Check out the recaps for SOL baseball teams in action Monday. (Photo courtesy of Cindy Manero/PW baseball)
SOL Patriot Division
COUNCIL ROCK NORTH 5, BENSALEM 4
With one out in the bottom of the seventh and the tying run on second and winning run on first, Rock North turned the timeliest of double plays. It began with second baseman Ethan Ferrara fielding a grounder, firing to shortstop Peyton Shaw at second, and Shaw capping off the DP with a throw to first baseman Jude Hamilton.
“We inserted Ethan Ferrera in the last inning,” Rock North coach Matt Schram said. “He didn’t play the whole game. He was off the bench for a defensive replacement, and he started the 4-6-3 double play.
“That’s kind of what’s been happening right now. Everybody’s contributing. Guys are coming off the bench and doing the right thing.”
The win was the fifth in a row for the Indians with three of those wins by one run, and thrilling endings are nothing new to this squad.
“Every game in our league is like that,” Schram said. “Everything’s a barn burner. Every game, every pitch is stressful. It’s emotionally charged. Everybody’s good. It’s a lot of fun.”
The teams took turns exchanging the lead with Rock North opening up a 3-0 lead in the top of the first only to see the Owls come back to knot the score. Rock North won it with a pair in the top of the sixth that included a successful safety squeeze to plate the tying score and Will Cabo’s single that brought home the game-winner.
Will Godonois – who started and allowed just one earned run in six innings – notched the win while freshman Ben Hinderberger threw a scoreless seventh to earn the save.
“(Hinderberger) is a freshman,” Schram said. “He was strolling through the season, finding his way, finding his athleticism.
“We put him in in a huge situation against a really good Bensalem team, and now, he’s feeling pretty confident in himself, which he should because he did a nice job.”
Five Rock North players drove in runs with Hamilton, Will Seiler and Preston Martin each collecting a pair of hits.
For the Owls, Peter Pasquarella had a pair of hits and two RBIs.
The Indians are 7-5 in league play after starting the season 2-5 and – after Monday’s win – moved up to 21st in the latest District 1 6A rankings in what will be a 24-team field.
“We keep telling these guys – every game is our internal World Series,” Schram said. “We have to win just to stay ahead and stay afloat, so the wins are big.
“These (three-game) series are just amazing – the energy, the excitement. It’s just much better than I thought it was going to be.”
By the numbers: Council Rock North: Jude Hamilton (2-for-4, 1RBI, 1R), Will Seiler (2-for-3, 2B, 1RBI, 1R), Preston Martin (2-for-4, 1RBI), Joe Rizzo (1-for-3, 1RBI, 1R), Will Cabo (1-for-1, 1RBI)
Will Godonis (W) (6.0 IP, 5H, 4R, 1ER, 2BB, 5K), Ben Hinderberger (S) (1.0 IP, 2 H, 0R)
Bensalem: Peter Pasquarella (2-for-3, 2RBI, 1R), Jimmy McGinty (1-for-3, 2B, 1RBI), Cole Hassen (1-for-3, 1RBI)
Key inning: Top of first: Rizzo led off with a single, moved up to second on a wild pitch and to third on Cabo’s sacrifice bunt. Jude Halmiton’s single plated Rizzo, and Hamilton scored on Seiler’s double. Martin’s two out single plated Seiler to give the visiting Indians a 3-0 lead.
Top of sixth: With the teams deadlocked 3-3, Noah Furman drew a walk to lead off the inning, and Preston Shaw was safe when his sac bunt was misplayed. Both runners advanced on Jake Newman’s sacrifice bunt, and Shaw scored the go-ahead run on Rizzo’s safety squeeze bunt. Cabo followed with an RBI single to right, putting the Indians on top 5-3.
Bottom of seventh: Trailing by one, Bensalem’s Lukas Wilson led off the inning with a single. With one out, Mikey Kramer lined a single to center, but the rally ended on a ground ball to second baseman Ethan Ferrara that resulted in a game-ending 4-6-3 double play..
Council Rock North coach Matt Schram:
–Taking early 3-0 lead: “That was nice, but three runs – I could have told you after the first inning, three runs is not enough of a lead against Bensalem. They’re just way too good.”
–Young team coming of age: “We’re young. I have four seniors on the team, so it’s definitely been a learning experience. They’re learning the right things at the right time, and they’re having a ton of fun. They’re enjoying each other, and, of course, winning does that as well.”
–The district rankings: “As much as you watch the rankings, I always bring my guys back and say, ‘All right, next game. Let’s worry about the next game.’ “This was a big win, no doubt about it. It was almost like the playoffs started for us two weeks ago. We were in a must-win mindset once we started the three-game series, and we’re still in that mindset.”
Up next: Council Rock North (11-6, 7-5 SOL) will host Bensalem (11-6, 6-6) Tuesday.
Council Rock North 300 002 0 5-10-1
Bensalem 012 001 0 4-8-1
SOL Colonial Division
SOUDERTON 8, CENTRAL BUCKS WEST 1
Tyler Lutz did what Tyler Lutz does best.
