May 22, 2023: Cedar Cliff 9, Hempfield 5
Hempfield’s 2023 Varsity season came to an end as the Black Knights fell short, 9-5, to the Cedar Cliff Colts. Cedar Cliff used a six run second inning to jump out to a lead they would not relinquish, adding single insurance runs in the third, fourth and seventh. The Black Knights pulled within three runs in the sixth, and had the bases loaded with one out, but were unable to come away with more runs.
Cedar Cliff’s six run second came with two outs and a runner at first. Seven consecutive Colts reached base before Hempfield could stop the bleeding. The visitors added a run in the third when Devin Niemiec singled to left and was sacrificed to second by Jordan Negley. Sam Grube fisted a single to left off his hands to plate Niemiec and give the Colts a 7-0 lead.
Hempfield would answer in the home half of the third inning. With one out, Brayden Hostetter tripled to right field and Peter Fiore walked. Josh Toole’s sacrifice fly scored Hostetter and moved Fiore into scoring position, and he scored on Drew Benchich’s single to left. Cedar Cliff would get a run back in the fourth. Cayden Bender singled to left to lead off the inning. Parker Tarnoci and Devin Niemiec were retired for the first and second out, but consecutive walks to Jordan Negley, Carter Enders and Michael Boblick scored Bender before the final out of the inning was recorded.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Stephen Katch singled to left and Drew Benchich doubled to right. Logan Harelson’s sacrific fly scored Katch and narrowed Cedar Cliff’s lead to five runs. After a scoreless top of the sixth inning, Hempfield answered again. Charles Sheerer singled to left to start the inning and advanced to second when Brayden Hostetter singled to center. A walk to Peter Fiore loaded the bases for Josh Toole, who scored Sheerer on a single to left. Another walk, this time to Stephen Katch, scored Hostetter. Unfortunately, Hempfield was unable to continue the inning as Cedar Cliff reliever Cayden Bender escaped from the jam with two runs surrendered and an 8-5 score. Cedar Cliff would add another run in the top of the seventh when Sam Grube reached on an infield single and Ayden Frey tripled to right center.
The loss will end the 2023 season for the Black Knights. The coaching staff would like to wish seniors Quinn Adams, Cody Fatta, Peter Fiore, Stephen Katch, Dawson Kuhn, Brogan Reihart, Michael Rieker, Marcus Rivera, Aiden Rodenberger, Scott Sauer, Jake Seasock and Hunter Williams success in their future endeavors and gratitude for their contributions to the Hempfield Baseball Program.
With the loss, Hempfield finishes the season with a 17-6 record and the 2023 Section One Championship with a 13-2 record in Section One.
May 13, 2023: Lampeter-Strasburg 3, Hempfield 2
Lampeter-Strasburg was able to manufacture runs in the second, third and fourth innings and turn back a Hempfield rally in the seventh to hang on to victory. Both teams played superb baseball and treated the fans to an outstanding high school baseball game.
Luke Brenneman doubled to start the top of the second inning off Hempfield starter Aiden Rodenberger. Brenneman was advanced to third on Will Bailey’s sacrifice bunt and scored on Kyler Branco’s single to right. Hempfield would even the score, but squander the chance for a big inning, in the bottom of the second. Logan Harelson worked a lead off walk and Aiden Rodenberger reached on an error; a walk to Charles Sheerer loaded the bases with Black Knights with no one out. Lampeter-Strasburg turned a double play to secure two outs on an infield ground ball; Harelson scored and it was all that Hempfield would get.
