SPRINGFIELD, PA- Monday’s PIAA playoff game at La Salle College High School between Susquehanna Township and Archbishop Wood was every bit of exciting from start to finish.
On a series of singles of doubles, Archbishop Wood jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning. With Wood being the favorites heading into the game, it appeared as though they were out to make a statement.
However, Susquehanna would not back down, as they fired back in the second inning by scoring three runs of their own to tie the game at three. With their bench fired up and their coaches pumping up each player that came to the plate, Susquehanna believed they could play with Archbishop Wood.
The Vikings tacked on two more runs in the third and took a 5-3 lead into the 5th inning, that’s when the tide turned.
After a combination of three walks, three hits and a hit batter, Susquehanna Township sent eight batters to the plate in the top of the 5th inning and scored three runs to take a 6-5 lead. Susquehanna right hander Austin Dressler took the game over from there, striking out three batters and allowing just two hits in the final three innings as Susquehanna stunned Archbishop Wood 6-5 to advance in the PIAA playoffs.
“We never backed down and we just had to take it inning by inning because we knew they {Archbishop Wood} weren’t going to go away,” Susquehanna Township coach Rob Martin said. “I’m so proud of the way our guys battled and continued to believe in themselves.”
After allowing four runs in the first two innings, Dressler allowed just one run in the final five innings of play and put his team in position to win.
“I just kept my composure and had confidence in my teammates that they were going to put runs up on the board to help me out,” Susquehanna pitcher Austin Dressler said.
The loss for Archbishop Wood ends their season with a 16-6 overall record. After jumping out to a big lead, disappointment was the feeling afterwards.
“We’re certainly disappointed with the outcome, but proud of the way our kids competed all season to get to this point,” Archbishop Wood coach Jim DiGuiseppe said.
On the flip side, Susquehanna is thrilled about advancing in the PIAA playoffs.
“We’re excited about moving on and to have another chance to keep playing and we’re looking forward to the next challenge,” coach Martin added.
Susquehanna will now face Palmerton at Wenger Field in Fredericksburg on Thursday at 1pm in the PIAA Quarterfinals.