Mike Vukovcan Hopewell Township- Winning isn’t easy, especially in tournament play as the Hopewell 10-year-old All-Star team found out this morning.
The Vikings came as close as you can to winning a game but unfortunately they came a pitch short.
After opening up the Hopewell Tournament last night with a 5-3 win over Seneca Valley, Hopewell was back at it this morning as they took on Riverside.
Game Recap-Â
*Top 1st: Bowen Smith got the start for the Vikings and started out strong by striking out two batters in the first frame.
*Bottom 1st: Hopewell threatened in the bottom of the inning as Logan Giering smashed a double to center field but was stranded.
*Top 2nd: Smith stayed on to pitch the 2nd and threw well as he struck out two more batters.
*Bottom of 2nd: Hopewell got on the scoreboard first with some clutch hitting. With 2 on and 2 out, Clay Magnone came through with a 2-run single to score Lincoln Cumpston and Waylon Phillips. Hopewell 2-0.
*Top of 3rd: Logan Giering came on to pitch the 3rd and he threw another scoreless inning for Hopewell. Logan struck out the first two batters he faced. Then after two Riverside batters reached, the inning ended with a fielders choice, SS Phillips to 3B Cody Goble. Hopewell 2-0.
*Bottom of 4th: Riverside scored two runs in the top of the 4th but Hopewell quickly answered. Sean Bain led off the inning with a single and Eden Lingenfelter then reached on an error. Later in inning, Bain would score on a groundout by Phillips. Hopewell 3-2.
*Top of 6th: Sean Bain pitched a scoreless top of the 5th but Hopewell was unable to add onto their one-run lead in the bottom of the inning.
Hopewell needed 3 outs to win the game and it looked like they were going to do it.
After Riverside loaded the bases with 0 outs, Hopewell recorded the next 2 outs without giving up a run.
So the bases were loaded with 2 outs and Hopewell leading 3-2. The Riverside batter was down in the count 1-2 and then connected for a game-winking grand slam to straight away CF.
Final Score: Riverside 6 Hopewell 3
Hopewell will enter bracket play tomorrow with a 1-1 record. Although this was a tough loss, this Hopewell team is talented and I have a feeling that they’ll rebound tomorrow.
Go Vikings!
Hopewell will start bracket play tomorrow with an 11 AM matchup against Neurohr.
