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Pennridge powers past Franklin Twp.

D-18 champions rout Stroudsburg Saturday before suffering loss Sunday; FT meets Newtown today in elimination game

For Franklin Township’s 12-year-old Little League all-stars, it was just one of those days.

The District 18 champions kept swimming upstream Sunday, unable to catch a break against a powerful and poised Pennridge squad.

The District 20 champs came out swinging — and never let up — en route to a 12-2, four-inning win at Dutch Hill. The victory advanced Pennridge to Tuesday’s championship round at 6 p.m. against the winner of Monday’s game between Franklin Township and Newtown, which eliminated Stroudsburg 10-0.

The winner of the double-elimination tournament moves on to the Pennsylvania state championship.

Pennridge wasted no time showcasing its firepower, plating seven runs in the top of the first inning. The Bucks County club sent 11 batters to the plate and reeled off seven hits. If not for a heads-up defensive play that cut down a runner trying to steal home, the frame might have looped back to the top of the order.

Pennridge’s disciplined approach at the plate was as impressive as its production.

“We preach, ‘Stay in the zone and hit the ball hard,’” said manager Nate Ritter, whose squad has now won seven straight postseason games — including five in its run to the District 20 title.

Asked about expectations coming into the tournament, Ritter kept it in perspective.

“You expect nothing — the kids are 11 and 12 years old,” he said. “You preach fundamentals and come out and play a fun game.”

Three different Pennridge players had two hits apiece in the eight-hit attack, including doubles by Jordan Ritter, Mags Rivera, and Grayson Orsao — who drove in three runs. Ritter and Rivera each delivered RBI doubles in the first, while Jack Walters, Landon Ambach, and Hannah Wheeler added run-scoring singles.

Pennridge tacked on five more runs in the second inning to take a 12-0 lead. Ritter singled, three consecutive walks forced in a run, and Jonah Los and Walters followed with RBI singles.

All of the damage came in a steady downpour — but Pennridge stayed locked in.

Franklin Township managed to push across two runs in the bottom of the fourth and came within a whisker of extending the game and avoiding the 10-run rule.

“We’re a resilient group that has character,” said FT manager Travis Hunsicker. “It’s a new game as long as we show up — and I know we will show up.”

Hunsicker’s squad will face Newtown on Monday in an elimination game.

There were still bright spots in Sunday’s loss.

Miles Mann led off the second inning with a single, though Franklin couldn’t build on it. Earlier, Brody Hunsicker doubled in the first, but a quick Pennridge double play ended the threat.

Franklin threatened again in the third, when Christian Snyder doubled and Mason Neff walked to put two on with no outs. But Ritter, pitching in relief, escaped the jam and stranded both runners.

“We hit the ball hard today — all over the field,” said Hunsicker.

Franklin finally broke through in the fourth. Hunsicker singled for his second hit, followed by another hit from Mann. After an out, Jake Kistner walked and Grant Hunter lined a two-run single to right to make it 12-2. But a flyout and a strikeout ended the rally and the game.

KUDOS ... Billy and Karen Angst continue to raise the bar when it comes to hosting tournaments. Hailing from St. Clair, Billy was a standout athlete for the Saints and played under the legendary Billy Wolfe — Karen’s father.

MORE KUDOS ... Shoutout to the grounds crew. The tarp-covered infield and attention to detail kept the field pristine, even in the rain. District 18 commissioner Bobby Quinn has done a terrific job.

UMPIRES STAYED READY ... Home plate umpire Mark Onushco said afterward he nearly called the game due to rain, but field conditions held up. He kept a close eye on the pitchers, who occasionally struggled with gripping the ball.

Franklin Twp. 000 02 - 2 7 2

Pennridge 750 x - 12 10 0

Meek, Hunter (1) and Hunsicker; Wiren, Ritter (3) and Ambauch. W - Wiren. L - Meek.

Saturday’s Game

Franklin Twp.-

Stroudsburg

Franklin Township jumped out to a 9-0 lead against Stroudsburg and cruised to a 12-2 victory.

Jakoby Andrews and Grant Hunter both knocked in three runs for the winners, while Brody Hunsicker finished 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs.

Hunsicker delivered a run-scoring double and Franklin received three bases-loaded walks during a five-run first inning.

Myles Meek contributed a hit and two runs to the FT cause. Andrews also scored three runs, while Parker Cummins and Christian Snyder both chipped in with a hit and an RBI.

Jake Kistner added a pair of runs, and Dean Kuhns finished with a hit and a run.

Miles Mann and Mason Neff each pitched a scoreless inning and struck out two.

Franklin Twp. 540 03 - 12 10 4

Stroudsburg 010 10 - 2 4 3

W - Mann.

Franklin third baseman Jake Kistner watches as Pennridge's Jordan Ritter slides into the base. RON GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Franklin shortstop Miles Mann fields the ball during Sunday's game. RON GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Brody Hunsicker of Franklin Township takes a lead from third in front of manager Travis Hunsicker while covering the bag is Pennridge's Greyson Orsino. RON GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS