(cover photo of Austin Dahl via Dylan Johnson/DBN)

CHICHESTER, PA — The big question coming into this game was how would #1 Chichester respond to the emotional win on Wednesday against Strath Haven? Answer was simple: Upper Dublin wouldn’t let them. 

Things opened up early in this one, but ultimately #4 Upper Dublin got the job done in the PIAA District 1 5A Semifinals on Friday afternoon. Not only did they win, but they won in such fashion, 11-0.

In the very first inning Upper Dublin scored big, putting up seven runs. The bases were loaded after the first three guys, Austin Dahl came up and hit a double, scoring two. Following Dahl were two walks and a strikeout, one of the walks scored another. After a strikeout out, Wesley Gill ripped a base hit to bring in two, and Eric Berman rallied in two more from his double.

In the bottom of the first, we got to see the first showing of Cardinals freshman starting pitcher Luke Caron who preformed phenomenally. After a lead off double, the next three hitters were sent down. Caron finished his day throwing six innings, only allowing one hit, and seven strikeouts.

There wasn’t much more action until the top of the fifth. The Cardinals added one more. Eric Berman hit a single, then stole second and third, and a ground out scored him, 8-0. Chichester went 1-2-3 in their half of the fifth.

Berman went 4/4 on the day for Upper Dublin. Austin Dahl had two hits and drove in two runs as well.

Upper Dublin finished off their scoring in the sixth and seventh inning. With runners on the corners in the sixth, Matthew Logerstedt came through with an RBI single adding one more, 9-0. 

Finally in the top half of the seventh with two guys on, Evan Sanders came up and hit an RBI single which scored two, 11-0. In the bottom of the seventh, Chase Greiner relieved Luke Caron. After the lead off batter got a hit by pitch, the Chichester hitters were sent down 1-2-3.

This victory advances Upper Dublin to the District title game in which they will face Radnor, on Tuesday (5/27) at Villanova at 4:00. It will be a phenomenal pitching matchup between two Austin’s as East Stroudburg recruit Austin Dahl will go for Upper Dublin and Lehigh recruit Austin Havertine for Radnor.

On the other hand for Chichester, their season is not over just yet. They will play next Tuesday as well for the final states spot when they host #11 Hatboro-Horsham at Neumann University, who lost 4-3 to Radnor earlier today.

Cole Sanford led the game off with a double and Chichester did not have another hit the rest of the day.

(cover photo of Jaidyn Rivera via Shelby Kauffman/Delco Baseball Now)

HAVERFORD, PA — Now that’s how you get revenge.

Haverford moves onto the second round of the PAISAA tournament beating Friends Central 15-3, after the Phoenix beat them 16-6 way back on opening day on March 11th.

The Fords opened things up in the early on Friends Central starter Michael Mamaluy. Pat White hit a fly ball which led to an error, and scored the first run. Zac Fuscaldo came up to the plate and blasted one to right field adding two more, and that would wrap the scoring up for the inning at 3-0.

Friends Central would get one back in their half of the first with a little bit of two out magic off of Haverford School starter Jacob Horwitz. An error and a walk would get two guys on with one out. Luke Makuen came through with an RBI single that would score one, but that’s all the Phoenix would get.

Neither team would score in the second, but both drew a walk and hit a single.

Pat White started the third inning off with a bang, a solo shot to left. Zac Fuscaldo would follow with a walk then a couple batters after him would draw another walk. Caleb Siever came through with an RBI single to left to make it a 5-1 lead.

After a strikeout, Friends Central got the bases loaded. Zac Canterio ripped a base hit to left which scored two. A ground out and line out would follow, so that’s all the Phoenix would get, but they cut the lead to two at this point, 5-3. That also wrapped up the scoring for Friends Central on the day.

The Fords opened the fourth inning with two bombs. First from Jaidyn Rivera and then Thomas Lawler would follow. Pat White, who had a nice day at the plate, drew a walk. Nicky Vanni came up and hit a one out double to score White. That wraps up the top of the fourth, 8-3.

After a walk and single, Friends Central was not able to capitalize in their half of the fourth, but they did knock Jacob Horwitz out of the game. He ended the day with 3.1 innings pitched, three hits, no earned runs, and seven strikeouts.

