SPRINGFIELD, PA – The final score of this game tells a very different story than what the early innings suggested.
Radnor came out fast, thanks in large part to Teddy Monahan, who had an outstanding day at the plate. Leading off, Monahan ripped a triple to bring energy early into the Raptors’ dugout. Though Springfield momentarily halted the momentum by retiring the second batter, Matt Szychulski followed with a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Monahan and giving Radnor a quick 1-0 lead.
Surprisingly, that would be all the scoring for either team until the bottom of the fourth. Radnor starter Daniel Kellis handled the first two Springfield batters with ease, but trouble followed. A walk and a single by Patrick O’Neill tied the game, and a dropped third strike gave Springfield the opening they needed to push another run across. Just like that, Springfield led 2-1. Kellis, however, stopped the bleeding with a key strikeout to end the inning.
From there, the Raptors mounted their comeback. In the top of the fifth, Will Selbach led off with a single, followed by another hit from Monahan and a walk by Kellis. That set the stage for Evan Hartman, who grounded into a fielder’s choice to bring home the tying run and tie the game at 2-2.
Austin Havertine took over pitching duties for the final three innings, and his impact was felt immediately — both on the mound and at the plate. In the sixth, Havertine sparked the go-ahead rally with a single. Selbach drew a walk, and once again, Monahan delivered with a clutch RBI single to put Radnor ahead 3-2.
From there, the floodgates opened. Zach Fein lofted a sac fly to score Monahan, Szychulski followed with a fly ball that aided by an error, brought home another run, and Kellis capped off the inning with an RBI single. Suddenly, it was 6-2 Raptors.
The final inning and a half went quietly for both teams, and Radnor walked away with their 13th win of the season.
Radnor (13-1) will be back at Harriton (5-9) Thursday to resume their 3-0 lead game from Monday that ended in a rain delay at 4:00pm. They will look to keep pace with Haverford (14-1) in the race for the Central League title.
Springfield (3-11) will play their second to last game of the season Thursday away at Strath Haven (9-5).