(Bonner has now won five District 12 titles in a row between 4A, 5A, and 6A)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Monsignor Bonner Friars claimed the PIAA District 12 title with an 11-0 shutout over the Central Lancers at La Salle University on Thursday afternoon, advancing to the state playoffs behind a dominant performance from Johnny Ortegae and a scorching offense led by Ryan Friel.

Bonner broke through in the third against Central starter and Bucknell recruit Tyler Seidman. Joey Graziani bunted for a single, stole second, advanced on a wild pitch, and scored on a Michael Coleman infield single (1-0). The Friars erupted in the fifth inning, all with two outs, with Coleman’s single scoring Cory Sheridan, Friel’s double plating Sergio Hernandez and Coleman, and Gavin DiRita’s single driving in Friel, making it 5-0. 

Bonner capped the rout in the seventh, as Friel’s inside-the-park homer scored Coleman, DiRita tripled, Jack Redding’s single scored DiRita, and Sean Erickson’s single scored Redding and Owen Lockhart on an error by the right fielder (11-0).

Friel has been ridiculous in the playoffs so far, as he has three hits in all four playoff games the Friars have played. For those keeping track at home, that is a .706 average.

Ortegae, a La Salle commit, was stellar, tossing a complete-game shutout with 3 hits allowed–singles by Angel Nunez and Liam Madel and a triple by Aidan McElhatton–while striking out 7 and walking 3 over 7 innings. Seidman took the loss for Central, surrendering 5 runs on 5 hits in 4.2 innings, with 3 walks and 5 strikeouts.

Friel (3-4, 2 R, 4 RBI) and Coleman (3-4, 2 R, 2 RBI) led Bonner’s attack, continuing their hot streak after outscoring PCL tournament opponents 29-4, including a 14-1 win over La Salle and a title win over Archbishop Ryan.

Central, coming off a win over Franklin Towne, couldn’t solve Ortegae, managing just 3 baserunners past first base, including McElhatton’s triple in the sixth. Bonner advances to face Coatesville (beat Neshaminy 4-3) in the state tournament. The Friar’s pitching depth and offensive firepower, showcased today, signal they’re a serious contender as they head into states with momentum.

With the win, Bonner advances to the PIAA 6A State Tournament. They will play Coatesville, the third place team from District 1, Monday at 1:00 at La Salle High School. Just to clarify, not the University where they played in this one.