Souderton’s ace thew the complete game win to give the Indians a one-game edge to open the final three-game series of the season. The Bucks managed just one hit and one run. Lutz struck out nine and walked two in another stellar performance.
Both teams scored a run in the second. The Indians scored a run without a hit in the top of the inning, benefitting from back-to-back walks, a sacrifice bunt by Ben Divens and a wild pitch.
For the Bucks, Michael Koldhoff drew a one-out walk and scored when Alex Valdes hit a two-out double.
The Indians all but put the game away with a six-run third inning that featured seven singles. The rest of the night belonged to the respective pitchers.
Lutz put an exclamation point on the impressive win striking out the last two batters he faced in a 1-2-3 seventh. He reached his quota of pitches on the final batter of the game.
Charlie Hunsicker and Tyler Deery led the Indians with two hits each.
The game – West’s home game – was played at Souderton where the two teams will meet again Tuesday.
By the numbers: Souderton – Charlie Hunsicker (2-for-3, 1RBI, 1R), Tyler Deery (2-for-3, 1RBI, 1R), Tyler Lutz (1-for-2, 2B, 1RBI, 1R), Trent Lutz (2B)
Tyler Lutz (W) (7.0 IP, 3H, 1R, 1ER, 2BB, 9K)
Key inning: Top of third: Deadlocked at 1 apiece, the Indians exploded for seven runs. Hunsicker hit a one-out single and advanced to third on Connor Klock’s single to right field. Cody Ricko’s single plated Hunsicker, and Tyler Lutz followed with an RBI single. A miscue on Evan Divens’ grounder to short loaded the bases. Deery singled home a run, and when Ben Divens drew a bases-loaded walk, a fourth run crossed the plate. Eric Divens scored the fifth run on a fielder’s choice by Brett Pollock, and the inning’s final run came home when Hunsicker picked up his second single of the inning. The Indians led 8-1, a score that stood until the final out.
Souderton coach Mike Childs: “It was definitely nice knowing rain should not affect many of our games anymore. Also, giving us the flexibility to do what we did today with the swap just to get it in.
“I was very happy with our offensive production today. We had had great contact and barreled up some balls. The first four batters all got a hit and we had 2 additional hits off our bench.
–Props: “Tyler Deery led us with two hits. He is seeing the ball well and looks very relaxed in the box.”
–Lutz in command: “Tyler Lutz did his thing on the mound with 9 Ks today and holding a solid hitting West team to one run. It’s nice knowing you have a pitcher like him to start every series. The fielders are very confident playing behind him and today it showed.”
Up next: Souderton (9-6-1, 8-5 SOL) will host Central Bucks West (10-7, 6-7) on Tuesday.
Souderton 017 000 0 8-9-0
Central Bucks West 010 000 0 1-3-2
SOL Liberty Division
ABINGTON 6, HATBORO-HORSHAM 5
The Ghosts broke a 3-3 tie with a three-run fifth inning and then held off a Hatters’ comeback attempt in the top of the seventh, turning a game-ending double play to bring a dramatic end to the contest.
Mason Kishbaugh, Chase Wolf and Phin Capone led the Ghosts with two hits each.
Joe Loughney and Wolf combined for the win on the mound.
By the numbers: Abington: Mason Kishbaugh (2-for-2, 2B, 1RBI, 2R), Chase Wolf (2-for-3, 2B, 2RBI, 1R), Phin Capone (2-for-3, 2B), Pat Loughney (1-for-3, 1RBI), Gavin Grasso (1-for-3, 2B, 1RBI).
Joe Loughney (W) (5.0 IP, 5H, 3R, 3ER, 3BB, 2K), Chase Wolf (2.0 IP, 1H, 2R, 1ER, 1BB, 2K)
Hatboro-Horsham: Ricky Klenk (2-for-3, 2B, 1RBI, 1R), Jamie O’Neill (1-for-2, 2B), Isaiah Brown (1-for-3, 1R).
Key inning: Bottom of fifth: With the score deadlocked 3-3, Kishbaugh drew a leadoff walk and scored when Wolf doubled to left field. Pat Loughney singled home a run, and Jacob Delgado laid down a sacrifice bunt. A third run scored on an error, and the Ghosts led 6-3.
Up next: Abington (4-10, 4-9 SOL) will travel to Hatboro-Horsham Tuesday.
Abington coach George Kotsopoulos: “It was an excellent offensive game by Mason Kishpaugh and Chase Wolf.”
Up next: Abington (4-10, 4-9 SOL) will travel to Hatboro-Horsham (5-12, 4-9) Tuesday.
Hatboro-Horsham 110 100 2 5-6-1
Abington 002 130 x 6-11-3
PLYMOUTH WHITEMARSH 7, WISSAHICKON 1
The Colonials received a standout performance on the mound from Bobby Pasquarello and broke a 1-1 tie with a six-run outburst in the bottom of the sixth inning to win the opener in their final three-game series of the season.
