Check out the recaps for SOL baseball teams in action Thursday. Wissahickon/Hatboro-Horsham photos provided courtesy of Kim Supko. Check back for a gallery of photos. CLICK HERE to go directly to Suburban One Sports' BASEBALL GALLERIES.
SOL Liberty Division
Wissahickon 1, Hatboro-Horsham 0
All three games were battles, and Wissahickon pitchers did the job in all three games.
Thursday, Nate Hammond pitched a complete-game, six-hitter in an impressive 1-0 shutout of Hatboro-Horsham.
At 6-3, the Trojans are tied for first atop the Liberty Division standings.
Hammond, who picked up a two-out save in relief in a 4-3 win on Monday, threw 91 pitches Thursday, did not walk a batter and struck out three. He also drove in the game’s only run.
“Nate Hammond delivered a big-time performance on the mound for us,” said coach Andy Noga. “He worked out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the first, and that really seemed to give him confidence to trust his stuff and our defense the rest of the way.”
Key Players: W-Nate Hammond (WP, 7 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 BB; 1-for-3, 1 RBI)
HH- Chase Canney (LP, 6 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 5th - Nate Binkley started a two-out rally, beating out a ground ball to third for an infield single. He then stole second and scored on Nate Hammond’s RBI single to left.
Wissahickon coach Andy Noga:
–The run: “After a hard 90 by Nate Binkley that turned into a single and a stolen base, Hammond helped himself out with a timely hit that gave us the only run we needed in a true pitcher’s duel.
“Every league game is a battle, and this one was no different. It was good to see our guys find a way to win this type of game, and it gives us momentum heading into a big one Monday night at Quakertown.”
Next up: Wissahickon (8-4, 6-3 SOL) starts its next series Monday night at Quakertown.
H-H (3-9, 3-6 SOL) hosts Upper Dublin on Monday.
Hatboro-Horsham 000 000 0 - 0 6 1
Wissahickon 000 010 x - 1 4 1
Plymouth Whitemarsh 10, Quakertown 8
After losing the first game of the series on Tuesday, Plymouth Whitemarsh needed to get it going offensively if it wanted success against a Quakertown team that entered the week in first place in the SOL Liberty.
Thursday, the Colonials grabbed the series victory and played itself back into the division title chase with a 10-8 win at Quakertown.
PW shook off an early deficit with a seven-run third inning and held off the Panthers in a back-and-forth game that saw the teams combine for 18 runs on 18 hits.
Quakertown and Wissahickon are tied for the division lead with 6-3 records, while PW is one game back at 5-4.
Key Players: PW- Max Eagland (3-for-4, double, 1 RBI), Luke Fresta (3-for-4, double, 2 RBIs), Alex Kriebel (double, 2 RBIs), Brody Stump (triple, 1 RBI)
Q-Will Bowen (3-for-3, 1 RBI), Justin Hankinson (2-for-3, 2 RBIs, 2 runs), CJ Peacher (2-for-4, 1 RBI), Peyton Trappler (2-for-2, 3 runs).
Key Inning: Top of the 3rd - Trailing 3-1, PW exploded with seven runs to take the lead. Brody Stump’s RBI triple got the hit parade started, Carson Wooldridge drove in a run with an RBI ground out, Max Eagland hit an RBI single, Cole Reilly had a sac fly and Alex Kriebel had an RBI double.
PW coach Chris Manero:
“The first game of this series was very frustrating for us. Bobby Pasquarello was outstanding on the mound, but we just couldn't get hits when we needed them. I think our guys took ownership of that and wanted more from themselves. We scored 24 runs on 25 hits in Games 2 and 3. It says a lot about the expectations they have for themselves and the way they can pull together.”
–Offensively: “We've been getting contributions at the plate from a lot of different guys in different spots in the order this week. Tonight, Max Eagland, who was sick and missed some time earlier this week, was explosive at the plate. And Lucas Fresta came up with two big clutch hits.”
–Props: “Lucas deserves a lot of credit on this team. He has caught every game, three days a week, handling multiple pitchers. And now he is also leading with his bat. I can't say enough about what he means to us.
“Nate Quirus gave us two innings in relief to close things out, and he got stronger with each hitter he faced. He stepped up and led as a senior should.”
