Hornets Split Doubleheader With Athens

By: Ed Weaver  /  April 27, 2024  /  Photo: Lance Larcom/ntwsportsreport.com

Wellsboro split a doubleheader with Athens at home on Friday, April 26.

The Hornets took game one 5-4, then lost 5-4 in game two.

"Our pitchers and defense performed well today and as long as we continue to work on the little things, the team is heading in the right direction," head coach Kyle Smith said. "I'm pleased with the effort of the team right now. Our hitters are starting to make adjustments and that is another step in the right direction. Tough way to lose in the second game today, but we gave ourselves a chance and that is what we are looking for."

The first game was scoreless until the second inning when Wellsboro's bats came alive. Junior Dustin Owlett drew a walk to lead off the inning, then freshman Coen Tennis and sophomore Cameron Owlett both reached on errors. Sophomore Marek Mascho doubled to score Dustin Owlett and Tennis to give the Hornets the lead, then junior Gabe Sprouse singled in the next at bat to score Cameron Owlett and Mascho, putting Wellsboro in front 4-0.

Wellsboro increased their lead to 5-0 in the fifth as freshman Max Mascho singled then later scored.

Athens rallied with three runs in the 6th and added one more in the 7th, but Wellsboro hung on for the win.

Sprouse and senior Caden Smith led the Hornets at the plate, both going 2-for-4. Marek and Max Mascho both finished 1-for-4 and Dustin Owlett was 1-for-2.

Smith got the win from the mound, throwing a complete game. He allowed 4 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits with a walk and 5 strikeouts.

In the second game Athens held a 3-1 lead after the first inning. Wellsboro's run was scored by Smith after he led off by reaching on an error. The Hornets tied the game with two runs in the 4th. Junior Lucas Cuneo led off the inning by reaching on an error, then junior Alec Magli singled. Both scored. Wellsboro took the lead in the top of the 7th as Marek Mascho reached on an error with two outs then later scored. Athens, however, plated two runs in the bottom half of the inning for the win.

Magli went 2-for-3 with a walk and stole a base to lead the Hornets while Marek Mascho added the other hit.

Sprouse threw a complete game, allowing 5 runs (3 earned) on 8 hits with 3 walks and 3 strikeouts.

Wellsboro currently sits at 3-6 overall and 2-5 in the NTL Large School Division. The team is at Sayre on Sunday afternoon.