NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA – Marple Newtown turned on the lights for a 6:30 home game on their turf field–one of the finest in the area–and turned up the heat, upsetting Strath Haven by a score of 4-1 in a Central League showdown with the PIAA District 1 5A playoffs just one week away.

The Tigers pounced in the second inning. Junior right fielder Sean Grogan singled and stole second before a pair of Strath Haven errors allowed Grogan to score, and freshman first baseman Jordan DiPinto to reach. Junior centerfielder Jackson Burger then ripped a two-run double to right, scoring the courtesy runner Aiden Doney and DiPinto to widen the lead to 3-0.

They added another run in the fourth inning when Doney, running for Kevin Agger, scored on a DiPinto ground ball, stretching the lead to 4-0 going into the fifth. 

Strath Haven tried to spark some late life in the sixth inning when Eli Price reached second base with less than two out after an error. This was ultimately unfruitful as Strath Haven would continue to struggle against Marple Newtown’s Sophomore pitcher Kevin Wigo, who tossed a complete game, striking out five and only allowing three hits all night. 

The Panthers did manage to break through in the seventh inning when Quinn Kell walked, went first to third on an Atticus Bean single, and scored on Patrick O’Connor’s sacrifice fly. They cut the deficit to 4-1, but this was too little, too late from the Panthers as Wigo shut the door with a game-ending flyout from Milligan. 

Pitcher Rob Mattai took a tough loss for Starth Haven, allowing 4 runs (only one earned) over four innings while totaling 6 strikeouts. Now 10-6, Strath Haven’s hopes of hosting a playoff game took a hit, though they can still be a dangerous team in the playoffs with Boston College recruit and RHP Luke D’Ancona potentially returning to the mound.

A rematch looms large–last year, Marple Newtown ended Strath Haven’s season by upsetting them 13-2 in the 5A semifinals en route to the championship over Radnor.

Marple Newtown, now 6-10, reminded everyone of their postseason potential as they get the momentum rolling into the playoffs next Monday. The PIAA rankings can be a bit confusing, but it appears as though Marple Newtown may get the last seed and be rewarded with a trip to West Chester Rustin to take on Vanderbilt recruit A.J. Calio and the Golden Knights.

Strath Haven is currently scheduled to be the #9 seed and travel to Phoenixville in the first round.