Check out the recaps for SOL baseball teams in action Thursday. Springfield Twp/UM photos provided courtesy of John Gleeson. CB West/CB East photos courtesy of Tracy Valko, and Upper Dublin/Hatboro-Horsham photos courtesy of Kim Supko. Check back for galleries of all three games. CLICK HERE to go directly to Suburban One Sports’ BASEBALL GALLERIES.
SOL Freedom Division
Springfield Twp 3, Upper Moreland 2 (8 innings)
Springfield had a point to prove this week in its battle for first-place series against Upper Moreland. And with two runs in the sixth and then the game-winning run in the top of the eighth, the Spartans took the series with the Golden Bears and hold a one-game lead in the Freedom Division standings.
All three games in the series were decided by one or two runs. Like Monday’s 5-4 win, Springfield needed some late-game heroics to pull it out.
Nolan Kidwell’s squeeze bunt scored the eventual game-winner, and relief pitcher Ryan Trader set the heart of the Upper Moreland batting order down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the eighth.
“This was a great baseball game,” said Springfield coach Rob Bond. “Two teams that play the game well. All three games were pitchers’ duels.”
By the Numbers: Springfield: Jon Matthews (double, 2 RBIs), Max May (6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K), Trader (WP, 2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K).
Key Innings: Top of the 6th: Trailing 2-0, Springfield took advantage of three walks and an error, and then Jon Matthews tied it up with a two-run double.
Top of the 8th: Matthews and Chris Cahill walked to start the inning, and both advanced on a passed ball. With one out, Kidwell bunted to the left of the mound, and Matthews scored from third to put the Spartans in front.
Springfield coach Rob Bond: “Our senior pitcher, Max May, was outstanding today. He kept us in the game for six innings. He really worked today.
Junior Ryan Trader was also outstanding in the seventh and eighth. Ryan has been really impressive for us. I don’t think the kid has a pulse. Nothing phases him.
“Big day from Jon Matthews, who drove in two runs and scored a run.
“The guys have really bought into the team concept. Our 3-hole hitter, Nolan Kidwell, executed the perfect squeeze bunt for the winning run.
“The new format does bring excitement to the games, which I think is great. I think the players are enjoying it as well.”
Up next: Springfield Twp (12-3, 11-1 SOL) will host William Tennent Monday for Game 1 of its three-game series, and Upper Moreland (11-5, 10-2) will travel to New Hope-Solebury Monday for Game 1 of its three-game series.
Springfield 000 002 01 – 3 4 0
Upper Moreland 002 000 00 – 2 5 6
New Hope-Solebury 13, Cheltenham 9
Offensively, the bats came alive for New Hope-Solebury, which snapped an eight-game losing streak by out-slugging Cheltenham and salvaging Game 3 of the three-game set between the Freedom Division rivals.
We need to build on the lessons learned over the losing streak and build on it,” NH-S coach Ton Vlahovic said. “Nice to put it together at that right time today.”
New Hope scored 13 runs on 11 hits Thursday, including eight runs in the first three innings, and then four in the bottom of the sixth to break a 9-9 tie.
Joel Carmenini went 3-for-4 with two doubles, one RBI and three runs scored to lead the way.
By the Numbers: New Hope: Joel Carmenini (3-for-4, 2 doubles, 1 RBI, 3 runs), Blake McCagg 2-for-4,1 double), Nathan Plebani (2-for-2, 2 RBIs), Lucas Kevorkian (4 RBIs).
Cheltenham: Eamon Ivory (3-for-4, 1 RBI, 2 runs), Haygen (2-for-4, 1
Key Inning: Bottom of the 6th: After Cheltenham rallied to tie it, Joel Carmenini led off with a double, and after a pair of walks, one run scored on an error, and three on a bases-clearing double by Lucas Kevorkian to make it 13-9.
New Hope coach Tony Vlahovic: “Today’s game started ugly for both teams. We had the feeling that it was going to be a high scoring game and 13-9 definitely is. Losing eight in a row has taught our team a lot about playing every pitch and no matter what happens leaving everything you have on the field.
