Neumann keeps postseason hopes alive in 15-2 win at Sugar Valley

By Bees O’Brien

LOCK HAVEN- On any given day in high school sports, anything can happen. That was the case Friday afternoon at Taggert Park.

Sugar Valley entered their contest against St. John Neumann reeling with high hopes following their 12-0 win over Bucktail on Wednesday. That win was the Phoenix’s lone victory. Bucktail’s lone win was a 12-9 victory over Neumann last week.

Sugar Valley had high expectations entering their contest with the Knights and for good reason.

It would instead be Neumann’s day to shine. The visitors would pound out 16 hits, score 15 runs and hold a Phoenix team that dropped 16 hits on Bucktail in their Wednesday night win to just 5 base hits.

Neumann set the tone early with 4 runs in the top of the first inning to take the early lead, but Sugar Valley would fight back in their half of the first inning. The Phoenix would get runs from Cayden Weaver and Bryer Martin to pull to with two run after one inning of play.

St. John Neumann’s offensive onslaught would continue from there. The Knights’ lead grew to 8-2 following another 4-run effort in the second inning.

Neumann would close out the game in the fourth and fifth innings by crossing seven runs to force the 10-run mercy rule and set the 15-2 final.

Weaver and Martin led the offensive effort for Sugar Valley. Both collected a pair of hits. Both of Weaver’s hits were doubles and Martin had a double too. Gage Lucas collected the other hit for the Phoenix.

The win improved St. John Neumann’s District IV 1A playoff hopes while upping their overall mark to 6-9 on the season. The Knights must go 4-0 over their final four games to qualify. A road trip to Line Mountain and three home games remain, including a rematch with Sugar Valley next Saturday in Williamsport.

Sugar Valley, now 1-13 will next be in action on Tuesday when they travel to Bucktail in a rematch from earlier this week.