June 3, 2019: Neshaminy 3, Hempfield 0
The 2019 Hempfield Baseball season came to an abrupt end as the Black Knights fell by a score of 3-0 to the Neshaminy Redskins on the campus of Widener University in the first round of the PIAA 6A State Tournament.
A rejuvenated Ty Vaughn took the loss on the mound for Hempfield but he deserved a better fate on this day. Neshaminy loaded the bases with no outs in the first, but Hempfield surrendered only a run on a fielder’s choice ground out. The Redskins continued to put pressure on the Hempfield defense, but Vaughn worked out of jams in the second and third inning before another run scored in the fourth on a two out single to left. Neshaminy put runners on second and third in the fifth but again Vaughn worked his way out of the jam. He finished the day with five strikeouts, three walks, and allowd nine singles. Justin Lichtenwalner relieved Vaughn in the sixth and allowed an unearned run after an infield error put a runner on second base; Neshaminy’s second two-out RBI single of the day scored their third run.
It was a difficult day at the office for the Hempfield offense. The Black Knights had 13 baserunners as they connected for five hits, worked seven walks and were hit by a pitched ball; unfortunately it was not enough to push a run across home plate. Hempfield had two runners on the bases in each of the first three innings and left the bases loaded in the fourth. In the fifth, a runner was stranded at third base and Hempfield grounded into inning ending double plays in the sixth and seventh innings.
The loss ends Hempfield’s 2019 season with a 21-6 record. Hempfield earned its 14th Section One Championship this spring and were runners-up in the Lancaster-Lebanon League Tournament and the PIAA District 3 6A Tournament. The team entered the PIAA State Tournament for just the fifth time in school history.
The result also marks the ends of the scholastic careers for an amazing group of seniors. The coaching staff thanks Seth Constein, Nick Fiore, Brandon Husted, Justin Lichtenwalner, Brad Paup, Jacob Rissmiller, Alec Santiago, C.J. Saylor and Ty Vaughn for your dedication to the Baseball Program and for your unwavering committment to each other and to the team. We look forward to your future successes and will never forget each one of you. You have made us very, very proud.
May 30, 2019: Wilson 11, Hempfield 2
The Wilson Bulldogs connected for 14 hits and scored 11 runs to defeat the Hempfield Black Knights in the District 3, 6A Championship Game. Wilson jumped out to a three run lead in the first inning on four hits and benefitted from two Hempfield errors.
After going six up, six down in the first two innings, Wyatt Hershey singled to right and reached third base when Seth Constein doubled to left. C.J. Saylor’s line out to right center scored Hershey and advanced Constein to third. After three innings Hempfield trailed 3-1. Wilson answered in the top of the fourth inning, however, with a run of their own, and added three more in the fifth inning. The Bulldogs batted around in the inning on three hits, a hit batsman, a walk and an error.
Hempfield went scoreless in the fourth and fifth innings and despite trailing, the Black Knights did not give up. Hempfield pushed its second run across in the bottom of the sixth when C.J. Saylor, Cole Houser, Justin Lichtenwalner and Ty Vaughn drew walks. Wilson starter Luke Holman was able to get out of the jam with a strikeout and the bases were left loaded.
Wilson added four more runs in the seventh inning with two infield singles, a double to left center, a hit batsman and a walk.
In defeat, Hempfield falls to 21-5 on the season.
May 28, 2019: Hempfield 7, Manheim Township 0
Patience and endurance. A lightning and rain storm postponed the start of game for more than two hours as Hempfield and Manheim Township waited for their PIAA District Three Semi-Final to begin. When it did begin, emotions were running as high as the steamy temperatures at game time.
A rejuvenated Ty Vaughn got the start for Hempfield and bent but did not break in the top of the first inning. As Maheim Township attacked Vaughn with four long at bats, he counter punched and held his own in the opening round. Kyle Musser reached on a single and stole second base, but Vaughn escaped trouble despite throwing 24 pitches in the inning.
Hempfield was the home team on the scoreboard. C.J. Saylor and friends got things started for the Black Knights. Saylor doubled to left field and scored the game’s first run on Nick Fiore’s RBI ground out to second base. Hempfield would go six up, six down in the next two innings and take a precarious one run lead into the fourth.
The early run seemed to help Vaughn settle in over the middle innings. He worked efficiently through the second allowing only a walk, retired the side in order in the third, and allowed a two out single in the fourth. In the bottom of the fourth, Nick Fiore smashed a double to deep right field to start the inning. One out walks to Ty Vaughn and Christian LaBarbera set the stage for Alec Santiago, who delivered two RBI with a single to right field. Versatile Kyle Jackson replaced Santiago on the bases and scored the inning’s fourth run when Seth Constein singled to left.
The rejuvenated Vaughn set down the Blue Streaks in order in the top of the fifth. Hempfield added two more when Nick Fiore reached on a single and back to back doubles from Vaughn and LaBarbera pushed across Fiore and Jayden Ruby, who was running for Vaughn. LaBarbera reached third on a wild pitch and Alec Santiago’s at bat was suspended due to lightning. After a lenghty delay for rain and lightning, the game was called.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 21-4 on the season. The win pushes Hempfield into the PIAA District 3 6A Championship Game, the first time Hempfield has reached a District Final since 2015. It is the 803rd win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
May 24, 2019: Hempfield 9, Cumberland Valley 7
Hempfield jumped out to an eight run lead after three innings and held on as Cumberland Valley fought and clawed back into the game, for a 9-7 victory in the PIAA District 3 quarter final playoffs.
It is difficult to describe this game in words.
Justin Lichtenwalner and a rejuvenated Ty Vaughn combined powers on the mound for Hempfield. Lichtenwalner was perfect through three innings, breezing through the innings with nine up and nine down.
