Check out the recaps for SOL baseball teams in action Thursday. Pennsbury/Neshaminy photos provided courtesy of Darryl Rule of J&D Photography, and Council Rock North/Bensalem photos courtesy of John Gleeson. Check back for photo galleries. CLICK HERE to go directly to Suburban One Sports' BASEBALL GALLERIES.
SOL Patriot Division
Pennsbury 10, Neshaminy 3
Pennsbury won a league title on Thursday, and it did so in a big way.
The Falcons knocked around Neshaminy pitching for the second straight day, scoring six runs in the first two innings on the way to the 10-3 Patriot Division victory.
In all, Pennsbury put 10 runs on the board, had 13 hits, four extra base hits and received a stellar pitching effort from Quinton Shaffer.
“We've kind of run the league over the past five, six, seven years, and they've gone further in playoffs and won a couple district titles,” said Pennsbury coach Joe Pesci. “I think the fact that it came down to us beating them two times last year to win the league title at the end, and then this year again, I think it's cool just the way it was set up. It’s a playoff atmosphere, but I think it's great for the league to have meaningful games at the end like that.”
Key Players: P - Brendan Zuckerman (3-for-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs, 2 runs), Finn Burke (2-for-4, double), Pierce Perry (double, 2 RBIs, 3 runs), Carlton Crane (2-for-3, 2 runs), Ty Lee (2-for-4, 1 RBI), Michael Sogness (2 RBIs), Henry Garlits (2 RBIs), Quinton Shaffer (WP, 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 10 K).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 1st - Carlton Crane led off with a single, Pierce Perry walked, and Brendan Zuckerman knocked them both home with a two-RBI double. Michael Sogness’ RBI single scored Zuckerman to make it 3-0.
Pennsbury coach Joe Pesci:
“Yesterday, we scored 10 runs. We only had six hits, but we took advantage of 10 walks and six errors yesterday, but we've been scoring. I think in all of our games and scrimmages, we've scored more than 10 runs with the exception of three or four of the games. But then today we kind of exploded - we had 13 hits, and again, we still took advantage of five walks, a hit by pitch, but our guys have just been hitting all year. And they hit up and down the lineup, and they hit in the first inning and the seventh inning. So, it's been great knowing that no matter what situation we're in, we can score runs in bunches, no matter what the inning is.
“We talked about this all year. Last year, we just pitched like crazy and defended like crazy, and we would hit once in a while. And our losses—we had seven losses by nine total runs last year. This year we've been pounding the ball, and our pitching has been good enough.”
–The pitching: “It was really great. Tuesday, we lose with Keller (Bradley) by one, when we had a couple runs left on the board. But to get what we got from (Owen) Hawkes and from Quinton Shaffer today - Hawkes is a different type of pitcher - fastball, splitter, kind of kept the ball down, got a lot of ground outs and fly outs. Only had a strikeout or two.
“Today, Quinton had 10 strikeouts. I think the most impressive part was we go up 3-0 in the first and then he walks the first two guys. He threw nine straight balls to start the second inning and then got out of it unscathed. That was huge for me. that showed a total competitive edge from him that we really needed.
“So, for Owen to go seven innings yesterday after using three pitchers on Tuesday, and then Q taking us into the seventh inning today, that just gives us a lot of confidence going into the playoffs, where we know we're only going to be playing two games a week, and we have all these arms that are starting to show up at the right time.”
–The rivalry: “Look, you play Neshaminy in March or any time you play Neshaminy, it’s going to feel that way, just because there is history. Coach (Dan) Toner and I, like I’ve said for years, we've known each other since ‘97, playing in high school. I graduated 2000, he graduated 2001. He was at North, I was at Pennsbury. Then he went to West Chester, I went to Bloomsburg. And we’ve coached against each other, so we’ve been in baseball together for 30 years. So, just that alone, and then we run our camps together, and our kids are playing community baseball together, they’re playing travel baseball together. So I think all of it creates the story.”
Next up: Pennsbury (17-2, 13-2 SOL) has a champion vs. champion non-league game on Monday against Pennridge at Mercer County Park (NJ). Neshaminy (14-5, 12-3 SOL) is off until next Friday when it plays non-league against Abington.
Neshaminy 002 000 1 - 3 6 2
Pennsbury 330 013 x - 10 13 0
Council Rock North 10, Bensalem 0 (6 innings)
After a rough stretch where it went 1-5 against division heavyweights Neshaminy and Pennsbury, CR North has gotten it right the last two weeks.
Thursday, the Indians wrapped up a season sweep of Bensalem by a 10-0 final in six innings.
In a six-game win streak against Truman and Bensalem, they’ve outscored their opponents 58-7.