“Today wasn’t pretty, but after blowing a six-run lead, Cheltenham was scrappy and hit the ball hard and ran the bases really well. The coaches in Cheltenham are definitely building a solid program.”
–Props: “We stress the we/me mentality, and I think today our players realized what that meant. Clutch hitting by three freshmen – Anthony Whelan, Nathan Plebani and Lucas Kevorkian was impressive.
“Gavin Caponegro came in early to relieve and settled down to get his first conference win.”
Up next: New Hope-Solebury (6-9, 3-9 SOL) will host Upper Moreland Monday in Game 1 of its three-game series, and Cheltenham (6-8, 5-7) will host Abington Friday in a non-league game.
Cheltenham 005 031 0 – 9 11 3
New Hope 512 104 x – 13 11 1
William Tennent 10, Lower Moreland 0
William Tennent scored seven runs in the bottom of the second and that was pretty much all that was needed in the finale between the two teams as the Panthers took the season series with a 10-0, mercy-rule shortened win over Lower Moreland.
In Thursday’s win, the Panthers scored 10 runs on seven hits and drew seven walks.
Jackson Archibald allowed only one hit in five innings on the mound.
“The story of the game was senior Jackson Archibald, our ace from last year,” said Tennent coach Lucas Denzi. “Jackson has been dealing with several nagging injuries throughout the season, which have limited his time on the mound this season.
“For him to come out on Senior Night and throw five innings of one-hit baseball was a gutsy and inspiring performance. I’m extremely proud of him and all of our seniors, who have done a tremendous job over the past four seasons.”
By the Numbers: Tennent: Cody Devor (2-for-3, 1 double, 1 triple, 2 RBIs), Jordan Lawson (2 RBIs), Jackson Archibald (WP, 5 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 6 BB, 8 K).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 2nd: Leading 1-0, the Lions’ first nine batters reached base in an inning that saw five walks and two errors. Brandon Alburger had an RBI single, Cody Devor an RBI triple, and Mike Woehr picked up an RBI on a sac fly.
William Tennent coach Lucas Denzi: “We’re looking forward to next week and are excited for the opportunity to compete in what should be a great series against a strong team.”
Up next: William Tennent (6-11, 5-7 SOL) will travel to Springfield Twp Monday for Game 1 of its three-game series, and Lower Moreland (4-13, 2-10) will travel to Cheltenham for Game 1 of its three-game series on Monday.
Lower Moreland 000 00 – 0 1 4
Tennent 170 2x – 10 7 2
SOL Liberty Division
Abington 19, Plymouth Whitemarsh 9 (6 innings)
For a few innings, this looked like a pitchers’ duel. For the final three innings, it was anything but, as the two teams combined for 24 runs.
Abington salvaged Game 3 of the week’s series with Plymouth Whitemarsh with a wild 19-9 victory at home on Thursday.
Chase Wolf went 3-for-4 with a double, a triple and six RBIs, for the Ghosts, who scored 19 runs on 17 hits, including one each from all nine starters.
By the Numbers: Abington: Chase Wolf (3-for-4, 1 double, 1 triple, 6 RBIs, 2 runs), Gavin Grasso (2-for-5, 1 triple, 4 RBIs, 2 run), Mason Kishpaugh (3-for-5, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, 3 runs), Marcus Delgado (3-for-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, 2 runs), Joe Loughney (2-for-3, 1 RBIs, 2 runs).
PW: Luke Festa (2-for-3, 1 double, 3 RBIs), Tommy Baron (1 double, 2 RBIs).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 4th: Leading 3-2, Abington scored six times, taking advantage of a hit batter, an error and two walks, while Chase Wolf drove in three with a bases-loaded triple to make it 7-2. Pat Loughney followed with an RBI single, and Marcus Delgado had a RBI double.
Abington coach George Kotsopoulos: “The team played well, putting the ball in play with exceptional offensive performances from Chase Wolf, Gavin Grasso, Mason Kishpaugh and Marcus Delgado. Each player had multiple hits. Terrific defensive performance by Gavin Grasso at first base. You would not know it’s his first year at the position. (He had) a great diving play today and a wonderful over the shoulder catch late in the game.”