C.J. Saylor and friends got on the board in the first inning. Saylor and Nick Fiore drew walks and reached second and third with two outs. A rejuvenated Ty Vaughn singled to left to score the game’s first two runs and in the second, Alec Santiago doubled to right field to lead off the inning. Two sacrifices by Wyatt Hershey and Seth Constein scored Santiago to push Hempfield’s lead to 3-0. Hempfield’s third inning extended the lead by five runs. A lead off walk to Justin Licthenwalner was followed by consecutive singles from Christian LaBarbera, Alec Santiago and Wyatt Hershey. Seth Constein and C.J. Saylor brought in runs by getting hit by a pitch and walking, respectively, with the bases loaded. Cole Houser and Justin Lichtenwalner also contributed RBI singles in the inning.
The Eagles broke through in the fourth after a lead off walk, double and single plated two runs. But in the bottom of the fourth, Hempfield’s Alec Santiago deposited a pitch well beyond the left center field fence to add a run to Hempfield’s tally. In the fifth, three more runs scored after the Eagles connected on back to back to back hits with one on and two outs.
In the sixth inning, the Eagles chased Lichtenwalner after two batters reached on singles. With one out, Vaughn came in to record the inning’s final two outs, but not before Cumberland Valley added a run. While Hempfield put runners on the bases in the fifth and sixth, it could not increase its lead. On to the seventh. After retiring the first batter, Vaughn yielded a one out walk and a single to right field put Eagles on first and second. A fielder’s choice advanced the runners to second and third with two outs. The next batter lined a ball off of Vaughn who recovered and threw to first for the out - except the runner was called safe. Awesome. Another walk loaded the bases to put the tying run on second with two outs. But, Vaughn remained poised and focused and retired the next batter with a ground out to second base.
Everyone in the Hempfield line up reached base. The Chevrolet Player of the Game was Alec Santiago, who reached base four times and contributed three hits, one home run, scored three runs and an RBI.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 20-4 on the season. The win is Hempfield’s first District 3 playoff win since May 28, 2015. It is the 802nd win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
May 16, 2019: Lampeter-Strasburg 3, Hempfield 0
In the 46th edition of the Lancaster-Lebanon League Championship Game, fans were treated to a pitchers duel from Lampeter-Strasburg’s Dylan Byler and Hempfield’s Justin Lichtenwalner.
For the Section Two Champion Pioneers, three runs in the first inning would stand up for the game’s duration. With one out, Braedon Karpathios singled to left and reached second when Byler was hit by a pitch. Karpathios advanced to third on a sacrifice fly. With two outs and two on, Connor Blantz’s infield single brought home Karpathios and, after a double steal, Derek Eckman’s single to right scored the second and third runs. In the second through sixth innings, Lichtenwalner would yield only two more infield singles. He struck out six and did not surrender a walk.
Dylan Byler was superb for Lampeter-Strasburg. After a lead off walk to C.J. Saylor, Byler retired 16 Black Knights in a row, giving up only two hits on the game. Byler struck out seven and walked none.
Congratulations to the 2019 Lancaster-Lebanon League Champions, the Lampeter-Strasburg Pioneers.
In defeat, Hempfield falls to 19-4 on the season.
May 14, 2019: Hempfield 4, Manheim Central 2
Hempfield scored two in the top of the first and two in the top of the seventh, and hung on, to defeat the Manheim Central Barons in the semi-final round of the Lancaster-Lebanon League Baseball Tournament.
C.J. Saylor and friends started things in Rickey Henderson-like fashion as Saylor sent the game’s third pitch into the stands in left-center field for a lead off home run. Nick Fiore singled later in the inning and advanced to third where he was sacrified home on Justin Lichtenwalner’s fly ball to center.
Staked to a 2-0 lead, a rejuvenated Ty Vaughn retired 11 of the first 12 Baron batters he faced before Drew Mummau and Cam Eberly reached on back to back singles in the fourth inning. Vaughn worked out of the inning and allowed just one more hit over the next two innings.
Christian LaBarbera led off the seventh inning with a single to center and advanced to second when Wyatt Hershey singled to right. A walk to Matt Drenchko loaded the bases and another walk to C.J. Saylor brought home LaBarbera. Cole Houser was out on a infield fly pop up, but Wyatt Hershey scored the fourth run when the defense could not handle the ball in the twilight.
In the top of the seventh Vaughn returned to the mound and recorded two outs sandwiched around an infield error. Garrett Bruckhart drove Vaughn’s 100th pitch of the night out of the park to cut the Baron deficit to two. After a long lay off, Andrew “The Iceman” Blough emerged to secure Hempfield’s 21st out and save the game for Vaughn. Vaughn struck out seven, walked one and allowed four hits - for his efforts he has been named the Chevrolet player of the game.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 19-3 on the season. The win sends Hempfield to the Lancaster-Lebanon League Final for the first time since 2014. It is the 801st win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
May 11, 2019: Hempfield 11, Annville-Cleona 1
In the first round of the 2019 Lancaster-Lebanon League Baseball Tournament, Hempfield used an eight run fourth inning to tilt the scales and pull away from the Little Dutchmen of Annville-Cleona.
The visitors (Annville-Cleona) loaded the bases in the first inning on two singles and a walk but were left stranded on the bases. Annville-Cleona reached the scoreboard in the fifth inning when Gabe Burris doubled down the right field line and was sacrificed to third by Kameron Freeman. Andrew Long’s infield single plated Burris, but the Hempfield defense captured the last two outs of the inning to leave the bases loaded again.
Hempfield opened up a one run lead in the second inning when Christian LaBarbera walked and advanced to third on Alec Santiago’s single to left center. Wyatt Hershey’s sacrifice fly scored LaBarbera. After threatening in the third inning but coming up empty, Hempfield found its stride in the fourth inning. Justin Lichtenwalner walked and courtesy runner Jayden Ruby advanced to third on a single from a rejuvenated Ty Vaughn. A walk to Christian LaBarbera set the stage for Alec Santiago, who singled to left to bring home two runs. Another Wyatt Hershey sacrifice advanced LaBarbera and Santiago, and the bases were loaded again after a walk to Seth Constein. C.J. Saylor was hit by a pitched ball to re-load the bases and Cole Houser hit one where they ain’t, blooping a hit into centerfield to score another run and keep the bases loaded. Nick Fiore walked to plate the inning’s fifth run, setting the stage for the Chevrolet player of the game, Justin Lichtenwalner. Lichtenwalner’s triple to right center cleared the bases and pushed across the sixth, seventh and eighth runs of the inning. In the fifth, Hempfield ended the game via the 10-run rule after an RBI sacrifice fly from C.J. Saylor scored Wyatt Hershey and Nick Fiore’s single scored Seth Constein.
