PHILADELPHIA — After a tough 0-4 start, Delco Christian looked to get their second straight win against MAST Charter.

Matteo DeBellis led the way with three hits, and Reid Darnall struck out eight in six innings as the Knights earned their second-straight win.

DeBellis got the game started with a double and stole third. With two outs Peter Certo was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and third. MAST attempted to pick off Certo, but the ball got away, allowing DeBellis to score the opening run.

MAST’s leadoff batter provided some fireworks as well in their half of the first. David Kondravy blasted the first pitch he saw over the left field fence, tying the game at one.

The top of the second saw more of Matteo DeBellis’ heroics. Justin Ma walked, stole second, and advanced to third before scoring on a RBI single by DeBellis. 

DeBellis then showed off the baserunning, stealing second, third, and home to give the Knights a 3-1 lead.

Darnall helped himself out in the top of the third. He walked, stole second, and scored on an error on Josiah Lyren’s fly ball.

Delco Christian put the game away in the fifth. Nathan Burd led off with a walk, then Darnall and Lyren followed up with singles, loading the bases. Gabe Digregorio drew a walk with one out to score the Knights’ fifth run.

Things then got sloppy for MAST. Darnall scored on a wild pitch that made it 6-1. It would only get worse, with Lyren and pinch runner Porter Roberts both scoring on passed balls. That gave Delco Christian an 8-1 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

MAST was able to plate a couple runs against Darnall and DeBellis, who pitched the seventh inning, but not enough to make it a game, as the Delco Christian finished off an 8-1 win.

Delco Christian is back in conference action on Friday as they host Renaissance Academy.