Up next: Abington (3-9 SOL) will host Cheltenham in a non-league game Friday, and Plymouth Whitemarsh (8-8, 6-6) will host Wissahickon Monday in Game 1 of its three-game series.
PW 010 170 – 9 6 2
Abington 120 691 – 19 17 2
Upper Dublin 10, Hatboro-Horsham 0
Upper Dublin completed the three-game sweep on Thursday with a third straight shutout of Hatboro-Horsham, this time by a 10-0 final.
In the three games, the Flying Cardinals outscored the Hatters 21-0.
Thursday, they scored 10 runs on 12 hits in six innings, the final nine coming in the last two innings. Evan Sanders pitched six shutout innings.
“Evan Sanders just did a fantastic job pitching to contact and got through 67 pitches in six innings,” said UD coach Ed Wall. “We took care of the baseball behind him. He only had a pair of strikeouts, and that’s him. He just finds ways to miss barrels, and he trusts his defense with good reason.”
By the Numbers: UD: Eric Berman (2-for-3, double, 1 RBI, 2 runs), Eddie Stoffel (2-for-3, 1 RBI), Oliver Gill (2-for-3, double, 2 RBIs), David Morris (2-for-2), Caron (triple, 2 RBIs), Evan Sanders (WP, 6 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 5th: Up 1-0, UD took command, as the first six batters reached base. Conor Dynan stole home for a run, Eric Berman had an RBI single, Oliver Gill a two-run double and Austin Dahl a two-run single.
UD coach Ed Wall: “It was a one-run game until the fifth. And then we got hot and put five up on them. So, it was a six-run game, and then I brought guys off the bench. Mike Caron had a triple, Eddie Joyce had another single and Chase Greiner had a single.
“We’re getting hot at the right time, and it’s really exciting. It really is.
“It was a clean game. They played good defense with the exception of a spot here or there. We just hit the ball. We put three or four pitchers out there this week, and they all did a good job. It was also nice because the bottom of our order got on base. Conor Dynan had two walks, and then Dave Morris had a great day at the plate with two hits in front of Eric Berman, Eddie Stoffel, and Oliver Gill, which is fantastic.”
Up next: Upper Dublin (11-5, 9-3 SOL) will travel to Quakertown for Game 1 of its three-game series on Monday, and Hatboro-Horsham (5-11, 4-8) will travel to Abington Monday for Game 1 of its three-game series.
H-H 000 000 – 0 4 0
UD 001 054 – 10 12 0
Quakertown 12, Wissahickon 3
After a pair of close losses, Quakertown needed a win to remain in the hunt in the SOL Liberty Division. The bats came alive for the Panthers, as they scored six in their first two at-bats and had 12 runs on 17 hits for a game.
Cole Reich had four hits, including a home run and three RBIs. Freshman Carter Tucholski had a triple and a double. Gerry Stanziola had two hits, a double and three RBIs.
Quakertown is one game behind first-place Upper Dublin heading into a key three-game series next week.
By the Numbers: Quakertown: Cole Reich (4-for-5, HR, 3 RBIs, 2 runs), Gerry Stanziola (2-for-5, 1 double, 3 RBIs, 2 runs), Brady Martin (2-for-3, 1 RBI, 2 runs), Anthony Pellegrini (2-for-4, 2 RBIs), Peyton Trappler (2-for-4, 2 runs), Carter Tucholski (2-for-4, 1 double, 1 triple, 1 RBI, WP, 6 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K).
Key Inning: Top of the 2nd: After one-out singles by Peyton Trappler and CJ Preacher, Gerry Stanziola roped a two-run double to up the lead to 4-0. With two outs, Brady Martin and Gunner Rahn had RBI singles.
Quakertown coach Jon Pallone: “I love the three-game series that we are playing. It’s so much more like college ball. However, I hate losing a series, but sweeping is a big high. We weren’t ourselves the first two games, and Wissahickon did a great job hitting the ball where it was pitched and working good counts.
“Today, we got back to ourselves. We get back at it on the practice field and in the weight room tomorrow to get ready for Upper Dublin.”
