RECAP >> Heading into its Eastern Pennsylvania Conference semifinal with Parkland on Monday night, Emmaus was hoping the third time would be the charm against their arch-rival.
After dropping the previous two meetings (11-5 and 3-2), the Hornets got off to a good start with the first run of the game in the top of the second inning. That lead, however, was short-lived as the Trojans responded with seven runs in the bottom of the inning, aided by four Emmaus errors and Parkland went on to defeat the Hornets 11-5 at DeSales University’s Weiland Park.
The win was the 13th straight for the top-seeded Trojans (20-2 overall) who will advance on to the championship game on Thursday night at 7 p.m. against second-seeded Liberty, a 12-2 five-inning winner over third-seeded Nazareth.
For the two-time defending EPC champs Emmaus (14-8), they will now prepare for the upcoming District XI Class 6A Tournament after their third consecutive loss to the Trojans.
In last night’s game, the Hornets outhit Parkland 8-6, but six errors overall in the game proved costly.
Junior shortstop Cohen Schadler led Emmaus offensively going 2-for-3 at the plate with three RBI. Senior first baseman Zach McEllroy also had a pair of hits, while junior leftfielder Colin Wilson scored two runs.
On the mound, senior Ryan Latchford, who was coming off of a brilliant relief performance in Emmaus’ 6-4 quarterfinal round over Pocono Mountain East last week, suffered the loss. Latchford (3-2) gave up nine runs on just three hits before giving way to Shane Ohl. Senior TJ Geist and junior Taylor Davis also saw time.
For Parkland, starting pitcher senior Bo Bathol went 2-for-4 at the plate including a three-run inside-the-park home run as part of the seven-run second inning. Senior shortstop Michael Cole also had three RBI in the win and senior first baseman Jaiden Wanamaker was 2-for-4 and also drove in two runs.
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Parkland 11, Emmaus 5
Em – 012 010 1 – 5-8-6
Pa – 070 030 1 – 11-6-0
Ryan Latchford, Shane Ohl (4), TJ Geist (5), Taylor Davis (6) and Michael Kernechel; Bo Barthol, Nathan Bartholomew (3), Steven Sepko (6) and Matt Razzis. WP – Barthol, LP – Latchford. HR – Barthol (Park, 2nd 2 on)