn (9-0, 4-0) Thursday for game two of the series.
CB South 100 000 0 – 1 2 0
North Penn 0 01 020 x – 3 7 2
Central Bucks West 9, Pennridge 4
CB West bounced back from a tough loss on Tuesday with an impressive offensive display on Wednesday, pulling away from visiting Pennridge for the 9-4 win.
The Bucks led 5-4 going into the bottom of the fifth, but a four-spot – highlighted by Mike Koldhoff’s two-run home run with two outs – blew it open.
By the Numbers: CB West: Connor Grzywacz (3-for-4, 3 doubles, 1 RBI, 3 runs), Mike Graban (2-for-3, HR, 1 RBI, 3 runs), Mike Koldhoff (2-for-3, HR, 2 RBIs), Ernie Sanchez (double, 3 RBIs), Jack Hogenauer (Save, 3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K).
Pennridge: Noah Keating (2-for-4, 2 RBIs), Tim Croyle (triple, 2 RBIs).
Key Inning: Bottom of the fifth: Mike Graban led off for West with a single, and he scored on Connor Grzywacz’s RBI double to right. Ernie Sanchez later added a sac fly to score a run, and with two outs, Mike Koldhoff capped the scoring with a two-run homer to left.
Up next: Central Bucks West (6-2, 3-2 SOL) will host Pennridge (4-4, 1-4) Thursday in the third game of the series.
Pennridge 020 200 0 – 4 7 3
CB West 212 040 x – 9 10 0
SOL Freedom Division
Upper Moreland 13, Cheltenham 5
With 10 singles and 10 bases on balls, Upper Moreland overwhelmed Cheltenham on the road Wednesday to the tune of a 13-5 win, the sixth in a row for the Golden Bears.
First baseman Pat Kilgus led the hit parade with three hits.
“I’m glad we won, as said in Bull Durham, ‘It’s, like, way better than losing, man’, but we have a lot of work to do,” said UM coach Jim Fasano. “Everyone in the lineup was on base at least once and that is the sign of a deep team.
“At the same time, our success rate with runners on third and less than two outs is less than desirable, and defensively, we have some shaky moments. But that’s why we’re here, to continue to improve and grow together, myself included.
“It’s encouraging that we haven’t played our best game yet. Now we need to go 1-0 tomorrow.”
Jack Haugen led the Panthers’ attack with three RBIs.
By the Numbers: UM: Pat Kilgus (3-for-5, 1 RBI, 2 runs), Zach O’Connor (2-for-4, 2 RBIs, 2 runs), Colson Campbell (2 RBIs, 2 runs), Jimmy Murray (2 RBIs), Luke Sword (WP, 7 IP, 4 H, 2 ER), 3 BB, 8 K).
Key Inning: Top of the 2nd: Tied at 1, UM scored six runs on three hits, three walks and two errors. Jackson Townsend had an RBI single, Colson Campbell scored one with a fielder’s choice groundout, and Jimmy Murray drove in another with a sac fly.
UM coach Jim Fasano said: “A complete game for Luke Sword today. (He) gave up four hits and two earned runs with 8 Ks and over 95 pitches. Lukie really battled through a difficult third inning and hung in there. We didn’t help him much defensively, but he was never rattled. He threw 63 of his 95 pitches for strikes and mixed in four different offerings. You don’t get to be a 5-star punter without having some mental toughness and he certainly showed that today. Offensively, he was on base three out of five times and continues to give us quality at-bats from the 5-hole.
“Another ho-hum day at the office for (Pat) ‘Beef’ Kilgus with three hits. The sign of a really good hitter is that he’s getting hits even when he’s not swinging his absolute best. And Pat has turned into a really good hitter who has a chance to be great.
“Zach ‘Poo’ O’Connor had his first start on varsity today and went 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs and a walk. Two nice pieces up the middle for the sweet swinging lefty. Poo is going to throw in the game tomorrow and has a chance to really contribute to the team down the stretch.
“Jimmy Murray continues to show his toughness and competitiveness at the plate. He had a difficult first at-bat but didn’t let it define him, he made an adjustment and had three good ones thereafter. Murr also plays an excellent third base and as with any good infielder, the ball seems to find his glove.”
Up next: Upper Moreland (6-3, 5-0 SOL) will host Cheltenham (1-4, 0-4) in game three of the series Thursday.
Upper Moreland 160 020 4 – 13 10 2
Cheltenham 104 000 00 – 5 4 5
Springfield Twp 11, Lower Moreland 6
Trailing by three runs, Springfield exploded with eight runs in the bottom of the third, picking up its second win over Lower Moreland in as many days, this time by an 11-6 final score.
The Spartans have scored 27 runs in two games against LM this week, with the final game of the series scheduled for Thursday.
By the Numbers: Springfield: Max May (2-for-4, double, 3 RBIs, 2 runs), Matt Caruso (2-for-4, 2 runs), Charlie Dyke (1 double, 2 RBIs), Jon Matthews (2 RBIs).
