Saucon Valley’s season ends at state quarterfinals
20-4 Panthers can’t hold off District 1 powerhouse Holy Ghost Prep, fall 6-1
There were a few heads bowed as the Saucon Valley baseball team lined up to shake the hands of their opponents on Thursday night at Villanova Ballpark in Plymouth Meeting.
The Panthers had just seen their season come to an end with a 6-1 loss to District 1 powerhouse Holy Ghost Prep in the PIAA Class 4A quarterfinals.
But many smiles had returned when the team gathered one last time for a photo while gathered around the “V” for Villanova behind home plate on the Wildcats’ turf field.
Saucon’s season ended with a District 11 title, a state playoff win, and a nice trip to a Division I college facility.
The Panthers (20-4) wanted more of course, but couldn’t hold on to a 1-0 lead through 3 ½ innings. Sophomore Joey Amati broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run double in the bottom of the fourth and junior Reese Acord smacked a three-run home run in the fifth and the Firebirds (17-5) were on their way to the 4A semifinals where they will meet either District 12 champ Monsignor Bonner or District 4 champ Montoursville. Those two meet at 4 p.m. Friday at Cumberland Valley High School.
Saucon Valley got a run in the third inning on Cole Hubert’s RBI single, but left the bases loaded in the second and stranded several runners through the first four innings.
At one point, the Panthers were outhitting Holy Ghost Prep 7-1, but led only 1-0.
“We couldn’t get those key hits early on that could have made this a different game,” said Panthers coach Gary Laub. “We had baserunners and put some pressure on them early, but just couldn’t get that key hit.”
Holy Ghost Prep changed pitchers after three innings and senior lefty Nick Henn allowed just two hits over the final four innings. He walked one and struck out three.
“He gave us a different look and tangled us up a little bit,” Laub said. “We had opportunities, and we didn’t capitalize. When [Holy Ghost Prep] had their opportunities they made the most of them and that was the difference in the game.”
Hubert and Rocky Viscito both had two hits and the two of them also combined to hold the Firebirds to seven hits while walking just one and striking out seven, but it wasn’t enough to advance.
Saucon Valley graduates just three seniors and will have two-thirds of its starting lineup back next year.
One of the departing seniors, Erik Smith, said he will follow the team from Furman where he will attend college.
“I think the guys coming back can build on this,” Smith said. “I think they’ll have a great shot of going far. They’re in great shape. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish.”
Smith was proud of what the 2022 team accomplished, especially considering it began when Southern Lehigh’s Matt Tankred no-hitted the Panthers in a 10-0 loss in the opener on March 30 at Limeport Stadium.
After winning the Colonial League’s East Division title, the Panthers fell 9-4 to Notre Dame-Green Pond in the league semis. But the team regrouped to win four in a row, staging three come-from-behind wins in districts and getting the program’s first PIAA win since 1999.
“It was a good season and a lot of fun,” Smith said. “It was great to see how far we progressed from the start of the season to the end. We hung in there today and gave it our best. I’ll never forget this team and all the memories that were made. I’m very thankful for the opportunity.”
The team’s other seniors, Cody Swinney and Joe DiRusso, likely felt the same way. DiRusso is headed to DeSales. Swinney is going to trade school.
As he headed off the field for the last time, Laub had no regrets.
“It was a great ride,” he said after completing his sixth season. “The kids were having a blast at practices and the games. It’s a shame it all has to come to an end eventually. We’re losing three guys and they’re all quality kids that will be hard to replace. But a run like this should inspire them in the offseason. I think they’re already looking forward to next year.”