Next up: PW (9-5, 5-4 SOL) hosts Abington in Game 1 of next week’s series on Monday. Quakertown (8-4, 6-3 SOL) has a huge series next week, starting at home Monday night against Wissahickon.
Plymouth Whitemarsh 017 101 0 - 10 9 2
Quakertown 210 311 0 - 8 9 5
SOL Freedom Division
Upper Moreland 5, Lower Moreland 1
It wasn’t easy, but Upper Moreland shook off a slow start and got past Lower Moreland 5-1 on Thursday to remain unbeaten and with a two-game lead atop the Freedom Division standings.
The Golden Bears didn’t score for three innings and actually trailed 1-0 when the Lions scored an unearned run in the top of the first. But the offense came alive in the middle innings, and the pitching was solid throughout.
Gavin Shaffert picked up the win with five solid innings, including 10 strikeouts, and Luke Sword threw two shutout innings out of the bullpen.
Key Players: UM - Gavin Shaffert (WP, 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 10 K), Luke Sword (2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K), Jackson Townsend (2-for-4, double), Zach O’Connor (2-for-3, 1 RBI)
Key Inning: Bottom of the 5th - Tied at 1-1, UM took its first lead with two runs. Zach O’Connor hit a leadoff single, and Chase Rampulla hit a one-out single to put runners on first and second. Chase Moore followed with a single to left to drive in a run, and one batter later a sac fly by Lucas Zipper made it a 3-1 game.
UM coach Jim Fasano:
“This is the third game in a row I’ve said it, but another tight ballgame with a much-improved Lower Moreland team. They took the lead in the first and we had some hard hit balls but nothing to show for it early in the game.
“Gavin Shaffert, the junior PSUH commit, was awesome. Probably the best I’ve ever seen him. We discussed beard shaving tips pregame, and I knew his mind was right. Not that he should take any tips from me, but he threw 70 percent strikes today and was the best I’ve ever seen him. Gavin’s future is bright and I’m just glad we have him another year.”
–Offensively: “Luke Sword hit the ball hard three times and threw two shutout innings to finish the game. Lukie’s been outstanding for us this year. He’s a natural athlete with a great arm and real feel for his swing at the plate.
“Eight starters had at least one hit, Zach ‘Poo’ O’Connor and Jackson Townsend had two apiece. Both Poo and Jackson have two other brothers who play baseball. If they keep this up, we might be looking at the #1 O’Connor and Townsend boys.”
–Looking ahead: “Big series next week against last year’s division winner, Springfield. It’s going to be a long three days between now and Monday, but we will practice hard and I know the kids will be ready. Springfield beat us two of three times in last season’s series so here’s hoping there’s a little payback on the menu.”
Next up: UM (13-0, 9-0 SOL) is back in action Monday for Game 1 on the road at Springfield Twp. LM (2-11, 0-9 SOL).
Lower Moreland 100 000 0 - 1 2 2
Upper Moreland 000 122 x - 5 10 1
New Hope-Solebury 5, Springfield Twp 2
After dropping the opener of the three-game series Monday, New Hope-Solebury needed to dig down if it wanted another series win, and Thursday, JT Bach came up huge on the mound with a seven-inning, complete game, two-hitter in the Lions 5-2 win over Springfield.
Bach threw just 67 pitches, and allowed two runs (one earned) as Springfield never really even threatened a big inning. And his win came two days after saving the Lions’ 10-8 win over Springfield with a scoreless seventh inning of relief.
“We played our best game of the season today,” said Lions coach Tony Vlahovic. “Our defense played error-free baseball and a complete game of 67 pitches from JT Bach. He was a complete bulldog on the hill.”
Key Players: NHS- JT Bach (WP, 7 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K), Anthony Whelan (2 RBIs), Joe Rickard (1 RBI), Gavin Caponegro (1 RBI).
Key Inning: Top of the 5th - Up 2-1, New Hope tacked on three key insurance runs. Kieran Patel walked, JT Bach singled, and Blake McCagg walked to load the bases with one out. With two outs, Patel scored on a passed ball, and Anthony Whelan drove in two with a single to left field.
New Hope coach Tony Vlahovic:
“We talked pre-game about the Springfield hitters. Their lineup is tough from top to bottom. We know (Bach) needed to work ahead and mix speeds. JT had all three pitches working and a lot of first pitch strikes. I am really impressed with his poise on the mound.”