Justin Lichtenwalner’s efforts on the mound were commendable. He battled through five innings, allowing six hits, walking one, and striking out eight.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 18-3 on the season. The win is the first Lancaster-Lebanon League playoff win for Hempfield since May 9, 2015. It is the 800th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
May 7, 2019: Wilson 5, Hempfield 3
Wilson used a five run third inning to pull in front of the visiting Hempfield Black Knights; despite four more innings of baseball to be played it would be all that Wilson would need on the afternoon.
Hempfield reached the scoreboard first. Five consecutive Black Knights drew walks in the first inning to push across two runs. In the second, Seth Constein doubled and advanced to third on a single from C.J. Saylor. Constein scored Hempfield’s third, and last, run on Cole Houser’s sacrifice fly to right. After Saylor’s single in the second, only two more Black Knights would reach base; Hempfield used 11 of its 21 outs as strikeouts.
With one out in the third inning, Wilson’s Damaurys Rodriguez doubled to right center. After a walk, single and walk, one run had scored before Randy Carolo’s grand slam to left cleared the bases and gave Wilson a lead it would not relinquish.
The JV Knights prevailed in extra innings, 4-3. The JV Knights finish the year with a record of 9-8-2. Thank you to Coach Eager, Coach Gailor and Coach Matthew for your time and committment to the JV team.
In defeat, Hempfield finsihes the regular season at 17-3.
May 3, 2019: Hempfield 9, J.P. McCaskey 2
The host Hempfield Black Knights scored runs in the first, third, fifth and sixth innings to pull ahead of the visiting J.P. McCaskey Red Tornado on a warm, cloudy day at J.K. Mechanical Stadium.
C.J Saylor and friends got Hempfield on the board in the bottom of the first inning. After a walk and a wild pitch, Saylor scored on an infield error to stake Hempfield to a one run lead. McCaskey used three hits in the third inning to score a run to tie the game.
In the third, C.J. Saylor drew a lead off walk. After a single from Cole Houser and a walk to Nick Fiore, the bases were loaded for Justin Lichtenwalner. Lichtenwalner’s single to left scored Saylor and Houser, and Christian LaBarbera's sacrifice scored Fiore while Alec Santiago’s RBI single to left scored Lichtenwalner to open up a 5-1 lead.
Starting pitcher Christian LaBarbera worked through the fourth. After two singles to open up the fifth inning, LaBarbera was relieved by the Iceman, Andrew Blough, who calmly retired the next three batters only yielding a run on an RBI ground out. The Iceman helped his cause in the home fifth inning. After four consecutive walks pushed another run across the plate for Hempfield, Blough’s sacrifice fly to left scored a rejuvenated Ty Vaughn. In the sixth inning, Blough was relieved by Justin Lichtenwalner. Lichtenwalner came in with the bases loaded and two out to induce a fielders choice ground out handled by shortstop Christian LaBarbera. In the sixth inning the Black Knights used three walks and another sacrifice fly, this time from Nick Fiore, to score two more runs and increase the margin to the game’s final score, 9-2.
It was also senior recognition night for Hempfield, and we would like to acknowledge an outstanding group of seniors: Seth Constein, Nick Fiore, Justin Lichtenwalner, Brandon Husted, Brad Paup, Jacob Rissmiller, Alec Santiago, C.J. Saylor, Ty Vaughn, and manager Jenna Hernandez. Coach O’Neill, Coach Rayha and Coach Morrison thank you for your commitment to the Program, your coachability, your positive attitude and your outstanding efforts. We wish you a strong finish to the season and the very best in your future.
The JV Knights were winners by a score of 4-3. The JV Knights are now 8-8-2 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 17-2 on the season and 15-1 in League play. It is the 799th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
May 1, 2019: Hempfield 5, Warwick 3
Brandon Husted and Young Luke Fiore combined for a commendable pitching performance in front of a solid Hempfield defense to lead Hempfield past a dangerous and talented Warwick baseball team. Husted pitched into the fourth before yielding to Fiore. Warwick put a runner in scoring position in each of the first two innings but could not push a run across before Colby Martin doubled to left and scored on John Seibert’s triple to center. With two on and two out in the fourth, Fiore secured a big time strikeout to quell the Warwick threat - a common theme on the afternoon as Warwick put at least one runner on base every inning. After stranding a runner at second in the fifth, Evan Rohrbach crossed home in the sixth after doubling and scoring on Colin Beech’s RBI single. Colby Martin’s solo home run to left scored Warwick’s final run of the day in the bottom of the 7th inning.
Husted struck out five, walked four and allowed three hits while giving up one run. Fiore struck out three, walked none and allowed two runs on five hits in an outstanding relief effort.
After three pedestrian offensive innings, Hempfield’s offense woke up in the fourth as Hempfield found itself down by a run. Justin Lichtenwalner started the inning with a single to center and advanced to third on Ty Vaughn’s double to left. Christian LaBarbera scored Lichtenwalner on a single to center, and after Vaughn came in to score, Alec Santiago’s double to left scored LaBarbera for a 3-1 lead for Hempfield. Hempfield scored two more in the visiting half of the fifth after Nick Fiore singled to start the inning and Ty Vaughn homered to left.
