NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA – The Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Blue Devils travel to Episcopal Academy’s Stone Field for a high-stakes PAISAA Quarterfinal clash against the Churchmen. 

With a trip to Thursday’s semifinal against the winner of Perkiomen School vs Haverford School on the line, this Inter-Ac showdown promises fireworks. Episcopal (6-2, 2nd in Inter-Ac) and SCHA (4-6, 4th in Inter-Ac) have split their two meetings this season, setting the stage for a thrilling rubber match.

In their first meeting, Episcopal edged SCHA 4-3 in nine innings, thanks to a walk-off sac-fly by junior Reggie King, who went 3 for 3 with a walk. The Churchmen leaned on small ball and clutch hitting from Spencer Schuh, while reliever Roman Notaro tossed four scoreless innings. SCHA bounced back in the second matchup, winning 8-6 behind strong bullpen performances from Connor Flatow and Joe Piezynski, who outdueled the EA bullpen after they allowed five runs in three innings. 

With both teams’ pitching staffs fully rested, Episcopal will rely on the Inter-Ac experience of Hunter West and Logan Correll. West, who started the first SCHA game, mixes a mid-upper 80s fastball with a sharp slider to challenge the Blue Devils’ aggressive lineup. Correll, a Lehigh commit, is a versatile arm who could see action as a starter or reliever if needed, bringing his poise in high-stakes situations. Offensively, juniors Dillon Walls and Spencer Schuh are Episcopal’s catalysts along with King and Jake Virbitsky, capable of sparking rallies with timely hits.

SCHA is liking to roll out either freshman Connor Crittenden or junior Stokes Tate to start. They also possess a very capable bullpen with the experience against the EA lineup, as Joe Piezynski pitched four innings, allowing only one run. The Blue Devils’ lineup, led by the backstop Paul Cifra and first basemen Dax Caplan, combines power, speed, and the ability to take their walks to test Episcopal’s defense. 

Episcopal’s game plan centers on small ball, using bunts and clutch hitting to pressure SCHA’s infield. SCHA will aim to drive up pitch counts and exploit Episcopal’s week bullpen, as they did in their 8-6 victory. With both teams familiar with each other’s strategies, execution will be critical. 

Episcopal’s strong league standing and home-field advantage give them a slight edge, but SCHA’s grit and recent win over the Churchmen make this a toss-up. First pitch at 4 PM at Stone Field–expect a lively crowd and a hard-fought battle.