–Props: “The defense brought their gloves today. Our offense backed this pitching gem with timely hitting from Gavin Caponegro and Anthony Whelan. Whelan had a great two-strike, two-out at bat and knocked in two runs.
“Coach Rob Bond and his staff have done a good job, and Springfield is balanced in all facets of the game.
“Great time win for us and now we focus on Senior night under lights tomorrow night.”
Next up: New Hope (10-2, 7-2 SOL) is back in action Friday night in a non-league game against Plumstead Christian. Springfield (5-7, 4-5 SOL) hosts first-place Upper Moreland in the first of three on Monday.
New Hope 020 030 0 - 5 4 1
Springfield 000 100 1 - 2 2 0
SOL Patriot Division
Bensalem 10, Council Rock South 8
After giving up 27 runs its first two games of the week, Bensalem knew it was going to take runs to win Game 3 against CR South on the road Thursday, and the Owls put up huge numbers to the tune of 10 runs on 14 hits in a 10-8 win.
Five different players had multiple hits for Bensalem, including Joe Dougherty with three.
Every time CR South rallied with a big inning of its own, the Owls had an answer, building leads of 7-2 and then 10-5 before holding on in the bottom of the seventh as the Golden Hawks cut it to 10-8 and had the tying run on base with one out. Bensalem reliever Peter Pasquarella responded with two big strikeouts to end the game.
Key Players: B-Joe Dougherty (3-for-4, 1 RBI), Peter Pasquarella (2-for-4, double, 2 RBIs, 3 runs), Tommy Jackson (2-for-4, double, 2 RBIs), Danny Bevans (2-for-3), Eugenio Santiago (2-for-4, 1 RBI), Lukas Wilson (WP, 4 1/3 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K).
Key Inning: Top of the 4th - Tied at 2, Bensalem broke out with a five-spot. Six straight hitters reached base to start the inning. Danny Bevans walked, Eugenio Santiago singled, Ryan Smith singled to lead the base, and Lukas Wilson singled to drive in a run. A Peter Pasquarella double to center drove in two more, Joe Dougherty followed with an RBI single, and then Logan Savage made it 7-2 with a sac fly.
Bensalem coach Harry Daut, Jr.:
“Lukas Wilson had a gutsy performance on the mound. He kept hitters off balance. His knuckleball was working and was mixing his curveball in.
“Joe Dougherty had another three hits today. He’s been hitting for us all year. Pete Pasquarella also had a big hit late for us.
“Good teams win today.”
Next up: Bensalem (4-10, 3-9 SOL) has a week off before returning for its final series of the season at CR North on May 4. CR South (6-4, 3-3 SOL) plays at Neshaminy on Monday.
Bensalem 200 503 0 10 14 1
CR South 020 300 3 - 8 7 0
Pennsbury 16, Council Rock North 10
Trailing by three in a wild one, Pennsbury put up a 10-spot in the top of the seventh to hold on to its share of the league in the Patriot Division and complete the three-game sweep of Council Rock North on Thursday.
The Falcons sent 15 batters to the plate in the inning, had seven hits, three walks and two hit batters. The big hits of the inning were a two-RBI double by Ty Lee and a two-run triple by Michael Sogness.
Danny Seidler went 4-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs.
Key Players: P - Danny Seidler (4-for-4, HR, double, 3 RBIs, 3 runs), Pierce Perry (2-for-3, 2 RBIs, 2 run), Brandon Zuckerman (2-for-4, 2 RBIs), Michael Sogness (2-for-4, triple, 2 RBIs, 3 runs), Henry Garlits (2-for-5, 2 runs), Connor O’Brien (WP, 1 2/3 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K).
CRN- Kyle Book (3-for-5, double, 2 RBIs, 2 runs), Noah Furman (2-for-5, 2 runs), Colin Goldman (2-for-2, 1 RBI), Anthony Fedejko (2-for-4, 1 RBI), Zack Ruple (2-for-4, 1 RBI).
Key Inning: Top of the 7th - With the bases loaded and nobody out, Ryan Storlazzi was hit by a pitch to drive in a run. Will Curtin then grounded out, scoring another run, followed by a two-run single by Pierce Perry that put Pennsbury back in front. Ty Lee later had a two-run double, Michael Sogness a two-run triple and Curtin had an RBI single in his second at-bat of the inning.