The JV Knights ended in a tie, 7-7 after 8 innings. The JV Knights are now 7-8-2 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 16-2 on the season and 14-1 in League play. It is the 798th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 30, 2019: Hempfield 7, Manheim Township 6
Manheim Township and Hempfield locked into a tight, one run game through four innings before scoring a combined 12 runs in the final three frames. Starting pitchers Ty Vaughn (Hempfield) and Ben DeMarco (Manheim Township) kept the opposing offenses off balance. Vaughn did not allow a runner beyond second base through four innings; DeMarco’s only damage was sustained when Alec Santiago walked and later scored on an RBI double off the bat of C.J. Saylor.
With the thinnest of margins, Colin Fitzgerald’s lead off infield single in the fifth foreshadowed problems ahead: Manheim Township, looking like the Blue Streaks of the 90’s, loaded the bases on back to back bunts. With the bases loaded without a ball leaving the infield, Brenden Moshos doubled home two runs and a sacrifice fly by Kyle Musser scored the Streaks’ third run. Ryan Jones singled home Moshos to extend the lead to 4-1. The Iceman, Andrew Blough, came on in relief of Vaughn and allowed a run after Colin Fitzgerald tripled and scored on Will Greiner’s RBI single to left. Brad Paup relieved Blough in the seventh, retiring the side on three fly balls sandwiched around Colin Yablonski’s solo home run to left field. 6-1, Manheim Township.
“Analyzing baseball yields many numbers of interest and value. Yet far and away — far, far and away — the most critical number in all of baseball is 3: the three outs that define an inning. Until the third out, anything is possible; after it, nothing is.” - Eric Walker
Young Luke Fiore led off the bottom of the seventh with an infield single and advanced to second on an errant throw. With Luke Fiore at second, Christian LaBarbera singled to right to put runners on the corners for Alec Santiago. Santiago kept the inning going with an RBI single to left. Matt Drenchko was called upon to pinch hit and singled to left field to load the bases; versatile Kyle Jackson came on to run for Drenchko. With the bases clogged with Black Knights and the score 6-2, Seth Constein’s sacrifice fly to deep left scored LaBarbera. 6-3. C.J. Saylor worked a walk to re-load the bases to bring the winning run to the plate in the form of Cole Houser. Houser doubled to left center field, scoring Santiago and Jackson, 6-5. With two outs left for the Knights and the winning run on second base, a poised Nick Fiore dug in against reliever Colin Fitzgerald, channeled his inner Robert Horry, and drove the second pitch he saw into right field to score Saylor and Houser and set off a celebration in Landisville: an improbable comeback was complete.
The JV Knights fell in extra innings, 6-2. The JV Knights are now 7-8-1 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 15-2 on the season and 13-1 in League play. It is the 797th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 29, 2019: Hempfield 5, Penn Manor 0
Justin Lichtenwalner’s complete game shut out led the visiting Hempfield Black Knights past the home Penn Manor Comets on a cool, overcast afternoon at the Zander Baseball Complex at Penn Manor’s Comet Field.
The team’s traded zeroes on the scoreboard through three innings. With one out in the fourth, Justin Lichtenwalner walked and was replaced by Jayden Ruby to run. A rejuvenated Ty Vaughn singled, and with two on the bases Alec Santiago’s RBI single to left scored Ruby for the game’s first run. After the inning that never was in the fifth, Nick Fiore led off the sixth with a walk. After advancing to second base, Justin Lichtenwalner’s single to left delivered Fiore. A rejuvenated Ty Vaughn was hit by a pitch before Christian LaBarbera sacrificed Ruby and Vaughn 90 feet forward. That set the stage for the Chevrolet Player of the Game, Alec Santiago, who doubled to deep left center field to score Ruby and Vaughn. Kyle Jackson came on to run for Santiago and moved to third base on a wild pitch and scored on Jacob Rissmiller’s sacrifice fly for Hempfield’s final run.
The Comets scrapped each inning, putting runners on the bases in six of their seven innings. Hempfield’s defense, however, played error free baseball much to the delight of their coaches. The defense left two runners on base in the first and sixth innings, one runner on base in the third, fourth and fifth, and turned a double play to end the game.
The JV Knights were winners by a score of 14-2. The JV Knights are 7-7-1.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 14-2 on the season and 12-1 in League play. It is the 796th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 24, 2019: Hempfield 6, Cedar Crest 2
The visiting Hempfield Black Knights survived in Cornwall in a memorable game filled with baseball.
C.J. Saylor and friends started the game by crossing the plate three times in the first inning. Saylor singled to center and moved to second base when Cole Houser was hit by a pitch. Saylor scored on Nick Fiore’s RBI ground out and Houser crossed later in the inning after Justin Lichtenwalner was walked. Christian LaBarbera’s single to center scored Lichtenwalner to stake Hempfield to a three run lead.
A rejuvenated Ty Vaughn took the mound for Hempfield and retired the first two Falcon batters on eight pitches. Over the next five pitches, however, the Falcons reached base four times on consecutive singles to plate two runs. After the statistical improbability was over, Vaughn settled in and retired 13 of the next 15 Cedar Crest batters. He struck out eight and walked none.
In innings two through six, Hempfield put the lead off batter on the bases five times. The Black Knights, however, could not get the offense rolling to sustain an inning prior to the seventh. C.J. Saylor singled to left and scored on an RBI single by Nick Fiore. Fiore moved to third on a single to left by Justin Lichtenwalner before Christian LaBarbera’s double to right center brought home the sixth run for Hempfield.
Vaughn exited the game prior to the bottom of the sixth. Andrew “The Iceman” Blough emerged from his chamber for Hempfield to close out the sixth and seventh. Blough faced seven batters, striking out two and allowing one infield hit to record his second save of the season.
The JV Knights fell by a score of 5-3. The JV Knights are 6-7-1 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 13-2 on the season and 11-1 in League play. It is the 795th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 22, 2019: Hempfield 11, Solanco 1
It was a beautiful afternoon for baseball. Justin Lichtenwalner pitched a complete game (six innings) and limited the potent Solanco offense to one run. In the first inning, a lead off walk to Joel McGuire preceded a single to right field by Dawson Kreider to put two Golden Mules on the bases with none out. Seth Harnish’s sac bunt attempt was converted into an out (!!) as Lichtenwalner fielded and fired to third base for the force. Tim Fetterman singled past shortstop to score Dawson Kreider. The ball came to rest in the Hempfield Meadow, formerly known as the “Outfield.” An infield error loaded the bases with one out, but Lichtenwalner and the defense escaped damage when Christian LaBarbera turned an unassisted double play to end the first inning and minimize the damage. Lichtenwalner battled through six innings; Solanco put runners on the bases in each of the first four innings before being retired in order in innings five and six. The Hempfield pitcher walked two, allowed five hits and struck out five.
