Hornets Edge NEB 8-7 For Senior Night Win

By: Ed Weaver | PIAA District IV | May 15, 2024 | Photo courtesy Ed Weaver

Wellsboro hung on to defeat the defending District IV Class 1A champions Northeast Bradford, 8-7 on Tuesday, May 14 during Senior Night.

"We're really fortunate to grind out a win tonight on senior night," head coach Kyle Smith said. "Caden has had a solid high school baseball career and has left a positive impression on the group returning next season. Although its only one spot to fill for the returning players, it is a key spot to replace. Caden has played numerous positions in his career and his competitiveness and leadership will be missed."

The Hornets got started quickly after holding NEB scoreless in the top of the 1st. After a lead-off walk by senior Caden Smith he would cross home plate as junior Gabe Sprouse hit into a fielders choice. Northeast tied the game in the top of the 2nd, but again Wellsboro answered in the bottom half of the inning.

Wellsboro padded their lead with 4 runs in the bottom of the 2nd. Junior Alec Magli drew a lead off walk then junior Lucas Cuneo singled with one out. Both would score. Smith and sophomore Cameron Owlett would both get hit by pitches and later scored on a double by Sprouse, pushing the lead to 5-1. Wellsboro again held the Panthers scoreless in the top of the 3rd, then scored one more run by Magli in the bottom half of the inning, making it 6-1.

Northeast Bradford got one run back in the top of the 4th to cut the lead to 6-2. Wellsboro was held scoreless and NEB was also scoreless in the 5th before the Hornets added another run in the bottom of the 5th.

Junior Dustin Owlett led off the 5th with a walk then freshman Max Mascho took over for him on the base path. A single in the next at bat by Cuneo moved Mascho into scoring position, and he would score as Smith reached base on an error.

The 6th inning is when Northeast Bradford began their rally, plating 4 runs to cut the lead to 7-6 before knotting the game up at 7-all one inning later.

In the bottom of the 7th Cuneo led off with a base hit, followed by a base hit by Smith. A balk from the pitcher advanced Cuneo over to 3rd and Smith up to 2nd. Cuneo then scored on a wild pitch to give the Hornets the 8-7 victory.

"Northeast Bradford played well and gave us a great battle," continued Smith. "They captured the momentum late in the game and it was a challenge to stop, but we found a way to get it done and that is the type of mindset we are looking for moving forward."

Cuneo led Wellsboro at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two runs scored. Smith and sophomore Marek Mascho were both 1-for-2, and Sprouse, junior Ryder Bowen and freshman Coen Tennis were all 1-for-4.

Mascho stared on the mound and threw 5 & 1/3 innings, allowing 5 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits with 4 walks and 2 strikeouts. Sophomore Dylan Copp threw 2/3 of an inning, giving up 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits. Smith got the win, pitching a clean 7th inning.

The win improves the Hornets to 7-11 overall (6-8 NTL Large School Division). The team is scheduled to play Towanda later this afternoon, weather depending.

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