“Once again, we got another very gutsy performance on the mound from Bobby Pasquarello,” PW coach Chris Manero said. “He was throwing his best stuff in his last inning, and he continues to look like anything but a freshman in these big games.”
Pasquarello reached his pitch quota with two outs in the sixth inning, striking out the first two batters he faced in the inning before issuing a walk. Nate Quirus needed just three pitches to retire the first batter he faced.
PW’s six-run sixth was highlighted by a two-run triple by Mason Eagland.
Quirus issued a one-out walk in the seventh, but then turned a 1-6-3 double play on a grounder back to the mound to close out the game.
Ryan Heincer and Tommy Baron led the Colonials 11-hit attack with two hits each.
The Colonials are 22nd in the latest District 1 6A rankings while the Trojans are 18th.
By the numbers: Plymouth Whitemarsh: Ryan Heincer (2-for-4, 1RBI, 1R), Tommy Baron (2-for-4, 2B, 1RBI), Cole Reilly (1-for-3, 2RBI, 1R), Brody Stump (1-for-3, 2B, 1R), Mason Eagland (1-for-3, 2RBI, 1R).Gabe Caucci (1-for-3, 1RBI, 1R)
Bobby Pasquarello (5.2 IP, 5H, 1R, 1ER, 3BB, 2K), Nate Quirus (W) (1.1 IP, 0H, 0R, 1BB)
Key inning: Bottom of sixth: With the score deadlocked 1-1, Spencer Rosen and Dominic Criscuolo led off the inning with back-to-back singles – Criscuolo’s a bunt single, and both advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Sam Stolzer. Caucci followed with an RBI single, and Eagland delivered the inning’s big blow – a two-run triple to center field. Heincer singled home Eagland. Back-to-back walks to Stump and Mikey Bongard loaded the bases. With two outs, Reilly lined a two-run single, giving the Trojans a 7-1 lead.
Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Chris Manero: “While most of the action at the plate came late in the game, it was probably our most complete offensive game of the year. Eleven hits combined with six walks gave us a lot of opportunities, and by the sixth inning, we were able to capitalize.
“We had contributions up and down the lineup today, we had a few very productive at bats off the bench, and we did some important little things right. Big hits, good baserunning, and successful bunts all played a role.”
Up next: Plymouth Whitemarsh (9-8, 7-6 SOL) will travel to Wissahickon (9-8, 6-7) Tuesday.
Wissahickon 001 000 0 1-5-0
Plymouth Whitemarsh 010 006 x 7-11-0
SOL Freedom Division
SPRINGFIELD TWP 2, WILLIAM TENNENT 1
The Spartans eked out a win that was anything but easy. They took a 2-0 lead into the seventh inning when the visiting Panthers used three straight walks to load the bases with none out.
Ryan Trader entered the game and struck out the first batter he faced. A single by Cody Devor plated one run, but Trader dug deep and came up with a huge strikeout for the inning’s second out. A win was in the books when Trader coaxed a fly ball to center field for the game’s final out.
Nolan Kidwell, who earned the win, gave the Spartans six strong innings, allowing just four hits and one run. He pitched to one batter in the seventh – the first of three walks to open the inning.
John Matthews led the Spartans with two hits.
Tennent’s Mark Woeher pitched well enough to win on most days, allowing just five hits in the complete game effort..
By the numbers: Springfield Twp: Jon Matthews (2-for-2, 2B, 1R), Anderson Kerper (1-for-3, 1RBI), John Lynch (1-for-1, 1RBI)
Nolan Kidwell (W) (6.0 IP, 4H, 1R, 1ER, 6BB, 5K), Ryan Trader (1.0, 1H 0R, 2K)
William Tennent: Cody Devor (2-for-4, 1RBI)
Mike Woeher (L) (6.0 IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 2BB, 5K)
Key innings: Bottom of the third: With one out, Matthews doubled, and with two outs, Matthew Caruso walked, and Kerper delivered an RBI single to give the Spartans a 1-0 lead.
Bottom of fourth: Owen Hastings drew a leadoff walk and scored when John Lynch singled to put the Spartans on top 2-0.
Springfield Twp coach Rob Bond: “Another close game today, the boys seem to making a habit of it. It was our Senior Day, so it’s always nice to get a win on Senior Day.
“Another great performance from Nolan Kidwell. He has been dialed in all year. Ryan Trader was able to get the save. He has been in this role for a little while now, and he seems to thrive in that position.
“We were able to scratch a run early and then got a pinch hit RBI from senior John Lynch which was huge. Both teams pitched really with each team only getting five hits apiece. No time to rest, have to get back at it tomorrow for game two.”
Up next: Springfield Twp (14-3, 12-1 SOL) will travel to William Tennent (6-12, 5-8) for game two of the series on Tuesday.
William Tennent 000 000 1 1-5-1
Springfield Twp 001 100 x 2-5-0
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