–Props: “Carter Tucholski did a great job on the mound controlling the zone. And he helped himself at the plate too. So did Cole Reich and the rest of the lineup. Gerry Stanziola stayed hot extending his hit streak to 9 games.”
Up next: Quakertown (9-6, 8-4 SOL) will host Upper Dublin Monday for the first game of its three-game series, and Wissahickon (9-7, 6-6) will be on the road at Plymouth Whitemarsh Monday for Game 1 of its three-game series.
Quakertown 240 010 5 – 12 17 1
Wissahickon 020 000 1 – 3 6 1
SOL Patriot Division
Pennsbury 3, Bensalem 1
With two runs in the bottom of the sixth, Pennsbury escaped with the series win with a 3-1 victory at home against Bensalem Thursday.
With just a three-games series against rival and first-place Neshaminy next week, the Falcons find themselves one game behind in the division standings. But by no means was securing a second straight win over Bensalem an easy task.
“I said to (Bensalem coach Harry Daut Jr) after the game, I know it’s no consolation, but I think he’s doing a phenomenal job with that team,” Pennsbury coach Joe Pesci said. “They have so much grit. They’re scrappy, they’re good players, they put good barrels on the ball. I thought this was the best series overall so far. The most competitive.”
By the Numbers: Pennsbury: Dylan Hirsh (3-for-3), Ben Seidler (1 RBI), Mike Sogness (1 RBI), Pierce Perry (5 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K), Connor O’Brien (WP, 2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K).
Bensalem: Lukas Wilson (2-for-3, double), Pete Pasquarella (LP, 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3K).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 6th: Tied at 1, Dylan Hirsh got things started with a one-out single, and Ben Seidler followed with a walk. Mike Sogness followed with an RBI single to right field, and a second run crossed on an error to make it a 3-1 game.
Pennsbury coach Joe Pesci: “Today was one of those things. We had two guys on in the first and didn’t score. Leadoff guy on in the second, bunted him over to second and then had two strikeouts. Another guy on in the third and didn’t score. It wasn’t until the fourth inning when we strung a couple hits together, (took advantage of) an error and scored a run.
“Mike Sogness is coming up huge for us. He hit a single to right field, scoring one run, and it scooted past the right fielder, scoring the second run from first. That was massive. Put us up 3-1.
“(Bensalem’s Pete) Pasquarella came on in relief in the first game and got the save, so we knew a little about him. He did great. We only had five hits and Hirsh had three of them.
“Pierce Perry wasn’t at his best, and he went five innings, (allowing) four hits, one unearned run, struck out five and a walk, but he was really good when he needed to be. We didn’t help him – we made 5 errors. It was one of those days. Pierce did a phenomenal job, staying under control. Connor O’Brien came in the last two innings and got the win.”
Up next: Pennsbury (12-3-1, 9-3 SOL) will host Neshaminy in the first game of its three-game series Tuesday, and Bensalem (11-5, 6-5) will host Council Rock North Monday in Game 1 of its three-game series.
Bensalem 001 000 0 – 1 5 2
Pennsbury 000 102 x – 3 5 4
Neshaminy 6, Council Rock South 1
With a third straight stellar outing on the mound, Neshaminy completed the three-game sweep over Council Rock South and maintained a one-game lead atop the Patriot Division standings with a key series against rival Pennsbury on deck for next week.
In Thursday’s 6-1 win, it was Chase Bonner’s turn, as he went the distance, allowing just one earned run and striking out 12.
In three games against the Golden Hawks, Neshaminy pitchers allowed just two runs and had complete-game efforts in each win.
“Game 3 of each series has been a tough game throughout the year,” said Neshaminy coach Dan Toner. “It’s very difficult to beat any team in our league three times. Today, we were able to do so with a stellar performance from Chase Bonner on the mound, timely hitting, and smart base running.”
By the Numbers: Neshaminy: Chase Bonner (WP, 7 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 12 K), Dan Marable (1 double, 1 RBI), Mike Sassano (2 RBIs).
Key Inning: Top of the 7th: Up 3-1, Neshaminy put it away with three more runs. Brandon Lall had a leadoff single and scored on a Dan Marable RBI double to right field. A bases loaded hit by pitch scored one and another insurance run scored on an error.
