Mike Vukovcan DARLINGTON TWP- Hopewell’s Team Hoffman (Pony League) entered their latest game with a record of 9-0 with 4 games remaining in the regular season.
The Vikings’ remaining schedule was Blackhawk, Ambridge, Blackhawk (second team) and Beaver.
Established in 1986, family owned and serving the Beaver County community for over 40 years. Serving breakfast favorites and lunch specials.
If Hopewell is able to win 3 of those 4 games, they will be the regular season champions and the top seed in the Western Pa Pony League Playoffs.
A&S Federal Credit Union are proud sponsors of Hopewell Boys and Girls High School, Junior High and Youth Sports.
Team Hoffman traveled to Blackhawk to take on the Cougars and while it wasn’t easy, Hopewell was able to pull out a 10-8 win in extra innings.
Blackhawk scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 6th inning to send the game to extra innings. Hopewell then scored 2 runs in the top of the 7th to grab the lead and held Blackhawk scoreless in the bottom of the inning.
In the top of the 7th, Liam Rankin led off with a walk, followed by a 1-out walk to Nico Yannessa. Then with 2 outs, Rhett Rankin delivered under pressure with a 2-run single to bring in his brother and Yannessa.
To close things out, HC Chip Hoffman called upon Liam Rankin to get the final 3 outs of the game which he did as he struck out the side.
The hitting star of the night for Hopewell was Connor Reed, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with 2 runs and an RBI. Tyler Hoffman, Channing Yesionek, Yannessa and Rhett Rankin all picked up 2 hits on the night.
RBI getters for Hopewell were Rhett Rankin with 3, Hoffman with 2 and Reed, Liam Rankin, Yesionek, Yannessa and Evan Vogel all with 1 apiece.
Hoffman got the start for Hopewell and went 5 innings, allowing 4 hits, 3 earned runs, 3 walks and 6 strikeouts.
Hopewell/Team Hoffman (10-0) will return to action tonight when they host Ambridge.