Pennsbury coach Joe Pesci:
–Falling behind: “We went down three, and again, our pitchers only gave up two earned runs today. They gave up 14 hits, but a lot of those hits came after what should have been maybe double plays, or inning-ending outs that were errors. I feel bad, because Quenton Shaffer only gave us 3 2/3 innings, but he pitched really well. He had six strikeouts, only walked two.
“But there were just a couple innings where the wheels came off, and it's difficult to foresee us - I tell these guys we can't make these mistakes in May and June. You've got Neshaminy coming up, and then you've got district and state playoffs hopefully. So, it's frustrating to go down three runs, and then go up - score five runs in the second, and then score another one, and then give up three more runs on errors.
“It was just frustrating. Rock scored in six of the seven innings. We’re just not making the big play, or when we score, we’re not getting the shutdown innings that we should get all the time.”
–Offensive outburst: “Look at a bunch of our games, right? Look at Bensalem, the second game, we went down 4-0 in the first and we came back and beat them 12-9. All three Council Rock South games, we went down and came back. Obviously, we won two pretty crazy games against them. First game against North, went down 2-0 and then stormed back.
“So the positive is you know we could be down two, three, four runs, and we’re scoring bunches early and scoring in bunches late.”
Next up: Pennsbury (14-1, 11-1 SOL) has a week off of division games next week but plays Pennington School in a non-league game on Wednesday. Council Rock North will travel to Harry S Truman Monday for the first of its three-game series.
Pennsbury 051 000 (10) - 16 16 4
CR North 303 111 1 - 10 14 0
Neshaminy 15, Harry S Truman 0 (4 innings)
Chase Bonner probably couldn’t have been more dominant than he was on Thursday.
The Neshaminy junior pitcher threw a four-inning perfect game - no hits and no walks - and struck out six in his team’s 15-0 sweep-clinching win over Harry S. Truman.
Bonner also did it with the bat, going 3-for-3 with a home run, a double and four RBIs.
Neshaminy pounded out 15 runs on 13 hits, including eight in the bottom of the fourth to end the game early.
For the eighth time in nine league games, Neshaminy not only won, but won via the mercy rule. Thursday, it finished Truman off in just four innings, wrapping up a week in which it outscored the Tigers 38-2.
“Today was one of the faster games I’ve been a part of (1 hour, 10 minutes), which was highlighted by a Chase Bonner perfect game on the mound,” said coach Dan Toner. “Chase Bonner had about as good of a game as you could possibly have. First on the mound, Chase threw a perfect game, which is an incredible accomplishment in itself. Then he went 3-for-3 at the plate with a home run, triple and a single. We were hoping he could get one more at bat to try and get a double to hit for the cycle. Just an absolutely fantastic day for him.”
Key Players: N-Chase Bonner (WP, 4 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K; 3-for-3, HR, double, 4 RBIs, 3 runs), Dan Marable (3-for-3, 2 RBIs, 3 runs), Brandon Lall (triple, 4 RBIs, 2 runs).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 1st - Three runs in the bottom of the first gave Neshaminy the quick start. After Dan Marable singled with one out, Chase Bonner hit a two-run home run to left field. Matt Gryn added a RBI single later in the inning.
Neshaminy coach Dan Toner:
“We have been playing some very good baseball. Our middle of the lineup highlighted today’s victory. Between Marable, Bonner and Lall, they collected seven hits, 10 RBIs, and eight runs scored. Matt Gryn tallied another multi-hit game as well.
“We are excited for the upcoming tests we have over the next couple weeks.”
Next up: Neshaminy (10-3, 8-1 SOL) has a big series coming up next week, starting Monday at home against Council Rock South. Truman (2-10, 1-8 SOL) has a non-league road game Saturday at Bristol.
Truman 000 0 - 0 0 0
Neshaminy 340 8 - 15 13 0
SOL Colonial Division
Pennridge 4, Central Bucks East 0
First-place teams usually have good pitching.
And Pennridge proved that this week, concluding Thursday with a 4-0 shutout behind a complete-game one-hitter by junior right-hander Connor Murray.
In three games against CB East, the Rams’ pitchers allowed just three runs.
Murray threw 87 pitches, allowed a double to East leadoff hitter Sean Hill in the first inning, and didn’t allow a hit the rest of the day. He walked two and struck out six.