After a slow start Thursday, CR North scored 10 runs over its final four at bats, walking it off with an RBI single by Ethan Ferrara in the bottom of the sixth.
Key Players: CRN - Jude Hamilton (WP, 6 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K), Ethan Ferrara (3-for-4, 2 RBIs, 2 runs), Kyle Book (2-for-3, triple, 1 RBI).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 3rd - Zack Ruple reached on a one-out error, followed by a Preston Martin single. Ryan Bukowski and Kyle Book followed with RBI 
singles.
CR North coach Matt Schram:
“It was a really nice and special day as we had senior day. All the seniors played in front of their families and friends, they contributed to a great win. Seniors Ethan Ferrara and Kyle Book combined for five hits, and senior Jude Hamilton was on point and efficient as usual. No walks and scattered six hits and getting the shutout win. It was a fun day at the yard with all the families.”
–Next week: “It’s always fun finishing the year vs our sister school CR South. We are excited to continue the team chemistry and success next week.”
Next up: CR North (11-6, 7-5 SOL) starts its series with rival CR South at home on Monday. Bensalem wrapped up its season with a 4-13 record (3-12 SOL).
Bensalem 000 000 - 0 6 4
CR North 003 322 - 10 9 0
Council Rock South 4, Harry S Truman 0
Still teetering on the playoff bubble, with three critical games on deck next week, it was an important week for CR South, and Thursday, the Golden Hawks finished off the sweep of Truman with a 4-0 victory.
The Hawks outscored Truman 31-2 over three games.
Reed Curtier pitched the first six innings for CR South, allowing just one hit and one walk, while striking out 12. Nick DiSalvo struck out the side to close the game out in the bottom of the seventh.
The Hawks started Thursday in the No. 24 position in the power rankings for the 24-team District One Class 6A playoffs.
Key Players: CRS - Reed Curtier (WP, 6 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 12 K), Nick DiSalvo (1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K), Gavin Day (double, 3 RBIs).
Key Inning: Top of the 6th - Clinging to a 1-0 lead, Myers singled with one out, and Nick DiSalvo was hit by a pitch. Then, after a two-out walk to Jack Reynolds, Gavin Day hit a three-run double to right field to make it 4-0.
CR South coach Greg Paprocki:
“Truman’s starter (Gavin Kenworthy) did a really good job of keeping us off balance throughout the game.
“We did what we needed to do to stay alive. We’re going to get a few good practices in this weekend and be ready for what’s going to be a great series against Council Rock North.”
Next up: CR South (11-7, 6-6 SOL), plays at CR North in the first of three on Monday. Truman (3-16, 1-14 SOL) has a home nonleague game against Hatboro-Horsham scheduled for Monday.
CR South 000 013 0 - 4 5 1
Truman 000 000 0 - 0 1 1
SOL Colonial Division
Souderton 7, Central Bucks West 2
It was a big week for Souderton.
With three wins over CB West, including 7-2 on Thursday, the Indians solidified a second-place finish in the division and head into the postseason on a huge high.
Thursday’s victory was Souderton’s seventh in the last eight games.
It scored seven runs on 12 hits, including four doubles.
Brett Pollock notched the win with 5 1/3 strong innings. Trent Lutz’s three-hit effort led the Indians.
Key Players: S - Brett Pollock (WP, 5 1/3 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K; 2-for-3, double, 1 RBI), Trent Lutz (3-for-4, 2 RBIs), Johnny Brywa (2-for-4, double).
CBW - Jacob Greer (2-for-4, 2 HR, 2 RBIs, 2 runs).
Key Inning: Top of the 5th - Tied at 1, Souderton took the lead for good with four big runs. Johnny Byrwa and Brendan Boyd led off with doubles, and Gavin Wisnoski walked to load the bases. A Jasiah Stachelek single drove in one run, a sac fly by Brett Pollock scored one, and then Trent Lutz hit a two-run single to make it 5-1.
Souderton coach Mike Childs:
“We are playing some good baseball right now and it is perfect timing for playoffs. Our bats have been heating up, and it showed today with 12 hits.
“Trent (Lutz) is known for his arm but is confidently doing it at the plate also. He had a big hit on Tuesday to score our first run and added three hits today.
“Brett Pollock was impressive today with his first start of the year.”
Next up: Souderton (12-7, 11-4 SOL) tunes up for the playoffs with a rivalry game at home against Quakertown on Monday night. CB West (11-8, 8-7 SOL) plays at Oley Valley in a non-league game on Tuesday.