In the top of the fifth, Haverford grabbed three more, continuing to pour it on. First an RBI single from Pat White, then another RBI single from Nicky Vanni and lastly another RBI single this time from Ethan Farrington. That would finish things for the Fords in the fifth, 12-3. 

Adding more insurance in the top of the sixth, once again Haverford gathered another three. Starting things off was Zac Fuscaldo being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Following Fuscaldo was a walk and a sac fly, which concluded all scoring for the game. 

After Owen Murphy tossed a scoreless 1.2 innings, Mike Noone came in for the bottom half of the sixth, and shut down Friends Central, having them go 1-2-3.

In a game where Haverford got things going early and didn’t stop, they took down Friends Central. This ends the season for Friends Central and #10 seed Haverford will look to carry the momentum into next Tuesday (5/20) where they will meet the #2 ranked Perkiomen School.

BOOTHWYN, PA – On Monday afternoon, the Friars of Monsignor Bonner made the trip down to Chichester to take on the Eagles. Bonner ran away with this one 4-2, using more of their bullpen.

Bonner would use four pitchers in this game, but starting on the bump was Michael Klawansky. He finished the game throwing just 2 and a third with two hits, giving up two runs and a walk. Chichester did not use any bullpen, Zach Murray would take the mound for the eagles, finishing with six hits, four runs, three walks and three strikeouts. 

The first inning was scoreless, Bonner went 1-2-3 and Chichester’s Zach Murray hit a double, but nothing came of the hit.

The Friars opened up the scoring the very next inning. Cole Romano got things started with a single. A couple pitch runners came in, and eventually Joey Graziani stole second. Following the single was another base hit from Sean Erickson, which scored Graziani. 1-0 was the score after the top half of the second. The Eagles went 1-2-3 in their half of the inning.

Bonner would score the rest of their runs in the top of the third. This time Josh Collado hit the lead off single. Both Michael Murphy and Sergio Hernandez reached on an error to follow, but Murphy was quickly picked off before Hernandez even got on base, Collado was over on third at this point. Hernandez stole second and with Danny Buckton’s sacrifice fly along with Cole Romano’s double, the Friars added on two more. 

Chichester would get a couple back in the bottom half with a little bit of two out work. Julian Sparks led the inning off with a single and Cole Sanford reached on a one out error. Alex Kester drew a two out walk which would load the bases. Luke Werley drove a single to center field and collected two RBI’s, giving the Eagles two runs and cutting Bonner’s lead in half.

After the first three innings neither team would score again. A couple bullpen arms would come in for the Friars. After first reliever Jack Redding threw his last inning, both Joey Graziani and Danny Buckton would relieve, Graziani threw two innings and Buckton threw one.

Ultimately Bonner took the victory 4-2. A couple action packed innings from both teams, but Chichester wasn’t able to overcome just getting those two runs. 

Monsignor Bonner has previously clinched their spot in the PCL Playoffs. They will take on Father Judge this Saturday (5/17) in the second round of the playoffs, but will have a great non-conference game Tuesday afternoon with Malvern Prep at home if the weather allows it.  

(cover photo of Devon Prep courtesy of Shelby Kauffman/Delco Baseball Now)

DEVON, PA – Devon Prep took the field by storm Wednesday afternoon and clinched their spot in the PCL playoffs.

The Tide hosted Archbishop Carroll in a win or go home game for both teams. Things got underway for Devon Prep with a double and an error would follow. A balk from Carroll pitcher Matt Mcgaughey brought in the first run making the score 1-0.

The Tide displayed efficient play on both sides of the ball. On the offensive side of the ball Devon Prep amassed nine hits. Broomall native Johnny Doogan led the way going 3/3 along with a run and an RBI. 

Doogan shined on the mound too. He threw five innings, giving up two runs on four hits with two walks and seven strikeouts as well.

Moving to the bottom of the fourth, Devon Prep added onto their lead. After a leadoff single from Doogan, Matt McHugh followed with a triple and Billy Degler had a sacrifice bunt. Degler crossed home plate a few plays later on a passed ball. The Tide were up 4-0 at this point.

Carroll drew a walk in the fifth, but shortly after the inning ended. 

In Devon Prep’s half of the fifth, Ryan Samms led off the inning with a single and was followed by a walk. Johnny Doogan came through again for his team, shooting a double to right field and driving in Samms. Following Doogan’s double was a fielder’s choice which would bring in another run. The Tide were up 6-0.