Key Players: P- Connor Murray (WP, 7 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K), Tommy Ginnetti (2-for-3, double, 1 RBI), Tim Croyle (double, 2 RBIs).
Key Inning: Top of the 5th - Clinging to a 1-0 lead, Pennridge tacked on two insurance runs. Tommy Ginnetti led off with a double to left, and with one out, he scored on a Tim Croyle double. Croyle scored on an RBI ground out by TJ McGuigan to make it 3-0.
Pennridge coach Dan Long:
“Connor Murray was outstanding for us today and set the tone. After giving up a leadoff hit, he held them hitless the rest of the way.
“We are playing clean baseball, and it was another team effort. We finished the week strong.”
Next up: Pennridge (9-2, 7-2 SOL) plays at CB South in the first of a three-game series on Monday. CB East (4-7, 3-6 SOL) is at Holy Ghost Prep for a non-league game on Saturday.
Pennridge 010 021 0 - 4 5 1
CB East 000 000 0 - 0 1 0
North Penn 1, Central Bucks West 0
When North Penn needed a big pitching effort to salvage a game in an otherwise rough week, it turned to Grayson Fontaine, and Thursday he delivered once again.
Fontaine pitched a complete-game three-hitter against CB West on the road and snapped the Knights two-game losing streak with a 1-0 victory.
“Grayson Fontaine was outstanding today,” said NP coach Kevin Manero. “A 69-pitch complete game is no easy feat, and while our offense is still trying to find its way to the party, we really need pitchers to be big. He was every bit of that today.”
Key Players: NP-Grayson Fontaine (WP, 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K); CBW- Kellen O’Connor (LP, 6 1/3 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K)
Key Inning: Top of the 5th - Jase Hopwood walked to lead off the inning, and with one out Christian Barnes reached on an error, putting runners on first and third. Pinch-runner Wil Rittenhouse scored on a ground ball to third by Mason Franek.
North Penn coach Kevin Manero:
“It’s also impossible to overlook our outfield play today. Danny Cho, Christian Barnes and Mason Franek all took hits away. There’s not much margin for error in a 1-0 game and those guys were tremendous out there.”
–The run: “Our only run scored came on a great baserunning read at third base from Wil Rittenhouse, who came off the bench to run. Every role is huge, and it’s going to take all kinds of contributions for us to get back in this thing.”
Next up: North Penn (7-6, 4-5 SOL) has a big series up next week, starting with a home game against Souderton on Monday. CB West (7-3, 6-3 SOL) is back in action Saturday afternoon with a non-league game at Oley Valley.
North Penn 000 010 0 - 1 3 1
CB West 000 000 0 - 0 3 2
Souderton 5, Central Bucks South 4
It took all seven innings, but Souderton pulled off the series sweep of Central Bucks South on Thursday night, as Johnny Byrwa’s RBI single scored Evan Divens with the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh in the Indians’ 5-4 victory.
This one was tight throughout as each team punched and counter-punched all night. CB South scored in the top of the sixth to tie the game at 4, only to see Souderton walk it off in the seventh.
Key Players: S - Evan Divens (2-for-3, double, 1 RBI, 2 runs), Ethan Lesh (WP, 2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K), Brett Pollock (Save, 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K); CBS - Sam Kiefer (2-for-3, 1 RBI).
Key Inning: Bottom of the 7th - Evan Divens drew a walk to lead off the inning, Colesen Hoffman singled with one out, and Jake Radcliff was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Johnny Byrwa then singled to center on an 0-2 pitch to walk off the victory.
Souderton coach Mike Childs:
“It is always tough to beat any team in our league three times in the same week. CB South came to play tonight and competed right to the end. I was impressed how we stayed composed as they scored two runs right out of the gate in the first.
“I was happy for Byrwa to get the walk-off. We have had some guys struggle early at the plate this year, and he was one of them. He is starting to trust his ability as a good hitter and really produce for the team. He has been great on the mound for us so far and now starting to heat up with the bat.
“Evan (Divens) is being Evan, leading the team with two hits and being a playmaker in the field.”
Next up: Souderton (7-6, 6-3 SOL) plays Game 1 of next week’s series at North Penn on Monday. CB South (4-10, 1-8 SOL) hosts Pennridge in Game 1 of its series on Monday night.
CB South 201 001 0 - 4 7 1
Souderton 210 010 1 - 5 8 0
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