At Whitehall on Monday afternoon, Emmaus was unable to protect a two-run lead in extra innings as the Zephyrs scored three runs with two outs to rally for the victory, damaging the Hornets chances of reaching the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Tournament.
Emmaus, which was coming off a huge emotional win just two days earlier in a 3-2 non-league victory over Hazleton, had rallied in their final at-bat to tie the game and force extra innings and actually took a 5-3 lead in the top of the eighth on senior right fielder Logan Ravier’s RBI double and junior left fielder Cole Moreau’s RBI single.
But the Hornets couldn’t keep the lead as Whitehall, with two outs and no runners on, was able to tie the game and then walk it off on junior shortstop Tyler Sanders single.
The loss dropped Emmaus to one game under .500 in both the league (5-6) and overall (6-7). Currently, the Hornets are on the outside of the playoff picture with the top eight teams qualifying.
In the defeat, freshman center fielder Tanner Karwacki had a game-high three RBI for Emmaus. Ravier was 1-for-3 with two runs scored.
On the mound, junior Robbie Barnes suffered his first loss of the season in relief of starter and classmate Jaden Betz who struck out a career-high 10 in 4 2/3 innings. Barnes gave up three runs on five hits in three innings.
For Whitehall, senior third baseman Zack Schaedel was the only player in the game with multiple hits going 2-for-4. Junior center fielder Seth Hoderewski was 1-for-3 with a double and RBI for the Zephyrs who improved to 5-4 in the EPC and 7-4 overall.
Senior Brady Kibler picked up the win in relief, allowing three runs on three hits in 2 1/3 innings. Junior Jack Lloyd started the game and went 5 1/3 innings striking out 11.
The two teams combined for 26 strikeouts in the game.
Emmaus will return to action on Wednesday at 4 p.m. as they travel to Limeport Stadium to take on Central Catholic. The game will be carried LIVE on The Eastern Pa. Sports Network beginning at 3:45 p.m.
Em – 020 000 12 – 5-7-1
Wh -000 030 03 – 6-8-2
Em – Jaden Betz, Robbie Barnes (5) and Owen Haas; Jack Lloyd, Brady Kibler (6) and Konnor Moyer. WP – Kibler, LP – Barnes (2-1)