Hazleton sweeps Bryant & Stratton-Syracuse in first home double header of the season

In home opener sweep, Hazleton delivered a commanding all around performance Saturday afternoon, rolling to a 10-0 and 12-6 victory over Bryant & Stratton-Syracuse in a six inning contest. From opening inning of the first game of the day, Hazleton took control and never looked back. A two run double by Cooper Ansbach in the first inning would set the tone, driving in 2 runs. Ansbach would later finish the first game with 4 RBIs. Also at the plate, Quinn Roche delivered a stand out performance going 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. His solo shot in the fifth inning would extend the lead to 8-0 and effectively put the game out of reach. On the mound Trent Strohecker earned the win pitching five scoreless innings. Allowing just two hits while striking out 5. Reliever Gavin Wallace closed the game with a clean sixth inning to preserve the shutout. 

In the second game of the day, Hazleton started off slow but stormed back to win 12-6 and complete the sweep. Bryant & Stratton-Syracuse came out swinging, earning five run in the first inning and extended their lead to 6-1 in the second. In the fourth inning Hazletons Ryan Racho and Maximus Cuevas helped ignite the comeback, scoring and driving in runs to cut the deficit. A sacrifice fly by Cooper Ansbach brought the score to 6-4. Momentum fully shifted in the fifth inning, as Hazleton capitalized on defensive miscues to tie the game at 6-6. A six run sixth inning sealed the comeback. Josh Smeltzer delivered the biggest blow with a two run double, while agressive baserunning and multiple wild pitches led to additional runs. On the mpund Ansbach struggled early, allowing six runs (five earned) over three innings. However, the bullpen turned the tide. Jordan Castrine was outstanding in relief, with three shutout innings while striking out four to earn the win. Eli Tyrrell closed the door to secure the victory.