Down a run in the bottom of the first inning, C.J. Saylor and friends answered promptly. Saylor singled to center and Cole Houser walked to put two on for Nick Fiore. Fiore chopped a double past the first baseman and into right field to score Saylor and place runners at second and third for Justin Lichtenwalner, who was intentionally walked. Christian LaBarbera’s base hit to left scored two more runners and Luke Fiore, running for Lichtenwalner, and LaBarbera engineered the inning’s final run for a 4-1 lead after one.
Seth Constein led off the second inning with a single to left and he advanced to third when C.J. Saylor doubled down the left field line. Constein scored on Cole Houser’s sacrifice fly to left and a single to right field by Nick Fiore scored Saylor. Justin Lichtenwalner and Ty Vaughn added a double and a single, respectively, to add two more runs in the inning. Hempfield added two runs in the third. Alec Santiago singled to right field and advanced to second when Seth Constein was hit by a pitch. A walk to C.J. Saylor loaded the bases and set the stage for Cole Houser, whose double to left scored Santiago and Constein. Hempfield’s 11th run scored in the bottom of the sixth. Ty Vaughn reached on a double to left-center and scored on Alec Santiago’s double to deep center field.
The JV Knights were winners by a score of 4-1 and improve to 6-6-1 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 12-2 on the season and 10-1 in League play. It is the 794th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 18, 2019: Hempfield 11, Ephrata 1
The visiting Hempfield Black Knights jumped out to an early lead, added during the middle innings and tacked on late to defeat the Ephrata Mountaineers on a beautiful evening for baseball at historic War Memorial Field.
C.J. Saylor and friends silenced their critics by scoring three runs before an out was recorded. Saylor singled to left to start the game and Cole Houser drew a walk. With Kyle Jackson on the bases for Houser, Nick Fiore’s gorgeous bunt loaded the bases with Black Knights. Saylor scored on a defensive error before Justin Lichtenwalner’s single to right scored Jackson. In the third inning, Alec Santiago’s patient, methodical plate appearance yielded a run on a sacrifice fly to right field, and the fifth Hempfield run scored when Christian LaBarbera crossed the plate after an infield error in the fifth inning. The Black Knights missed on great scoring opportunities in the third and fifth innings as they left the bases loaded with runners both innings. Hempfield cracked open the game in the top of the sixth. Nick Fiore singled to lead off the inning and was brought home by Justin Lichtenwalner, who launched a home run over the left field fence. Back to back walks to Ty Vaughn and Christian LaBarbera set the stage for Alec Santiago, who connected again for an RBI single that brought home Young Luke Fiore, who was running for Vaughn. Matt Drenchko’s sacrifice fly to left brought home LaBarbera. A few batters later, Nick Fiore connected for a double to left center. Fiore’s double scored Santiago and Seth Constein, who was told that he was hit by a pitched ball.
A rejuvenated Ty Vaughn took the mound for Hempfield and worked methodically through the Mountaineer line up. Vaughn allowed two singles while walking one and striking out three. The only blemish on the evening was a lead off walk in the 3rd inning to Zach Musser. Jacob Zimmerman singled to put two Mountaineer’s on base, but Vaughn induced three ground balls to limit the damage to one run.
The JV Knights ended their game tied 11-11 after 8 full innings. The JV Knights are 5-6-1 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 11-2 on the season and 9-1 in League play. It is the 793rd win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 17, 2019: Lampeter-Strasburg 7, Hempfield 0
Lampeter-Strasburg’s Braedon Karpathios and Dylan Byler combined forces to shut out the visiting Hempfield Black Knights. The pair allowed four hits and two walks and their strong pitching efforts made the difference for the host Pioneers.
After a scoreless first inning, L-S reached the scoreboard first on a solo home run to right field off the bat of Hunter Cunningham. The bottom of the third proved to be the game’s pivotal half inning: L-S crossed the plate five times and connected for six of their eight hits on the game. Taso Kovack led off the inning with a double to the gap in right center and the Hempfield defense failed to convert an out on Joe Meck’s sacrifice bunt attempt. Thomas Shockey, Braedon Karpathios and Patrick Holmes followed with a single, double and single, respectively, and after a fly out, Aaron Snyder’s single to center brought home two more runs. An unearned run in the fifth inning would stand as L-S’s seventh run.
Wyatt Hershey, Jacob Rissmiller and Brad Paup relieved Black Knight’s starter Justin Lichtenwalner. Alec Santiago led the offense with two hits, and Ty Vaughn and Licthenwalner also tallied hits for Hempfield.
The JV Knights fell by a score of 10-8 and are 5-6 on the season.
In defeat, Hempfield drops to 10-2 on the season and 8-1 in League play.
April 12, 2019: Hempfield 12, Elizabethtown 4
Hempfield’s consistency on offense won the day as the Black Knights posted runs in every inning except the fourth to jump ahead and stay ahead of the visiting Elizabethtown Bears.
C.J. Saylor and friends started things in the first inning as Saylor singled to left. After a fielders choice and a walk to Nick Fiore, Justin Lichtenwalner reached on an infield single. Ty Vaughn and Alec Santiago landed the innings biggest blows as Vaughn connected for a double to left center and Alec Santiago singled to right - both hits scoring two runs for Hempfield. In the second, Vaughn delivered another two-RBI double down the left field line. Scoring on the play were Nick Fiore and Jayden Ruby, running for Cole Houser who singled earlier in the inning.