LM: James Cronin (2-for-3, double, 1 RBI), Ethan Stine (2-for-4, double, 1 RBI).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 3rd: Owen Hastings got things started with an RBI infield single to cut LM’s lead to 3-1. Max May followed with a two-run double to tie things up. Charlie Dyke followed with a two-run double of his own, Mike Capoferri drove in one with a fielder’s choice groundout, and Jon Matthews then rounded out the scoring with a two-run single.
Springfield Twp coach Rob Bond: “We were glad to see another game with double digit hits. The boys are starting to focus more in the box, which is always good to see. Max May had a great day at the plate going 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Another senior, Matt Caruso, had another 2-hit day going 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored.
“Our starting pitcher Bobby Hartman really competed today and got the win. The boys are trying to take it a game at a time. If they keep that mindset, hopefully good things will happen. Game 3 tomorrow should be an interesting one, since we have seen each other 2 times already.”
Up next: Springfield Twp (5-1, 4-0 SOL) will host Lower Moreland (3-7, 1-4) in game three of the series Thursday.
Lower Moreland 030 111 0 – 6 8 3
Springfield 008 201 x – 11 11 0
William Tennent 8, New Hope-Solebury 1
A quick start was key for Tennent which won big over New Hope-Solebury for the second time in as many days with the 8-1 win on Wednesday.
The Panthers scored three times in the top of the first and never looked back, surviving a game in which the teams’ combined for 11 errors.
By the Numbers: Tennent: Shawn Finnegan (2-for-4, 1 RBI), Mike Woehr (2 RBIs), Aiden Wilkowski (W) (5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K)
Key Inning: Top of the 1st: Luke Torok opened up the game with an infield single, and two batters later Mike Woehr walked. With two outs, Henry Perotti put Tennent in front with a two-run single. Shawn Finnegan added an RBI single to make it 3-0.
WT coach Lucas Denczi: “Aiden Wilkowski did a tremendous job coming in for us in relief and settling the game down. He threw strikes, and the guys made plays behind him. Credit to our infield for turning our first two double plays of the year and getting us out of some tough situations.
“Offensively, we continued our trend from yesterday, putting together a lot of quality at-bats against a good, young starter (Anthony Whelan) from New Hope. He did a nice job mixing pitches to keep our hitters off balance. He pitched a really good game and had some tough breaks.
“It’s going to take another complete effort against a well-coached team to finish off the series tomorrow.
Up next: New Hope-Solebury (5-3, 2-3 SOL) will host William Tennent (3-6, 2-3) in the third game of the series Thursday.
Tennent 300 201 2 – 8 10 5
New Hope 100 000 0 – 1 2 6
SOL Liberty Division
Quakertown 3, Hatboro-Horsham 0
Jarred Housten allowed just one hit over six shutout innings for Quakertown, which beat Hatboro-Horsham for the second time in as many days, this time by a 3-0 final score.
Housten, a Misericordia University commit, left the game after 98 pitches after six. Reliever Max Drews pitched a scoreless seventh inning for the save.
By the Numbers: Quakertown: Jarred Housten (W) (6 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 9 K), CJ Peacher (1 RBI), Gerry Stanziola (1 RBI).
Key inning: Bottom of the 4th: The Panthers scored one time in the inning to take a lead it wouldn’t surrender. Carter Tucholski and Gunner Rahn led off with back-to-back walks, and Tucholski, who stole second and went to third on an error, scored on a Gerry Stanziola fielder’s choice groundout.
Quakertown coach Jon Pallone: “Jarred Housten had a great outing, limiting them to one hit, nine strikeouts in six innings and trusting his fielders. Max Drews came in to finish the game again and did a great job.
“We had a slower start today, but Nick DePiero started off the third with a single, and I got him thrown out at home to end the inning, so that hurt. Then in the fourth, Carter Tucholski walked and stole second. Eventually, Gerry Stanziola did a great job putting the ball in play with 2 strikes to move a runner home.
“Then the next inning Nick DePiero started us off with a walk, but this time we were able to get him in.
“The game was close the entire time again. I’m really liking the tenacity of this team. They spent a lot of time working on ways to get guys over and in and making outs one at a time.”
Up next: Quakertown (4-1, 3-0 SOL) will host Hatboro-Horsham (3-6, 2-3) in the third game of the series on Thursday.
H-H 000 000 0 – 0 1 3
Quakertown 000 120 x – 3 3 1
Non-league
Penn Charter 14, Upper Dublin 3
Upper Dublin led 3-0 after three innings, but things fell apart for the Flying Cardinals, as host Penn Charter scored 14 runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings combined to run away with the nonleague game on Wednesday.
UD committed five errors, and eight of Penn Charter’s runs were unearned.
Up next: Upper Dublin () will host Garnet Valley in a non-league game Friday.
Upper Dublin 201 000 – 3 5 5
Penn Charter 000 284 – 14 11 0
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