Hazleton Finishes Runner-Up in PSUAC

Hazleton fought hard, beating top seeded teams to make it to the PSUAC Championship, finishing Runner-Up in the three day tournament. 

Day 1: 05/01/26

Game 1: VS. New Kensington (W 7-2)

In the bottom of the third, Aiden Rodriguez delivered the biggest hit of the game, drilling a three-run double to right-center that scored Cooper Ansbach, Ryan Racho, and Mike Fidler. Rodriguez led the charge offensively, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a double. Trent Strohecker also starred, collecting two hits and scoring twice, while Campbell, Colantone, and Unger each contributed RBI hits.

After the offense broke the game open, Eli Tyrrell slammed the door on the mound. The Hazleton reliever struck out eight batters across 4.2 strong innings, allowing just one run and three hits to earn the victory. His command prevented New Kensington from mounting any comeback after the fourth inning.

Game 2: VS. Greater Alleghany (W 17-3)

Brandon Unger delivered the biggest individual performance of the night. The catcher went 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs, providing early momentum with a solo blast in the second inning before adding multiple clutch RBI singles later in the game. Unger's bat helped ignite an offense that never slowed down.

On the mound, Jordan Castrine earned the win after allowing just one run over four innings while striking out two. Hazleton's pitching staff combined to limit Greater Allegheny to three runs for the night. 

Day 2: 05/02/26

Game 1: Mont Alto (W 7-5)

The Hazleton offense stayed productive throughout the game, collecting 11 hits and manufacturing runs in nearly every inning. Unger continued his standout weekend at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two RBIs. Cooper Ansbach added two hits, including an RBI double in the fourth inning, while Strohecker contributed both on the mound and offensively with two hits, an RBI, and a stolen base.

On the mound, Strohecker delivered six important innings to earn the win. The right-hander struck out seven while allowing five runs on nine hits. Ansbach then closed the door in the seventh inning, striking out two in a scoreless frame to secure the victory and earn the save.

Game 2: Du Bois (W 8-1)

Dylan Colantone ignited the outburst with an RBI double and stayed hot at the plate throughout the night, finishing 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. His solo homer in the second inning extended the lead to 6-1 and reinforced Hazleton's control of the game.

Ansbach dominated on the mound from start to finish. The right-hander threw a complete game, allowing just two hits and one run while striking out eight over seven innings. After surrendering an RBI double in the first inning, Ansbach completely shut down Du Bois the rest of the way, retiring hitters consistently and never allowing the hosts to build momentum.

Day 3: 05/03/26 Championship Games

Game 1: Mont Alto (L 2-4)

Trent Strohecker put Hazleton on the board in the first with an RBI single that scored Aiden Rodriguez after his leadoff double. In the second inning, Ryan Racho added another RBI single to bring home Brandon Unger and extend the advantage.

Jordan Castrine turned in a complete-game effort for Hazleton, allowing four runs on seven hits over six innings while throwing an efficient 63 pitches. Despite the loss, Castrine kept Hazleton within striking distance after the difficult third inning and benefited from solid defensive support that included two double plays.

Game 2: Mont alto (L 4-15)

Aiden Rodriguez paced Hazleton's offense with a perfect 2-for-2 afternoon, adding an RBI, a walk, and a stolen base while consistently creating pressure on the bases. Trent Strohecker also turned in another productive game, going 2-for-4 with an RBI single in the first inning that helped spark Hazleton's early response after falling behind. Ryan Racho contributed two hits and scored a run, while Maximus Cuevas added a double and crossed the plate once. Hazleton's lineup continued to battle throughout the game, producing hits in multiple innings and putting runners on base consistently against Mont Alto's pitching staff.

On the mound, Jake Bobish provided an encouraging relief appearance late in the game. The right-hander tossed a scoreless seventh inning, allowing two hits while preventing any additional damage and finishing the game with efficiently.