Elizabethown would not go quietly and loaded the bases in the third inning. The Bears’ first run scored on a bases loaded walk, but a strike out and a double play ended the Elizabethtown rally. Elizabethtown scored an unearned run in the fourth inning, and pushed two more across in the sixth. With two out and none on in the sixth, Hempfield was the victim of the statistical improbability of four consecutive hits which plated two runs for the visitors.
In the third inning, C.J. Saylor’s RBI single scored Seth Constein, and Cole Houser singled to score Saylor. The Black Knights engineered a run in the fifth inning thanks to Nick Fiore and Brandon Husted and added two more in the sixth after Ty Vaughn tripled, Christian LaBarbera walked and Alec Santiago collected his second hit of the game.
Hempfield defended well behind starting pitcher Luke Fiore and reliever Jayden Ruby. Eleven of the game’s 21 outs were secured by the Black Knight’s outfield, battling a swirling and blustery wind throughout. Hempfield also turned four double plays on the afternoon to work out of jams as Elizabethtown batters reached base in each of their seven innings.
The JV Knights fell by a score of 4-1 and fall to 5-5 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 10-1 on the season and 8-0 in League play. It is the 792nd win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 10, 2019: Hempfield 18, Lebanon 9
The Hempfield Black Knights posted runs in every inning but the fifth, tallying a season-high 18, on 18 hits, to pull away from a visiting Lebanon team that was likewise relentless on offense.
The Cedars scored two runs in the first inning as Jeffrey Deitzler and Nate Portes scored on Luis Pena’s RBI double. Lebanon added a run in the 3rd when Luis Pinales and Julien Coleman hit back-to-back doubles. When Hempfield allowed a hit batter and committed an infield error in the fifth, Lebanon plated two more runs when Pinales drove home Luis Pena and Nate Portes. And, an infield error breathed life into Lebanon’s sixth inning; the Cedars took advantage of the extra out when Pinales got his third hit of the day - a three run home run to left field. Pinales finished with five RBI for Lebanon.
For the Hempfield offense, C.J. Saylor and friends answered Lebanon with two runs for the home team in the top of the first inning. Saylor doubled and Cole Houser was hit by a pitch. Justin Lichtenwalner scored Saylor with a single to left and later in the inning Jayden Ruby (running for Houser) scored the second run. Defying statistical probabilities in the second inning, Alec Santiago, Matt Denchko, Seth Constein, Saylor and Houser reached on five consecutive hits; the Black Knights would add five in the second and five more in the third. Justin Lichtenwalner and Alec Santiago each connected for two-RBI doubles and in the fourth, Houser’s RBI double scored Luke Fiore who had reached on a walk and Jacob Rissmiller plated Ruby who was again running for Houser. Hempfield connected again for back to back to back to back hits (only four) in the sixth inning and used a total of five hits in the frame to score four runs.
Christian LaBarbera pitched through four innings for Hempfield. He was relieved in the fifth by Wyatt Hershey. Hershey allowed six runs, but only one earned run, as he recorded four of his six outs via strikeout. Andrew “The Iceman” Blough took the ball in the seventh inning to record the final three outs for Hempfield on two strikeouts and an infield pop up.
The JV Knights were winners by a score of 9-1 and improve to 5-4 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 9-1 on the season and 7-0 in League play. It is the 791st win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 5 & 9, 2019: Hempfield 4, J.P. McCaskey 1
In a game played across five days, the visiting Hempfield Black Knights jumped out to a 2-0 lead before play was suspended due to a pouring rain and deteriorating field conditions; when play resumed, Hempfield added to their lead to earn the victory against the J.P. McCaskey Red Tornado.
Part 1, Friday, April 5th: With the rain falling, C.J. Saylor and friends opened up the first inning with two runs. Saylor walked and later advanced to third on a single from Cole Houser; Saylor scored on Nick Fiore’s RBI ground out. Jayden Ruby, running for Houser, came around to score after Justin Lichtenwalner’s single to left and an RBI ground out from Alec Santiago. Young Luke Fiore toed the rubber for Hempfield and worked admirably in the conditions. Fiore pitched into the third, allowing one run, before yielding to classmate Christian LaBarbera. LaBarbera got Hempfield out of the third inning and into the fourth inning before the game was halted with runners at first and second and one out.
Part 2, Tuesday, April 9th: A rejuvenated Ty Vaughn took over for LaBarbera and retired the first two batters he faced to quiet the McCaskey rally - a fly out to Brandon Husted in left and a strikeout ended the fourth. Hempfield added two runs in the sixth inning after Nick Fiore walked and Justin Lichtenwalner reached on a single. A beautiful sacrifice bunt by Alec Santiago and a ground out from Vaughn assisted in plating Fiore and Lichtenwalner. Vaughn finished the fifth, sixth and seventh allowing only two runners to reach - a hit batter and a double to left center. Vaughn’s defense rose to the occasion in the 7th as Justin Lichtenwalner handled a difficult ground ball at third for the 19th out, Nick Fiore snared a curling line drive for the 20th out, and after the aforementioned double, Seth Constein brilliantly tracked down a long line drive in the gap in right center field for the precious 21st out.
The JV Knights fell by a score of 11-10 and are now 4-4 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 8-1 on the season and 6-0 in League play. It is the 790th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 8, 2019: Hempfield 15, Conestoga Valley 1
The visiting Hempfield Black Knights used an 11-run 7th inning to pull away from the host Conestoga Valley Buckskins, surviving a persistent CV line up in a game whose final score does not mirror the game action.
Hempfield scored three runs in the first inning as C.J. Saylor and friends started the game with the first four batters reaching base. Singles by Saylor and Cole Houser started the action; Nick Fiore reached after his sacrifice attempt was not handled by the defense; Justin Lichtenwalner scored Houser with a single to left and later in the inning, a sacrifice fly to left by Ty Vaughn (situational hitting!) pushed across Fiore. C.J. Saylor homered to left in the second inning for Hempfield’s fourth run before the Hempfield offense went to sleep over the next four innings - the Black Knights could only muster one hit in innings three through six, much to the dismay of their coaches.