The Patriots of Carroll finally were able to come around a little bit in the sixth inning. The bases were quickly loaded after two walks and a single. At this point, Liam Jung came in for John Doogan to pitch and walked a guy in putting Carroll on the board. A fielder’s choice would follow, adding another one for Carroll, 6-2.

The Tide added on another one in the sixth off of an Alex Hannah sacrifice fly, Degler came in from third, 7-2.

Carroll went 1-2-3 in the seventh and that would end their season. Devon Prep ultimately dominated the Patriots and cashed their ticket into playoff contention. While their opponent is still to be determined, the Wild Card round of the PCL Tournament will be next Wednesday, May 14th, with the Tide starting on the road.

MEDIA, PA – The last couple innings in this game could be seen as heartbreaking or exciting depending on what color you were wearing. Penncrest took down Marple-Newtown 3-2 with the help of Lucas Punzo’s blast to left in the sixth. 

Both teams were solid on the mound only giving up five total runs all game, both also only used one reliever. Jeremy Schneider for Penncrest and Kevin Wigo for Marple would start the game. Schneider went two and a third with two hits, two runs, three walks, and a strikeout. While Wigo went four innings giving up six hits, two runs, two walks and picking up four strikeouts.

The Tigers started the scoring putting up two runs in the third, both coming in on wild pitches. Jordan DiPinto doubled, Chase Evans singled, and they would both score on wild pitches. This would lead to reliever Connor Finan coming in for Schneider. 

Chase Evans led the offense for the day for the Tigers. The number nine hitter led the team with two hits and a run in three at bats.

Penncrest struck in the bottom of the fourth. After a leadoff strikeout, Henry Murphy walked. Anthony Rossi came up after a line out and drove in the runner with a line drive single. Rossi went down 0-2, but fought back to cut the lead to one.

The next time the Lions came to the plate they tied the game, which would be the bottom of the fifth. Sander Robinson came home to score on a wild pitch. Two strikeouts ended the inning, but Penncrest made things all even at two.

Marple Newtown had two singles in their half of the six, one from Sal Brady and the other from Aiden Doney. Those hits led to a fielder’s choice, a fly out and a pop out. The Tigers were not able to capitalize which boosted Penncrest for the bottom half of the inning.

Following a ground out and strike out was what would put the Lions ahead late. Lucas Punzo came up and launched the first pitch over the left field wall putting his team ahead late, 3-2.

Marple hit a single and drew a walk in the seventh, but could not bring anyone home. This ultimately wrapped things up and Penncrest grabbed the close victory. 

Marple falls to (5-9) in the Central League and will look to bounce back on Wednesday when they host Harriton. This loss was a brutal blow for their playoff chances as they trail Unionville (6-9) for the final spot in the 5A bracket.

Penncrest jumps to (4-10). It’s always good to beat an in league team, which is what the Lions accomplished Monday afternoon. They look to bring this energy into Strath Haven on Wednesday (5/7) and try to continue playing spoiler.

FOLSOM, PA – After Conestoga dropped a tough one to Radnor they have gotten back on track winning two straight including a shutout Thursday afternoon against Ridley. 

The scoring got started in the very first inning. A walk and single from the first two batters were followed by an error to get the first run in. Luke Hunter came up and doubled down the left field line to bring home another runner. A sacrifice fly from Chase Rantanen and a single from Brendan Soura ended the inning, the Pioneers were up 4-0 early.

Conestoga used three pitchers in their win. Ryan Bauer started the game, pitched two innings, gave up no runs with three strikeouts. He earned the win. JP Tinneny came in during the third and finished with no runs, five strikeouts and three walks.  Evan Sonn threw a scoreless seventh to wrap it up.

Ridley collected one hit, throughout the whole game. Their starting pitcher was Joey McGuire who didn’t make it past the first after Conestoga’s big inning. 

Nick Pollag came in for McGuire and Conestoga continued to roll. In the top of the fourth two runners were on, both being hit by pitches. A single by Cooper Evers drove in another run making it 5-0.

Ridley went down 1-2-3 in their half of the fourth. The Pioneers added some insurance, again, in the top of the fifth. Two out hits are key in baseball and Conestoga converted with two outs from a Landon Jones single along with a Josh Lee double. 

