WALLINGFORD, PA- Would it be ridiculous to say Strath Haven is the best pitching team in Delco? Probably not.
As what seems to be a new norm, Strath Haven pitchers dominated again, allowing one hit and one run. Luke D’Ancona had 10 punch outs in only three and third before leaving with what appeared to be an injury, Jasper Hals had three and two thirds no hit innings to finish off the game, as he was credited with the W.
After a rough first two games where they allowed 15 runs, Strath Haven pitching has a 1.66 ERA in their last five games and have allowed one or fewer hits in three of the last four.
The first two innings of the game only had one hit combined by both teams, but in the top of the third, Justin DiSantis homered to give Marple an early lead.
There was more scoreless pitching for both teams. Marple pitching also had a good game up until the sixth. Jack Maholick went five great innings of one run ball with only six baserunners allowed. Jake Gorman had one inning pitched but allowed three runs, two earned.
In the bottom of the fifth, Strath Haven tied it up thanks to Eli Price, as he drove in a run on a base hit. It was a 1-1 stalemate after five.
In the top of the sixth, Hals clocked another no-hit inning, as he was now two and two thirds no-hit innings.
In the bottom of the sixth is when Strath Haven took the lead plus a little more as a nice little cushion. The first two batters both reached on a walk and an error, and Will Taylor drove in the go-ahead run, giving Haven a 2-1 lead with still no outs in the inning.
Quinn Kell then walked, loading the bases with no outs. Matt Caputo with one out in the inning, singled on a sharp grounder to drive in two, giving Haven a nice 4-1 lead heading into the top of the seventh.
In the top of the seventh, Hals topped off his excellent work this game, striking out back-to-back batters to wrap up the game, giving Haven the win.
Marple Newtown falls to 3-2 in Central League play, and will be away at Lower Merion (4-1 in Central League) on Monday at 3:45.
Strath Haven moves to 4-1 in the Central League, and will face Garnet Valley (3-2 in Central League) away on April 7, at 3:45. One of the best pitching staffs in the area in Strath Haven vs one of the best lineups in Garnet Valley.