Justin Lichtenwalner battled through six innings. He allowed an unearned run in the second when Gavin Horning reached on a single and later scored on a wild pitch. Lichtenwalner pitched around trouble most of the afternoon in allowing six hits while striking out five.
Matt Drenchko awoke the Hempfield offense in the seventh with a lead off double to left-center. The Black Knights sent 16 batters to the plate in the inning and pushed across 11 runs on nine hits. Highlights of the inning include a bases loaded single off the bat of Alec Santiago, Ty Vaughn’s three-run home run, a triple from Christian LaBarbera, and Cole Houser pulling off a bunt single early in the inning and a two-run home run later in the inning.
With a defense behind him that included Danny Petka, Luke Fiore, Jacob Rissmiller, Kyle Jackson and Brad Paup, Andrew “The Iceman” Blough emerged in the seventh inning to close out the game. The Iceman struck out the side to record outs 19, 20 and 21 and send Hempfield home with a hard fought victory.
The JV Knights were winners by a score of 5-2 and are now 4-3 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 7-1 on the season and 5-0 in League play. It is the 789th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 3, 2019: Hempfield 6, Warwick 4
The host Hempfield Black Knights survived the visiting Warwick Warriors, 6 - 4, amidst a relentless howling wind that added an extra dimension for both teams to endure. It was the warm air above northern Salunga and the afternoon sun’s rays reflecting off of the surface water at Grubb Lake that produced the excessive afternoon winds.
The visitors reached the scoreboard first. With two outs and none on, Dagen Young singled and John Seibert reached on an error; Ethan Heller’s single to center scored both Warriors to open the game 2-0. The Black Knights answered in the home half of the inning as Cole Houser singled and Nick Fiore doubled. Alec Santiago’s single to right pushed home Hempfield’s second run, and Santiago scored on Ty Vaughn’s single to left as the ball escaped the containment of the outfielder. Warwick answered right back. Zach Shertzer singled to left and Jeffery Kline was hit by a pitch; Colby Martin’s chop-single over third base plated Shertzer.
Starting pitchers Ty Vaughn (Hempfield) and Dagen Young (Warwick) settled in. Hempfield opened up a lead in the fourth inning when Christian LaBarbera singled and was driven home on a double off the bat of Seth Constein. The Black Knights added two more in the fifth when Justin Lichtenwalner singled and back to back walks to Alec Santiago and Ty Vaughn loaded the bases. Christian LaBarbera’s sacrifice fly to center brought home Lichtenwalner, and two more walks to Luke Fiore and Seth Constein scored Hempfield’s final run.
Tension arose in the seventh inning. Jeff Kline led off the inning with a single to right and a one out walk to Colby Martin put the tying run at the plate. Vaughn’s day was over after Dagen Young singled home Kline to make the score 6-4. Andrew Blough arose from his chamber and entered the game to capture the final two outs. He induced a pop fly to right field for the second out, and speared a line drive up the middle out of the air to secure out number 21. It was the Iceman’s first career save.
The JV Knights fell in extra innings, 11-9, and are 3-3 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 6-1 on the season and is 4-0 in League Play. It is the 788th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 1, 2019: Hempfield 8, Penn Manor 0
Hempfield’s offense awoke from its weekend slumber as the Black Knights offense put runners on base in each of its six offensive innings. C.J. Saylor and friends started the scoring in the bottom of the first inning. Saylor and Cole Houser reached base to start the game and Nick Fiore’s RBI single scored Saylor. Jayden Ruby, on the bases for Houser, scored later in the inning for the Black Knight’s second run. After scoring an unearned run in the third, Hempfield added two more in the fourth. Christian LaBarbera’s sacrifice fly scored Ty Vaughn, who had doubled to lead off the inning. Seth Constein’s RBI single scored Kyle Jackson, who was pinch running for Matt Drenchko, who singled after LaBarbera’s sacrifice fly. C.J. Saylor’s double to left field in the bottom of the sixth brought home Kyle Jackson and Seth Constein to score Hempfield’s final two runs of the afternoon.
Hempfield senior Justin Lichtenwalner went the distance for the Black Knights. Lichtenwalner allowed only one base runner to reach - a second inning double off the bat of Cade Thourot - during the afternoon. He faced 22 batters, striking out eight and walking none.
The JV Knights were victors by a score of 7-3 and improve to 3-2 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 5-1 on the season and is 3-0 in League Play. It is the 787th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
March 30, 2019: Dallastown 2, Hempfield 1
The host Dallastown Wildcats defeated the visiting Hempfield Black Knights as Cam Urey came around to score the game’s deciding run on an errant infield throw before the Knights could record the game’s 21st out and send the game into extra innings.
For Hempfield, starter Brandon Husted pitched into the fourth inning before yielding to Luke Fiore. Husted allowed two hits - to the first two batters of the game - and struck out two while walking four. He worked with runners on the bases in each inning but did not allow a run. Fiore provided superb relief. The sophomore faced 16 batters and allowed only two singles in each of the fifth and sixth innings. After an infield error in the sixth inning, Dallastown pinch hitter Lee Kling’s RBI single to center scored Trent Rowland to tie the game. In the seventh, Dallastown scored the winning run without a hit in the inning.
Both teams were playing on consecutive days. It took only four batters for Hempfield to push across the first run when Justin Lichtenwalner doubled home C.J. Saylor, but the combination of Evan Beach, Darren Sciortino and Peyton Fox would keep the Black Knights off the score board for the remainder of the game*. Hempfield had many chances, with runners in scoring position in the third, fourth (bases loaded, one out), sixth and seventh innings; the Black Knights’ situational hitting was not as effective as it needed to be.
