At Church Lane Park on Tuesday afternoon, Emmaus rallied from an early 4-0 deficit to tie Central Catholic and force extra innings, but the Vikings scored a pair of runs in the top of the ninth inning to secure the 6-4 win.
It was the second consecutive loss for the Hornets who dropped to 1-2 overall and 1-1 in the EPC. Central Catholic, meanwhile, improved to 2-0 on the season.
The Vikings loaded the bases in the ninth and Andrew Bowser delivered a sacrifice fly to bring home what proved to be the winning run. Ryan Rooney also reached on an error for a big insurance run.
Emmaus had a chance to rally in their final at bat loading the bases, but Brader Butz got Cole Geiger to pop out to second to end the game.
The Hornets had rallied with three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to force extra innings. Robbie Barnes (2-for-3, two RBI), Chase Simmons and Ryan Hummel all had RBI singles.
Butz picked up the win in relief allowing just one run on four hits in three innings of work. Starter Nolan gave up just one run on two hits and struck out 7 seven in 4 2-3 innings. Young also went 2-for-5 at the plate with a three-run double in the top of the second inning give the Vikes a 4-0 lead.
Andrew Bowser and Butz also added a pair of hits and an RBI for Central Catholic.
For Emmaus, catcher Drayce Schmidt was 3-for-4, while Diaz had two hits.
Hummel suffered his first loss of the season on the mound allowing two runs on three hits in 3 1-3 innings. Starter Jaden Betz went 4 1-3, giving up four runs on four hits while walking five and striking out eight.
Emmaus will look to bounce back today at 4 p.m. as they host Allen at Church Lane Park.
CCHS 6, Emmaus 4 (9 innings)
CC – 130-000-002 – 6-8-1
Em – 000-010-30x – 4-9-2
Nolan Young, Ryan Rooney (5), Brader Butz (7) and Jake Strobl; Jaden Betz, Connor Horwath (4), Ryan Hummell (5) and Drayce Schmidt. WP – Butz, LP – Hummel (0-1)