Neshaminy coach Dan Toner: “Chase was absolutely dominant today, racking up 12 strikeouts. He kept getting better and stronger as the game went on. When our position players take the mound in Game 3, we are usually looking to split the pitching duties up. Today there was no need.
“Our pitchers (Jared Kligerman, Matt Gryn, Chase Bonner) all threw complete games for us, and all had great performances throughout the week.”
–At the Plate: “Dan Marable and Mike Sassano have been locked in at the plate all season. They have come through for us so many times already and today was no different. It’s fun to watch.”
Up next: Neshaminy (10-4, 9-2 SOL) will travel to Pennsbury Tuesday for Game 1 of a three-game series, and Council Rock South (6-8, 4-6) will face Council Rock North Saturday (11 am) at Trenton Thunder Ballpark.
Neshaminy 020 001 3 – 6 5 1
CR South 010 000 0 – 1 7 2
Council Rock North 6, Harry S Truman 2
One in the fourth and three insurance runs in the sixth were the difference, as CR North finished off an efficient week with the 6-2 win and the season sweep of Truman on Thursday afternoon.
The Indians outscored Truman, 20-8, in three games. Preston Martin struck out 11 and allowed just one earned run in a seven-inning, complete-game effort on Thursday.
By the Numbers: CR North: Jude Hamilton (3-for-4, 1 RBI), Kyle Book (3-for-4, double, 2 runs scored), Preston Martin (2 RBIs, WP, 7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 11 K).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 6th: Leading 3-2, CR North’s Peyton Shaw led off with a single and was bunted to second. Joe Rizzo singled to put runners on the corner, one run scored on an error, a Jude Hamilton single scored another, and the final run scored on another Truman fielding error.
CR North coach Matt Schram: “Tonight, it was Preston Martin’s turn to throw a gem – a complete game, 11 Ks, and in full command of all pitches. He was spectacular for only his second start this year. It was well needed.
“Jude Hamilton and Kyle Book had great days at the plate with three hits each, and Preston Martin helped himself early on with two RBIs.
“Proud of the level of play the guys are showing.”
Up next: Council Rock North (9-6, 5-5 SOL) will face Council Rock South Saturday (11 a.m.) at Trenton Thunder Ballpark, and Harry S Truman (2-14, 0-12) will travel to Council Rock South Monday for Game 1 of a three-game series next week.
Truman 000 200 0 – 2 4 2
CR North 020 103 x – 6 10 2
SOL Colonial Division
Central Bucks South 5, Pennridge 4
After dropping Game 2 of the three-games series, CB South needed a bounce back win and got that Thursday on the road with the 5-4 win over Pennridge to claim the season series between the two squads.
Brett Barrett picked up the win on the mound, allowing just two earned runs in six innings. He also had a two-run home run in the third inning for the Titans.
CB South coach Kevin Bray: “Obviously, our goal is to win every time we step on the field. The next best thing right now is taking a series, and we’ve done that the last three series. I’m very happy with our guys. It’s a super competitive conference. You know that going into every game. Credit to Pennridge – after the first game, the series could have went a couple of different ways, but they gave us all we could handle and then some. Our guys were very resilient.”
By the Numbers: CB South: Brett Barrett (2-for-4, HR, 2 RBIs, WP, 6 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K), Connor Thompson (2-for-3, 2 doubles, 2 runs).
Key Inning: Top of the 3rd: Leading 2-0, Jake Yang walked and the next batter, Brett Barrett, belted a home run to center field to make it a four-run game.
Up next: Pennridge (9-8, 4-8 SOL) will travel to North Penn Monday for Game 1 of its three-game series, and Central Bucks South (10-6, 7-5) will be on the road at Central Bucks East on Monday for Game 1 of its series.
CB South 202 010 0 – 5 6 0
Pennridge 000 200 2 – 4 8 0
Souderton 3, North Penn 1
After dropping four straight, including two to North Penn, Souderton needed a victory, and it needed to win for the first time under the lights on its new field.
