Hornets 10-Run CV In Six Innings For 1st NTL Win

By: Ed Weaver  /  April 17, 2024  /  Photo: Lance Larcom/ntwsportsreport.com

Wellsboro won its second straight game in as many days after they defeated Cowanesque Valley 12-2 in 6 innings on Tuesday, April 16.

"Our pitching and defense continued to give us a chance tonight and we were able to break the game open with some key hits, head coach Kyle Smith said. "We are pleased with the progress and happy to be playing baseball games!"

The Indians scored an early run in the top of the 1st but the Hornets quickly tied it up in the bottom half of the inning. Sophomore Marek Mascho drew a walk with one out then later scored on an RBI single from junior Ryder Bowen. Wellsboro increased their lead in the 2nd as junior Lucas Cuneo singled to lead off the inning, then stole 2nd, and crossed home plate on an RBI single from sophomore Drayden McGee.

Wellsboro led 2-1 until the Indians tied the game up at 2-all in the top of the 4th, but that didn't last long once it was the Hornets' turn to bat. With two outs Mascho singled then stole 2nd to move into scoring position. Next at bat, junior Gabe Sprouse singled to score Mascho, pushing Wellsboro to a 3-2 lead. The Hornets added six more runs in the 5th and 3 more in the 6th for the win.

Marek and freshman brother Max Mascho were both 2-for-3 at the plate and scored two runs apiece. Bowen and Cuneo were both 2-for-4, and senior Caden Smith, Sprouse, McGee, and junior Dustin Owlett all had solo hits. Cuneo crossed home plate three times while junior Alec Magli, Bowen, freshman Coen Tennis, Owlett and freshman Syler Pietrzyk all scored single runs.

Smith earned the win from the mound, throwing a complete game. He scattered 2 runs on 4 hits with a walk.

Wellsboro moves to 2-1 overall and 1-1 in the NTL Large School Division. The team is back in action at Troy on Thursday for a doubleheader beginning at 3:00 p.m.