* In the third inning, C.J. Saylor scored after stealing third base. The baseball eluded the Dallastown third baseman and went into left field. Saylor proceeded home to make the score 2-0, but an unusual umpire conference after the play foreshadowed an unfortunate event and momentum change: the plate umpire ruled “umpire interference” as the catcher’s arm brushed the umpire’s mask on the throw to third base. Rule 8.3.6 renders the decision: “When a plate umpire hinders, impedes or prevents a catcher’s throw attempting to prevent a stolen base or retire a runner on a pickoff play, if an out is not made at the end of the catcher’s initial throw the ball shall be dead and all runners shall return to the bases occupied at the time of interference.” Baseball giveth and baseball taketh away.
The JV Knights were defeated 7-6 and fall to 2-2 on the season.
In defeat, Hempfield is now 4-1 on the season and 2-0 in League play.
March 29, 2019: Hempfield 9, Manheim Township 0
Ty Vaughn’s complete game shut out highlighted a strong team baseball performance by the Hempfield Black Knights on a warm, over cast day at Westfield Insurance Park. Vaughn worked through seven innings and stayed within the pitch count to finish what he started; he did not allow a hit through four and two-thirds innings until Drew Sassaman reached on a clean single to center with two outs in the fourth. The senior pitcher struck out five, walked two and finished with three hits allowed; he was aided by a strong defensive performance by the Black Knights.
Christian LaBarbera scored the Black Knights’ first run in the second inning. The offense began firing in the third inning with one out; Nick Fiore and Justin Lichtenwalner reached on singles and a walk to Alec Santiago loaded the bases. Ty Vaughn helped him self with a two-RBI double to left, and Christian LaBarbera and Seth Constein also contributed with hits in the inning to plate five Hempfield runs. After adding a run in the fourth inning, Hempfield added two more in the sixth. Cole Houser’s solo home run to left scored the Knights’ eighth run; Fiore, Lichtenwalner and Santiago loaded the bases together for the second time and Fiore scored on Ty Vaughn’s sacrifice fly.
The JV Knights were defeated 8-2 and fall to 2-1 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 4-0 on the season and 2-0 in League play. It is the 786th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
March 27, 2019: Hempfield 4, Cedar Crest 2
Justin Lichtenwalner’s complete game pitching performance sparked Hempfield to a win on a day with near perfect conditions at J.K. Mechanical Stadium. Lichtenwalner authored a 96 pitch, 21 out, 12 strike out and one walk performance for the Black Knights. He surrendered six hits, three coming in the sixth inning when Cedar Crest pushed across their two runs. The Falcons used singles from Hunter Bojanic, Jonathan LaBarbera and Kyle Poorman, sandwiched around a Hempfield error, to score two runs.
For Hempfield, C.J. Saylor and friends started the scoring in the first inning. Saylor’s triple became Hempfield’s first run as he scored on an RBI single from Cole Houser. Alec Santiago delivered a big blow for Hempfield with a two-RBI single to right field with two strikes. Hempfield added a run in the fourth inning when Matt Drenchko doubled home Christian LaBarbera.
The JV Knights were winners 12-8 and improve to 2-0 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 3-0 on the season and 1-0 in League play. It is the 785th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
March 25, 2019: Hempfield 7, Governor Mifflin 2
The visiting Hempfield Black Knights endured a steady rain and extremely muddy field conditions as they came from behind to defeat the Governor Mifflin Mustangs at historic Rulon Griffiths field on the campus of equally historic Cumru Elementary School.
Governor Mifflin reached the score board in the second inning. Rueben Livingston’s lead off double was followed by a bunt single by Tristan Kochel, and both Mustangs were driven home on a single off the bat of Alex Scheidt. Christian LaBarbera limited further damage as he retired the next three batters.
Andrew Blough entered the game in the bottom of the third inning and calmly restored order, serenely pitching through a steady rain and frigid temperatures with no ill effects. Blough struck out the first four batters he faced. He finished the game, maintaining poise and focus throughout. Blough allowed three hits, walked two and hit one batter, pitching through a tough Mifflin line up and working out of danger in the fifth and seventh innings.
Hempfield got on the board in the third inning. Seth Constein and C.J. Saylor both doubled and scored in the inning, and were joined by Cole Houser, who was driven home on an RBI single from Justin Lichtenwalner. The Black Knights added two unearned runs in the fourth and two more in the sixth. It was Constein and Saylor again scoring for Hempfield - Constein on a balk and Saylor on an RBI double off the bat of Nick Fiore.
After being postponed due to rain, the JV Knights opened the season with a 2-0 win over Governor Mifflin.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 2-0 on the season. It is the 784th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
March 23, 2019: Hempfield 14, Lower Dauphin 3
The 2019 Hempfield Baseball season arrived with a suddenness befitting of the day’s biting and blustery conditions. It was C.J. Saylor and friends starting things in the first inning; back to back hits by Saylor and Cole Houser scored the season and the game’s first run. Houser came around to score later in the inning to stake Hempfield to a 2-0 lead. It was the second season in a row that Saylor scored the season’s first run for Hempfield, the 2019 run coming via a much more traditional method than 2018’s.
Nick Fiore’s two-out RBI single to right field scored three more runs in the second inning after Matt Drenchko, C.J. Saylor and Cole Houser clogged the bases with Black Knights.
Baseball ensued in the bottom of the second inning, however, when three Lower Dauphin Falcons crossed the plate after Hempfield recorded two outs and no one was on base. The Black Knights endured several unfortunate events in the inning, as well as the loss of the game’s momentum, before recording the inning’s final out.
Alec Santiago’s solo home run to left field titled momentum back to Hempfield, his ball launched through a heavy wind blowing in from left and disrupting a game of “H-O-R-S-E” being played in the Nye Elementary School blacktop courts. The Black Knights would add two runs in the sixth inning via RBI hits from Cole Houser and Nick Fiore; in the seventh Hempfield added runs as Fiore, Justin Lichtenwalner, Christian LaBarbera and Seth Constein drove home Hempfield runners.
Ty Vaughn relieved Justin Lichtenwalner on the mound. Together, the senior pair allowed five hits, struck out six and walked two.
The JV Knights were off due to unplayable field conditions at Lower Dauphin’s JV field.
With the win, Hempfield starts the season 1-0. It is the 783rd win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