Neither team did much else for the rest of the game. Ridley drew two walks and Conestoga hit a single. Evan Sonn came in and closed out the game, sending the Raiders down 1-2-3 collecting two strikeouts. 

It was all Pioneers throughout all seven innings. They move to (8-5) in the Central League and will look to carry this momentum into the weekend, when they take on The Haverford School on Saturday (5/3). Conestoga has likely already clinched a playoff spot, but beating Upper Darby (1-12) on Monday should officially lock them in.

As far as Ridley (5-8 in CL) goes, they dropped a tough one here. They look to bounce back next week, taking on Lower Merion (9-4) on Monday on the road.

SPRINGFIELD, PA — If you like old school baseball then you will be heavily interested in this game.

Only one run was scored and Springfield ended up coming out on top against Marple-Newtown, 1-0. Springfield pitcher Jack Rae was dominant, pitching seven innings only giving up three hits and allowing no runs.

The first inning was scoreless but both teams collected a walk in their respective innings, one hit by pitch and the other came on four pitches. 

Springfield would open the scoring in the third inning. Two guys were on base after a one out walk and an infield single from Sean O’Reilly. O’Reilly ended up at third on a wild pitch which was followed by a fielder’s choice from Jake Lennon to bring him in.

Carter Patterson started the game for Marple Newtown. He recorded 12 outs and went four innings. His final stats were two hits, one run, three walks and five strikeouts. 

The fifth inning came about and Rae continued to roll after giving up a leadoff single. A sacrifice bunt got the runner over but was out at first. Following the bunt was a ground out and strikeout which is how the Tigers went down in the fifth.

Jackson Burger came in to pitch for Marple in the bottom of the fifth. He gave up a walk to Nick Corse, but in all he surrendered three outs and got out of the inning.

Marple started the sixth off getting a man on after an error. A sacrifice bunt and a hit by pitch would follow, quickly the Tigers had two guys on with one out. Two ground outs, one being a fielder’s choice would end the inning.

Jack Rae and the Cougars would ultimately close the game out in the top half of the seventh as Marple went down 1-2-3.

Springfield (2-10) will look to ride this momentum into Thursday when they take a trip to Media and face Penncrest (3-9).

As for Marple Newtown (5-7) they won’t have much time to think about this one as they will head to Radnor (11-1) on Thursday afternoon.

(cover photo of Mike Klawansky courtesy of Grayson Rupp/@grframes33)

DREXEL HILL – Monsignor Bonner has been hot, winning five straight and didn’t slow down on Monday afternoon when they faced Roman Catholic, winning 7-1. Three of those five wins were against PCL opponents. 

Bonner did it all on Monday dominating all areas of the field. A big part was Mike Klawanksy throwing a complete game only allowing one run off of two hits and a walk. Obviously the game of baseball doesn’t come from just pitching which wasn’t an issue thanks to a big third inning. 

Things got started with Roman Catholic striking first. Luis Selles hit a single right off the rip then was followed by a Pat Buckley double. There were runners on second and third, Selles stealing home was how the Cahillite’s were able to get on the board, making it 1-0. 

The Friars were able to strike back in their half of the second. A two-out line drive home run from Jack Redding made things all even at one a piece.

The bottom half of the third came up and Bonner got their big inning started off with a hit by pitch and single. Ryan Friel smacked a double to right field and brought home one run. The score was 2-1 and the Friars weren’t done just yet, getting two runs in a very odd way with two consecutive balks to bring the two runners home.

A wild pitch would bring Bonner’s last run of the inning home, making it 5-1 Friars.

Roman went 1-2-3 in their half of the fourth. Bonner continued to roll in their half. Ryan Friel collected his second RBI, bringing home the lead off double with a single.

Klawansky continued to shine through the fifth and sixth inning, throwing back to back 1-2-3 innings. After his one run given up in the beginning of the game, Klawansky didn’t allow a hit. His final stats were seven innings pitched, two hits, one run, one walk and four strikeouts.

Joey Graziani added some extra insurance in the sixth when he came up to the plate and hit a blast to left field, continuing to pour it on in a big day for the Friar’s bats.

The Cahillite’s had one more chance in the top of the seventh. Liam Kelly drew a one out walk but was then caught stealing, and Alex Cockerill flew out to end the game

The Friars of Monsignor Bonner picked up their sixth straight making their record (11-4) and their PCL record (7-4). They will look to keep things rolling against St. Joe’s Prep on Wednesday (4/30). 