Souderton 000 140 2 - 7 12 1
CB West 001 000 1 - 2 3 4
Pennridge 2, North Penn 0
With an impressive effort on the mound from Connor Murray, Pennridge put a bow on a big week and an impressive run to end its SOL Colonial schedule with a 2-0 win over North Penn on Thursday night.
The Rams swept North Penn out of playoff contention this week and have now won 11 straight games in clinching the Colonial title. Since a 10-0 mercy-rule loss on April 13, Pennridge pitchers allowed three runs or fewer runs in nine of those 11 games.
Thursday, Murray gave up just one hit over 5 2/3 innings, scattering five walks and striking out seven, before giving way to reliever Anthony Cox for the final four outs. Murray carried a no-hitter into the sixth.
Key Players: P - Connor Murray (WP, 5 2/3 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 7 K; 2-for-2, triple, 1 RBI), Anthony Cox (Save, 1 1/3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K), Nick Calabretti (1 RBI).
NP - Grayson Fontaine (LP, 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 4th - Noah Keating was hit by a pitch with two outs, and the next batter, Connor Murray ripped a triple to left field for the game’s first run. Nick Calabretti followed with an RBI single to make it 2-0.
Pennridge coach Dan Long:
“We continue to get excellent starting pitching, and Anthony Cox is as good as they come out of the bullpen.
“It’s always a positive to finish the conference schedule with a win. We have some tough opponents next week and look forward to trying to finish the regular season strong.”
Next up: Pennridge (15-2, 13-2 SOL) has three non-league games next week to stay sharp for the playoffs, starting against Patriot Division champ Pennsbury at Mercer County (NJ) Ballpark on Monday. North Penn (8-11, 5-10 SOL) wraps up its season Friday night with a non-league game at Hostelley Park against Spring-Ford.
North Penn 000 000 0 - 0 3 0
Pennridge 000 200 x - 2 4 1
SOL Liberty Division
Wissahickon 2, Plymouth Whitemarsh 1
On Monday and Tuesday, Wissahickon ended up on the short end of a couple of one-run games to Plymouth Whitemarsh and watched the Colonials celebrate clinching the Liberty Division title.
Thursday, the Trojans got a much needed victory in the third and final game against PW, 2-1, as Nate Hammond dazzled on the mound with a complete-game victory.
But this final series to decide the division top spot was indicative of how evenly-matched these two teams are, as each game was determined by a single run.
Hammond went 5-0, allowing just three earned runs, in league games.
Key Players: W - Nate Hammond (WP, 7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K; 1 RBI), Padraig Romano (1 RBI), Matt Press (2-for-3), Thomas Puerzer (2-for-3).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 5th - With the score tied a 1, Nate Binkley singled and then stole second. Nate Hammond broke the tie with an RBI single to left field.
Wissahickon coach Andy Noga:
“It was important for us to reset after two tough losses to start the week. We felt like with a win we were going to be able to clinch a home playoff game, so that was our mindset. Just win today and get one more meaningful game together in the playoffs at home.
“Baseball wise, Nate Hammond was terrific. He did his thing on the mound and was able to make the pressure pitches when needed.
“Padraig Romano came up with a clutch hit to get us on the board and then Nate was able to help himself out with the big hit to have us go ahead.
“Max Eagland from PW was also very good. I give that kid a lot of credit. He took the ball in all three games this week. Games 1 and 2 were huge moments for them, and he was able to get the last outs. Then today he was able to come back again and go pitch for pitch with Nate the whole game.”
Next up: Wissahickon (11-7, 9-6 SOL) hosts Germantown Academy in a non-league game on Monday. PW (14-6, 11-5 SOL) is done for the regular season, and awaits its seeding for the District One Class 6A playoffs.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 001 000 0 - 1 5 0
Wissahickon 010 010 x - 2 7 1
Quakertown 4, Upper Dublin 2
After giving up two runs with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Quakertown found a way to win Thursday’s division finale in extra innings, taking the season series with Upper Dublin with a 4-2 win.
Brady Martin and William Bowen had back-to-back RBI doubles in the eighth for the Panthers.
Carter Tucholski, who homered in the first inning, retired the Flying Cardinals in order in the bottom of the eight to clinch the victory.
Four of Quakertown’s six hits were extra-base hits.
Key Players: Q - William Bowen (2-for-3, double, 1 RBI), Brody Martin (double, 1 RBI), Carter Tucholski (WP, 1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K; HR, 1 RBI), Lochlan Everitt (6 2/3 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 8 K); UD - Eddie Stoffel (2-for-4, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs), Luke Caron (5 2/3 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 8 K).
Key Inning: Top of the 8th - With two outs, Peyton Trappler singled to keep the inning alive. Brody Martin then roped an RBI double to center field, and William Bowen followed with an RBI double of his own to make it a 4-2 game.
