In a season filled with ups and downs, it’s been the little things that have cost Emmaus in games that they have come up on the short end of the scoreboard.
A fielding error in late-game situations. Failure to get that timely hit with runners in scoring position. Struggles on the mound with a young pitching staff.
You name it, and head coach Jeremy Haas’ has seen it all this year.
It’s kind of what the Hornets sixth-year manager expected heading into a season with a very young and inexperienced team that was hit hard by graduation with the loss of eight of nine positional starters to graduation.
On Tuesday afternoon at windy Coca-Cola Park in their annual rivalry battle with Parkland, it was deja vu all over again for Emmaus as they once again left the ballpark disappointed and frustrated following a 1-0 loss to the Trojans.
Parkland, which had entered the game riding-high on a six-game win streak, was able to push across the only run of the game in the top of the fifth inning as senior Connor Gerhart, the Trojans No. 9 hitter in the lineup, scored from third base on a wild pitch with the bases loaded and two outs.
The defeat for the Hornets waisted an outstanding effort on the mound from junior Jaden Betz, who had arguably his best outing of the season, allowing just one run on four hits in six strong innings. The right-hander struck out six before giving way to classmate Robbie Barnes who pitched a scoreless seventh inning.
Emmaus, which was coming off of a two-run loss to Bethlehem Catholic (5-3) less than 24 hours earlier, saw its overall record drop to 6-6 on the season and 5-5 in the EPC. Their six losses this season have been by a combined 14 runs.
Parkland, meanwhile, won for the seventh straight time as they improved to 8-1 overall and 7-1 in the league.
The Hornets, who were shutout for the first time this season, struggled at the plate against Parkland ace senior Nate Unger who improved to 4-0 on the season. The right-hander allowed just three singles while not walking a batter in the complete-game effort.
Emmaus had opportunities late in the game with runners on base but were unable to push across the tying or go-ahead run. In their final at-bat, freshman Tanner Karwacki reached base with a one-out single, but then one batter later, was thrown out trying to steal second ending the game.
Senior designated hitter Owen Haas and junior pinch-hitter Cole Moreau had the Hornets only other hits on the day.
Defensively, Karwacki shined in centerfield with a number of outstanding plays as did sophomore second baseman Josh Diaz.
For Parkland, sophomore DH Ben Wenninger was the only player in the game with multiple hits going 2-for-2 with a walk. Senior shortstop Will Dobil and classmate catcher Brody Morabito also had a hit.
Emmaus will look to snap its two-game losing streak at Noon on Saturday as they host perennial District 2 power Hazleton (6-2) in a non-league game at Church Lane Park.
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Parkland 1, Emmaus 0
Pa – 000 010 0 – 1-4-1
Em – 000 000 0 – 0-3-0
Nate Unger and Brody Morabito; Jaden Betz, Robbie Barnes (7) and Bryan Kain. W – Unger (4-0), L – Betz (1-3)
Pa – Dobil 1-3, Morabito 1-4, Brunner 0-3, Wenninger 2-2, Unger 0-3, Derr 1-3, Parsell 0-2, Scherff 0-3, Gerhart 0-2
Em – Ravier 0-3, McGeehan 0-2, Fleetwood 0-3, Barnes 0-3, Diaz 0-3, Karwacki 1-2, Haas 1-3, Hummel 0-1, Kain 0-1, Moreau 1-1