RADNOR, PA – Archbishop Carroll dropped two straight in PCL play, but was able to secure a close contest against the Eagles of Conwell Egan. They are now back up to .500 with their PCL record being 4-4.

Mark Fohner was on the bump Tuesday afternoon for the Patriots. He got things started off early with a quick first inning.

In the bottom half of the first, Carroll was able to get on the board. A two out walk from Drew Mulligan would be the first base runner in the game. Following the walk, a double from Nick Gilroy drove in Mulligan all the way from first to give them the 1-0 lead early. 

The second inning was scoreless as Fohner continued to roll and Conwell Egan’s pitcher, Chase Forester, was able to bounce back after giving up a run in the prior inning.

Conwell Egan tied the game in the third. Brady Guzzie shot a line drive double to left and brought in the lead off walk. 

The Patriots were able to quickly strike back in the next half of the third. Nick Gilroy had his second double and second RBI to bring in the lead off walk. They weren’t done just yet and tagged on one more with a Matt Mcgaughey double to left, making the score 3-1.

The Eagles struck again in the top half of the fourth. After the bases were loaded a base hit from Dan Fritag would bring in a runner and cut Carroll’s lead down to just one, 3-2. 

The scoring was over from here on out, but the last inning got interesting. Chase Forester stayed in the game after four innings and pitched one more inning. For Carroll, Mark Fohner finished up his day with four innings pitched, two runs, a walk and a strikeout. 

Matt Mcgaughey came in as a reliever in the fifth. He would give up a single, but was able to take care of business in the rest of the inning and in the sixth.

The seventh inning came around and the Eagles weren’t going to go down without a fight. Brady Guzzie had a one-out single and was followed by a fielder’s choice advancing him to second. Keegan Johnson hit a double but was thrown out at home by Drew Mulligan and that would end the game in dramatic fashion. 

This is overall a great win for the Patriots as they were able to stay resilient in a tight game all the way through. They moved to 7-6 overall, facing St. Joseph’s Prep next Monday (4/28), and look to keep things going with only a couple weeks left in the season. 

(featured image of Austin Havertine via Shelby Kauffman/Delco Baseball Now)

RADNOR, PA – Austin Havertine pitched a complete game and with the help of his bats, he led the squad to victory Monday afternoon against Lower Merion with a score of 6-1.

Havertine’s stats were seven innings, four hits, one run, two walks and ten strikeouts. 

In the top half of the first, Lower Merion went down 1-2-3. Then in Radnor’s half of the inning, they scored half of their final total. A Matt Szychulski single to centerfield had Radnor strike first. Following his single, there was a fielder’s choice and an error made the score 3-0 after one.

Besides Lower Merion’s half of the second where they hit a single, the next inning was hitless as well as scoreless. 

The bottom of the third came around after Austin Havertine’s second 1-2-3 inning, Radnor added their fourth run. Daniel Kellis started off the inning with a base hit and advanced to second on an error. Kyle Miltenberger’s infield single would later score Kellis.

Lower Merion continued the struggle of not being able to score. After drawing a walk in the fourth that’s the only man that would get on base. Radnor went 1-2-3 in their half of the inning.

Two innings were left to go in play. Austin Havertine continued his good outing, he let up a double to lead off and a walk but stayed resilient and got out of the inning unharmed. 

In the bottom of the sixth, the score was the same, still 4-0. Joe Krasowski hit a one out single and following his hit, Austin Havertine hit a ground ball and reached on an error. The error would advance both runners making it second and third with one out. Radnor was able to capitalize off of a double from Will Selbach which scored both, adding some insurance.  

Trying to show some light in the top of the seventh, two doubles scored a run for Lower Merion after Calvin Rendle reached base and Charlie Parsons drove him in. Austin Havertine’s final batter popped out to shortstop which ended the game. This would conclude his complete game which was big for Radnor as they still have two more games this week.

Radnor moved to 5-1 in the Central League and will look for three straight wins against Springfield High School (1-5) on Tuesday (4/15) at 3:45.

Lower Merion dropped to 5-3 in the Central League and will look to get back at it on Tuesday (4/15) facing Springfield (Montco) at 12:00.