Pennridge eases to win over Plumstead
For the second year in row Pennridge entered the Connie Mack State playoffs as the number one seed. Late Saturday night its quest for the state title, which came up short last season, began at Limeport Stadium against Plumstead.
When speaking with Pen- nridge shortstop Dan Long after its Bux-Mont championship win he said the team was “not going to surprise anybody,” and that “everyone is coming for [themz.”
Despite not playing its best game, Pennridge showed why it’s the number one seed and the team to beat as it pulled away late from Plumstead, winning 12-4.
“I think we have the bull’s eye on our back, being the number one seed from Bux- Mont, I think everyone looks at us as maybe being the favorite,” Pennridge coach Dave Snider said. “I told [thez guys before the game [Plumsteadz has no pressure on them, they’re not expected to win tonight, we are expected to win.”
One thing that Pennridge can usually rely on is its offense. The offense wasted no time getting started putWLQJ uS D WwR-VSRW LQ WKH fiUVW inning when third baseman ZDFK 0uUHGGD VDFULfiFHG LQ Sam Suder and Dan Long scored on a wild pitch.
Muredda, in addition to scoring a run and having a two-RBI night at plate, was one of few who were parWLDOOy VWHOODU LQ WKH fiHOG IRU Pennridge. Muredda made VHYHUDO GLIfiFuOW SODyV LQcluding three consecutive to retire Plumstead in order in the second inning.
“He played very well,” Snider said. “Really that’s kind of a new position for him. He hasn’t played a whole lot of third base. We kind of stuck him there earlier in the year and he just showed us that he can really do the job there.”
With Pennridge looking at a 5-0 lead after two innings, it appeared well on its way WR DQ HDVy fiUVW JDPH wLQ, EuW sloppy defense in the fourth inning let Plumstead back in
the game as it scored three runs on three Pennridge errors.
“We didn’t make some pODyV Ln WKH fiHOG DnG WKDW’V usually our strong point,” SnLGHr VDLG.
Other than the fourth inning, Plumstead’s offense was shut down due to outstanding pitching of Eric Wesolowski. Wesolowski pitched six innings, allowing only three hits and one earned run.
“HH MuVW JLYHV yRu HYHryWKLnJ HYHry WLPH RuW,” SnLGHr VDLG. “-uVW NnRwLnJ that we can start a tournament with him, you expect to win.”
With game still close, but not much in question, Pennridge batted around in the the sixth inning putting up fiYH runV Ln WKH IrDPH, HVVHntially sealing the game.
The target on Pennridge will only get bigger as it PRYHV Rn.
“It’s playoffs and anybody can beat anybody,” SuGHr VDLG. “:H KDYH WR wLn four straight to win the state championship, so [we take itz one game at a time.”