Thursday night, the Indians took care of the first-place Knights by a 3-1 final score, with clutch offense and a solid night on the mound by pitcher Trent Lutz.
Offensively, Lutz helped himself out with a RBI on a groundout in the second, Tyler Deery had an RBI double in the fourth and then Connor Klock made it 3-0 with a RBI triple in the fifth inning.
“This was a huge team win for us tonight,” said Indians coach Mike Childs. “First one on our new field. It felt good to finally get one there.
“After dropping our last four games in a row, heads were down, and confidence struggled. Yesterday at practice, we re-grouped and talked about all it takes is one big game to start the ball rolling. We knew beating North Penn even one game would give some big points in the rankings.”
By the Numbers: Souderton: Connor Klock (2-for-3, 1 triple, 1 RBI), Tyler Deery (2-for-3, 1 double, 1 RBI), Trent Lutz (WP, 6 2/3 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K).
Coach Mike Childs said: “Trent’s last two outings have been good, but we did not put up many runs for him. We didn’t put up many tonight also, but he did a good job keeping a good North Penn lineup to one run. He is only a sophomore, and he has been doing everything we have been asking him to do on the mound. He is a competitor.”
–More Props: “Other bright spots – I am happy to see starting to get hot with the bat at the right time are Connor Klock and Tyler Deery, each with two hits and both having extra base hits.
“Finally, I want to give credit to our bench. They are a valuable part of our team, and they were back tonight. Any coach that has coached for a while can understand the importance they bring to a team especially heading into playoffs.”
Up Next: Souderton (8-6-1, 7-5 SOL) plays Game 1 of its series with CB West on the road Monday, while North Penn (14-3, 9-3 SOL), which has a two-game lead in the division standings with three to play, hosts Pennridge Monday in the first game of its final series of the season.
North Penn 000 000 1 – 1 5 0
Souderton 010 110 x – 3 6 2
Central Bucks West 9, Central Bucks East 7
After getting swept in its previous series by North Penn, CB West responded in a big way this week, completing a sweep of rival CB East with a 9-7 win Thursday night at Hanusey Field.
It wasn’t easy, as all three games were decided by two runs or less.
Thursday, CB East jumped up 7-0 in the first inning, only to see CB West respond with an eight-run rally in the third inning. A pair of pitchers also held the Patriots off the scoreboard for the remainder of the game.
Liam Quinn threw five scoreless innings to earn the win, allowing just three hits while striking out four and walking three. Jack Hogenauer threw a scoreless seventh to earn the save, entering the game after East’s leadoff batter reached base on an error.
“Liam Quinn coming in and holding them after the way after we gave up a 7 spot in the first inning was what swung the momentum,” CB West coach Thomas Spratt said. “Putting up an 8 spot after Liam comes in gave us the confidence Liam needed to attack the zone and get ahead. Throughout the entire game no lead was safe. East has a great one up so getting ahead and pitching in our counts was needed. Liam did a fantastic job.”
Dominic Berretta and Jacob Greer both had home runs for the Bucks in the third inning.
By the Numbers: CB West: Ernie Sanchez (2-for-4, 1 double, 2 RBIs), Jacob Greer (HR, 3 RBIs), Dominic Berretta (HR, 2 RBIs), Liam Quinn (WP, 5 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K), Jack Hogenauer (Save, 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K).
CB East: Jack Thompson (2-for-3, HR, 3 RBIs), Matt Sharkey (HR, 1 RBI).
Key Inning: Top of the 3rd: Berretta was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Connor Grzywacz reached on an error with one out, and Ernie Sanchez drove in two runs with a two-out single. After another walk, Jacob Greer belted a two-run home run, and it was a 7-5 game. After a double by Alex Valdes, Gavin Shiffler hit an RBI single, and Dominic Berretta hit a two-run homer to put the Bucks in front.
Central Bucks West coach Thomas Spratt on the game:
Up Next: CB West (10-6, 6-6 SOL) hosts Souderton in Game 1 of its final series of the regular season on Monday. CB East (6-10, 3-9 SOL) hosts CB South in Game 1 of its series on Monday.
CB West 008 001 0 – 9 9 2
CB East 700 000 0 – 7 10 2
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