Hornets Edge Out Sayre 4-3 In Sunday Afternoon Contest

By: Ed Weaver  /  April 29, 2024  /  Photo: Lance Larcom/ntwsportsreport.com

Wellsboro made up their NTL crossover game from earlier this season with Sayre, edging the Redskins 4-3 on Sunday, April 28.

"I'm really proud of our pitchers the past week," head coach Kyle Smith noted. "They've been asked to go deep into ballgames and have kept us in each game. Marek Mascho did that again for us today and the defense played solid behind him. Coen Tennis and Cameron Owlett came through at the plate today at key moments, so that is encouraging as well. We put Max Mascho in a tough spot to close out the game and he delivered on the mound. I'm proud of this team as we continue to compete and improve."

After a scoreless 1st inning by both teams, the Redskins' Tanner Green drew a one-out walk then later scored on a base hit from Ryne Osmond to put Sayre in front. Sayre held their 1-0 lead heading into the 5th when the Hornets' bats finally came alive.

With one out Tennis ripped a base hit, then advanced to 2nd on an error, putting himself in scoring position. Next at bat, Cameron Owlett singled to score Tennis, tying the game at 1-1. Marek Mascho later doubled with two outs to put two runners on for Gabe Sprouse. The junior delivered, driving in both Owlett and Mascho and making it 3-1 in favor of Wellsboro.

The Hornets increased their lead the following inning when Owlett drove in junior Lucas Cuneo after singling and stealing a base to move into scoring position.

Sayre cut Wellsboro's lead in half to 4-2 in the bottom half of the 6th as Kaden Bennett hit a sac fly to score Karter Green after he led off with a base hit. Sayre got another run back in the bottom of the 7th as Shaine Strickland scored on a passed ball after leading off with a base hit. Will Crossett also singled then advanced all the way to 3rd on another passed ball, putting the tying run 90 feet away. Marek Mascho finished the first two-thirds of the inning, leaving the final out for younger brother Max. Max walked his first batter to put runners on the corners, but closed the game out with a strikeout to solidify the win.

Tennis and Owlett both finished 2-for-2 at the plate to lead the Hornets while Cuneo and senior Caden Smith were both 1-for-3. Sprouse and Marek Mascho were both 1-for-4.

Marek Mascho earned the win from the mound, going 6 & 2/3 innings allowing 3 runs on 8 hits with 3 walks and 3 strikeouts. Max Mascho earned the save with a walk and strikeout.

The win moves Wellsboro to 4-6 overall and improves them to 3-5 in the NTL Large School Division. The team travels to Towanda later this afternoon.