(cover photo of Devon Prep courtesy of Shelby Kauffman/Delco Baseball Now)

DEVON, PA – Devon Prep took the field by storm Wednesday afternoon and clinched their spot in the PCL playoffs.

The Tide hosted Archbishop Carroll in a win or go home game for both teams. Things got underway for Devon Prep with a double and an error would follow. A balk from Carroll pitcher Matt Mcgaughey brought in the first run making the score 1-0.

The Tide displayed efficient play on both sides of the ball. On the offensive side of the ball Devon Prep amassed nine hits. Broomall native Johnny Doogan led the way going 3/3 along with a run and an RBI. 

Doogan shined on the mound too. He threw five innings, giving up two runs on four hits with two walks and seven strikeouts as well.

Moving to the bottom of the fourth, Devon Prep added onto their lead. After a leadoff single from Doogan, Matt McHugh followed with a triple and Billy Degler had a sacrifice bunt. Degler crossed home plate a few plays later on a passed ball. The Tide were up 4-0 at this point.

Carroll drew a walk in the fifth, but shortly after the inning ended. 

In Devon Prep’s half of the fifth, Ryan Samms led off the inning with a single and was followed by a walk. Johnny Doogan came through again for his team, shooting a double to right field and driving in Samms. Following Doogan’s double was a fielder’s choice which would bring in another run. The Tide were up 6-0.

The Patriots of Carroll finally were able to come around a little bit in the sixth inning. The bases were quickly loaded after two walks and a single. At this point, Liam Jung came in for John Doogan to pitch and walked a guy in putting Carroll on the board. A fielder’s choice would follow, adding another one for Carroll, 6-2.

The Tide added on another one in the sixth off of an Alex Hannah sacrifice fly, Degler came in from third, 7-2.

Carroll went 1-2-3 in the seventh and that would end their season. Devon Prep ultimately dominated the Patriots and cashed their ticket into playoff contention. While their opponent is still to be determined, the Wild Card round of the PCL Tournament will be next Wednesday, May 14th, with the Tide starting on the road.