(picture of Haverford’s Jimmy Boyle via Shelby Kauffman/DBN)
HAVERTOWN, PA — With their season on the line, Haverford turned to some familiar faces.
Haverford High took down Henderson 1-0 in a pitcher’s duel that was decided by a single run in the fourth — and with the win, the Fords have clinched a spot in the PIAA State Tournament for the first time in program history.
Both starters came out dealing. Jimmy Boyle and Henderson’s Jackson Ciarmello were locked in from the first pitch — neither team could get much going offensively, and it had the feel of a game where one swing was going to be the difference.
That swing came in the fourth. Shane Durkan doubled to right, and after Rocco Kelleher grounded out to move him to third, Sam Sturman lined one to left to score the courtesy runner and make it 1-0 Haverford. That was all that Boyle would need on the mound.
Because from there, Boyle just shoved. The righty went the full seven innings, gave up just two hits — a first inning single by Gabe Reinheimer and a fifth inning single by Cole Ryan — walked three, and punched out 11. Henderson had baserunners here and there but never got anything going. In the seventh Boyle hit Wilding, intentionally walked Alex Cortes to set up a double play situation, and then struck out Ryan Simpson looking to end it. Pure filth from start to finish.
It’s been that kind of year for Boyle. He has been an absolute workhorse for the Fords all season and this outing was just the latest reminder of how good he’s been — going the distance in a win or go home game, not giving up a single run, and willing his team to a historic result.
Ciarmello was nearly as good on the other side — six innings, four hits, one run, five strikeouts, three walks. On another day that line wins you a ballgame. Durkan was the only Haverford hitter who could really solve him, going 2-for-3 on the day and providing the extra base hit that set up the only run of the game.
A 1-0 win in the District 1 6A quarterfinals, a trip to states, and a piece of Haverford High history. The Fords will next face Downingtown West on Thursday at home to determine seeding heading into the state tournament.
The winner of that game will be the #5 seed out of District 1, and the loser will be the #6 seed.