Quakertown coach Jon Pallone:
“That was a tough game. We got up early with CJ Peacher having a nice hit and running the bases aggressively. Then, Carter Tucholski hits another home run.
“Lochlan Everitt pitched a great game again. That Eddie Stoffel is a tough out. I’m glad we don’t have to see him again this year. He had a great hit to tie the game up, but we bounced back. With two outs, Peyton Trappler fought to get on base and then Brady Martin came up big. He is an absolute gamer. The bigger the situation, the better he is. William Bowen followed suit to add some insurance. Then Carter shut the door from the mound.”
Next up: Quakertown (11-7, 9-6 SOL) has a non-league game Monday night at Souderton. Upper Dublin (11-9, 7-8 SOL) wrapped up its regular-season and is off until a May 18 first-round Class 5A district playoff game.
Quakertown 200 000 02 - 4 6 1
Upper Dublin 000 000 20 - 2 4 2
Hatboro-Horsham 2, Abington 1
Hatboro-Horsham entered the week on an eight-game losing streak, looking for wins to not only snap that skid, but also secure a spot in the District One Class 5A playoffs.
Thursday’s 2-1 nail-biter against Abington won the three-game series, and with that, the Hatters find themselves in the No. 12 and final spot in the district tournament. Seedings will be finalized on May 14, with first-round games on May 18.
H-H’s Chase Canney was just what his team needed against Abington, throwing a complete-game one-hitter, walking two and striking out six.
Key Players: H-H - Chase Canney (WP, 7 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K; 2-for-4), Kenny Lutz (2-for-3, 1 RBI), Makhi English (1 RBI).
A - George Hooven (LP, 6 IP, 8 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 6th - Trailing 1-0, Remaily singled to lead off the inning, and then Daly was hit by a pitch. A one-out error loaded the bases, English walked to drive in a run, and a sacrifice fly by Kenny Lutz plated the go-ahead run.
H-H coach Andy Fisher:
“We needed a big performance from Chase Canney today and that’s exactly what he gave us. Chase has been really good on the mound for us, but today he was on another level. His stuff just gets better every time he is on the mound.
“We absolutely had to have the game today for any chance to make the playoffs. I was really proud of the way we competed today. It wasn’t easy today, but we were able to find a way.
“It’s no secret that we have been struggling the last few weeks. We have been dealing with injuries and just couldn’t get out of our own way at times. This group could have packed it in when things were tough, but they didn’t do that. They took accountability for everything that happened and just kept showing up. I just love being around this team. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of young men to coach in my first year.”
Next up: H-H (5-13, 5-10 SOL) plays at archrival Upper Moreland in a nonleague game Tuesday afternoon. Abington (6-12, 5-10 SOL) plays at Lower Moreland on Friday.
Abington 000 100 0 - 1 1 1
Hatboro-Horsham 000 002 x - 2 8 0
SOL Freedom
Cheltenham 17, Lower Moreland 1
Jack Haugen and Cheltenham put an exclamation point on its three-game sweep of Lower Moreland with the Panthers’ third straight five-inning, mercy-rule victory on Thursday, this time by a 17-1 final.
Cheltenham scored eight runs in the first two innings, and for good measure, added five in the fifth to secure the mercy-rule. In three games, Cheltenham outscored LM 41-1.
Haugen had a game for the record books, as he went 3-for-3 with two home runs and 10 RBIs. He hit a three-run homer in the first and a grand slam in the fifth.
Emile Chanoine was a double shy of hitting for the cycle, going 3-for-4, with a home run, a triple, three RBIs and five runs scored. He also pitched the first two innings and picked up the win.
In all, the Panthers had 17 runs on 15 hits and drew 13 walks.
Key Inning: Bottom of the 1st - Emile Chanoine started the game with a single and Nate Leary walked, setting up Jack Haugen who hit a home run to left field to make it 3-0 just like that. Eamon Ivory then walked and would come around to score on an RBI ground out by Tim Dugan.
Cheltenham coach Lukas Nakkula:
“It was a great way to wrap up the week today, and our whole lineup really hit the ball well. Jack Haugen had an impressive day, going 3-for-3, with 2 home runs and 10 RBIs. Our whole lineup hit well today though, and our pitchers were great on the mound, so it was a big win to end the week. Looking to end the season strong this coming week with our last two games.”
Next up: Cheltenham (12-6, 8-5 SOL) has two more league games on the schedule next week, starting Monday at William Tennent. Lower Moreland (2-17, 0-15 SOL) closes its season with a non-league game Friday night against Abington.
Cheltenham 441 35 - 17 15 0
Lower Moreland 001 00 - 1 2 0
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