(cover photo of Jamie O’Neill via Dylan Johnson/DBN)

CHICHESTER, PA — The #11 Hatboro-Horsham Hatters (10-13) shut out the #1 Chichester Eagles (15-7) 4-0 in a PIAA District 1 5A playback game at Neumann University on Tuesday, securing the final state playoff spot with a masterful performance from Ursinus recruit Jamie O’Neill. 

O’Neill was dominant, tossing six scoreless innings, allowing just four hits–a double and single by Zach Murray, a double by Evan Valentine, and a single by Julian Sparks– while striking out seven and walking just three. Conner Cataldi closed out the seventh, preserving the shutout. 

Hatboro-Horsham broke the game open in the third against Chichester starter Gavin Derrickson. Chris Yeager singled, Kenny Lutz doubled, and a passed ball scored Yeager. Cole Incudine’s single drove in Lutz, making it 2-0. In the fourth, Yeager singled again, walks to Ryan Thomas, and Lutz loaded the bases, and Incudine’s single scored Thomas and Yeager, pushing the lead to 4-0. 

Chichester, coming off an 11-0 semifinals loss to Upper Dublin, couldn’t find their rhythm after a 6-2 quarterfinal win over Strath Haven and ended their season with 14 straight scoreless innings. Murray’s double in the first and Valentine’s double in the fourth gave the Eagles chances, but O’Neill stranded runners, including a double play in the fourth. Derrickson took the loss, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits over 3.1 innings, with 2 strikeouts and 4 walks.

Hatboro-Horsham, who fell 4-3 in extra innings to eventual District 1 Champions, Radnor, in the semifinals after upsets over West Chester East (6-2) and Upper Moreland (6-1), advances to the state playoffs, showcasing their resilience as a lower seed from the Suburan One League Continental.

Incudine (2-4, 2 RBI) and Yeager (2-3, 2 R) led the offense, capitalizing on Chichester’s defensive miscues. The Eagles, champions of the Del Val League, finish at 15-7, unable to reignite their bats after Upper Dublin’s shoutout. Chichester couldn’t solve O’Neill’s fastball and sharp command, ending their season one win shy of states in a tense elimination game.