Photos: James Williamson, Zack Beavers, Colleen Claggett & Tommy Muir
By: John Knebels
PHILADELPHIA – Nothing like some Philadelphia Catholic League dominance.
In the first round of the PIAA state baseball playoffs on June 6, all four PCL representatives advanced to this week’s quarterfinals.
It took a while for Class 3A Neumann-Goretti to wake up, but when the Saints did, they took control and defeated Trinity High School, 5-2.
Trailing 2-0, Neumann-Goretti took the lead with three runs in the fifth and added a pair in the sixth.
“We came back from a tough loss in the Catholic League playoffs and we wanted nothing else but a win to extend the life of our group and our careers,” said senior Jameson Masino. “It shows what we’re made of and the roots of our program.
“It’s life or death on the field every given day left that we have. We are taking these last few days day-by-day and pitch-by-pitch to extend our season and bring home a state championship.”
Sophomore Jayce Park tossed six strong innings, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks while striking out six. Masino mopped up in the seventh with a three-strikeout save. The Saints’ offense was led by senior Joey Brasky (two RBI) and sophomore Evan McCoach (RBI).
Neumann-Goretti pitcher Jayce Park #29 - PSD Photo by Tommy Muir
The Saints will face District 2 champion Lake Lehman 6:00 Thursday at DeSales University.
Bonner-Prendergast sophomore Austin Cannon - PSD Photo by Zack Beavers
Philadelphia Catholic League champion Bonner-Prendergast kept on rolling with an 8-1 Class 4A win over Fleetwood. The Friars banged out 15 hits and used a three-run second and a four-run fourth to make it easier for sophomore winning pitcher Harry Carr, who gave up only one run in five innings while striking out seven.
The slugging Friars were paced by sophomore Austin Cannon (2-for-4, 2 runs scored, 2 runs batted in), senior James Sousa (3-4, RS, RBI), sophomore Irv Fisher (3-4, 2 RS, 2 RBI), and senior Joey DeMucci (2-4, RS, RBI).
Bonner-Prendergast takes on District 4 champ Montoursville 4:00 Friday at Cumberland High School in Mechanicsburg.
“It was really exciting to start a big game which could’ve been our last,” said Carr. “The trust in me to go out there and pitch to keep our season alive . . . it’s huge.
“We keep the same energy and mentality every game. Nothing changes from winning the PCL. We put that behind us right now and focus on one thing – to win a state championship.”
Archbishop Wood's Richie Bonino #21 - PSD Photo by James Williamson
Archbishop Wood's Joey Gale #11 and Tyler Kilmer #8 - PSD Photo by James Williamson
Archbishop Wood survived some scares before holding tight for a 5-4 Class 5A triumph over Strath Haven.
The Vikings trailed, 2-0, but behind senior Aiden Myers (2-3, 2 RBI), senior Richie Bonino (1-3, 2 RBI), senior Pat McKinney (2 walks, 2 RS), junior Dan Tiburcio (1-2, walk, RS), and junior Brian Klumpp (1-3, RBI), they tied the game in the fourth, took a 4-2 lead in the fifth, and added another run in the sixth.
Strath Haven climbed to within 5-4 but could move no closer. Senior pitcher Mike Trommer earned the victory by surrendering two runs on seven hits and one walk in six innings while whiffing 10.
“Our team is tough and never quits,” said junior Joey Gale. “We got down early in the game 2-0 and clawed are way back with great hits and great pitching. It’s easy to quit when you’re down, but our team came together and got a tough win, so it’s on to the next.”
That “next” will be a competing against District 3 winner Manheim Central 4:00 Thursday at Muhlenberg High School.
Defending Class 6A state champion La Salle is one step closer to a repeat after holding off Pennsbury, 9-6. After allowing two runs in the top of the second, the Explorers bounced back with two of their own in the second and then ignited for five runs in the third and two in the fourth.
La Salle’s five-through-eight hitters of senior Kevin Kell, senior Brian Baquero, senior Jacob Overton, and senior Tom Convey raked 6-for-10 with seven RBI.
The Explorers’ next obstacle is a battle versus District 11 champion Liberty, 7:00 Thursday at Boyertown High School.
“I love the state tournament,” said Baquero. “It brings a different kind of energy, knowing that if you lose, your season is over. The intensity is through the roof, and baseball is the most fun that way."
La Salle's Brian Baquero #13 cheers home Tahir Parker #31 - PSD Photo by Colleen Claggett
(Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)