Council Rock Newtown Repeats as Section 6 Champions

Section 6 Championship	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H	E
Franklin Township	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	2	1
Council Rock Newtown	3	0	0	1	0	X	4	3	0

The second time was just as sweet for Council Rock Newtown, as they defeated Franklin Township 4-1 and advanced to the state tournament for the second consecutive year. For this group, it was their third title in three years, also winning the 8-10 and 9-11 section tournaments.

Brad Hamilton’s team knew they wanted to put up some early runs and be aggressive against the team from Lehighton, and they did just that. The first inning began with back to back walks to Dean Hamilton and Brayden Peiffer, who each moved up on a wild pitch. Tyler Neeld grounded into a fielders choice, but Hamilton scored. Greyson Gage, one of the heroes of the 4-3 victory over Southern Lehigh, then singled to left and drove in Peiffer to make it 2-0. An infield error off a ball hit by Rocco DaBronzo extended the lead to 3-0.

Sav Longo, who last saw action striking out five of seven against Southern Lehigh, then struck out five of the next six, bringing his total to six Ks through three innings. He added another in the fourth before scoring his team’s fourth run on a wild pitch. All night long, Sav mixed speeds and locations, keeping the Franklin Township batting order off balance.

Franklin Township broke through in the fifth. After consecutive ground outs to Dean Hamilton at second base, Jayce Hunsicker singled into left and Roman White doubled him home to make it 4-1. However, Longo regained his mojo and got Colby Solt looking before striking out the side in the final inning to clinch the section title and berth into states. Longo finished his night with a complete game two-hitter, fanning eleven and walking three, all on 79 pitches.

His counterpart, Owen Moyer, went four innings, giving up just three hits, but a few passed balls, wild pitches, and an error gave Newtown all the runs they’d need to secure the victory.

Council Rock Newtown’s majors now return to states. Last year’s squad lost heartbreakers to Northern Lebanon and DuBois at Newtown-Edgemont. This year, the Blue Dawgs open against the champion from section 7(to be determined) at Newville Little League on Wednesday at 8:00. Stay tuned to LSVSports.com for a full state preview.