In the top of the third inning, Peyton Harsh was called safe at first to lead off the inning with an infield single. Rodenberger was able to get the next two batters on strikeouts, but a walk to Luke Brenneman brought Will Bailey to the plate. Bailey’s single to left scored Harsh before the inning’s last out was made by the Black Knights. For the third consecutive inning, the Pioneer lead off batter reached in the fourth when Logan Leaman singled to center. Leaman was sacrificed to second by Cayden See and moved to third on Justin White’s single to left. With runners on the corners and one out, Payton Harsh grounded to Cody Fatta, whose outstanding diving play kept the ball in the infield and allowed him to force White at second as Leaman scored. Aiden Rodenberger completed four innings for Hempfield and was relieved by Dawson Kuhn. Kuhn kept the Pioneers off the scoreboard in the last three frames, allowing only one runner on a lead off walk in the sixth.
The Hempfield offense, meanwhile, was unable to get on track thanks in large part to the pitching of Lampeter-Strasburg’s Jason Long. Hempfield hit into a second double play in the third inning and had only one runner reach, via a walk, in the fourth and fifth innings. In the seventh inning, Aiden Rodenberger, Charles Sheerer and Michael Rieker singled consecutively to load the bases for Hempfield. Lampeter-Strasburg was able to get the inning’s first out on a strikeout, and Peter Fiore’s sacrifice fly to center scored Rodenberger. With the tying run on second and the winning run on first, Josh Toole worked a walk to advance the runners 90 feet and set the stage for Stephen Katch. Katch lifted a ball to deep left field but unfortunately it was just inches short — caught by Logan Leaman right in front of the fence.
Hempfield is now 17-5 on the season and 13-2 in Section One.
May 11, 2023: Hempfield 13, Northern Lebanon 3
The Hempfield Black Knights qualified for the Lancaster-Lebanon League Baseball Tournament for the first time since 2019. Hosting Northern Lebanon, the Runner-Up in Section Four at historic J.K. Mechanical Field, Hempfield was able to secure an early lead, withstand pressure from the Viking offense in every defensive frame, and tack on insurance runs in the fourth and fifth innings to earn a quarter-final round victory. Fans of Hempfield Baseball who faithfully tune in to our radio broadcasts on WHHS 1240 AM or watch us on WHSPN Comcast Channel 5 may recall the last time these two squads met on a baseball field nearly 11 years ago — on Saturday, May 12, 2012 — also in the quarter final round of the Lancaster-Lebanon League Baseball Tournament.
With the score tied 0-0 in the bottom on the second, Logan Harelson drew a one out walk. Aiden Rodenberger and Charles Sheerer followed with singles to set the table for Hunter Williams. Williams launched a double to left to score Michael Rieker, who was running for Harelson, and Rodenberger. Brayden Hostetter’s ground out to second base brought home Sheerer to give Hempfield a 3-0 lead. Northern Lebanon would score an unearned run in the top of the third without a ball leaving the infield — Andrew Lowen was hit by a pitch and stole second base; he came around to score on a Hempfield error in the infield.
The Black Knights answered, however, with a run of their own in the bottom of the third. With two outs and no one on base, Drew Benchich singled to left and advanced to third on Logan Harelson’s single to right. With runners at the corners, Aiden Rodenberger capitalized with a base hit to right to score Benchich. Again, Northern Lebanon had an answer in the top of the fourth. Dylan Fegly led off the inning with a single to left and D.J. Byerly was hit by a pitch to put Vikings on first and second — and then second and third after a wild pitch. Jared Ecenroad’s single to left scored Fegley and moved courtesy runner Conner Stoltz to third; Ecenroad was thrown out at second, attempting to gain an extra base by Josh Toole to Cody Fatta, to take a runner off the bases and give the Black Knights a much needed defensive out. After Xander McQuaide’s ground out scored Stoltz, the Viking rally had ended with Hempfield holding a 4-3 lead.
Hempfield’s offense scored nine runs in the final two frames. Michael Rieker started the bottom of the fourth with a single to left; he scored on Brayden Hostetter’s triple to deep center. Peter Fiore walked to put runners on the corners and Josh Toole’s sacrifice fly scored Hostetter. Stephen Katch’s single to left brought home Fiore, and consecutive Northern Lebanon errors helped score Katch for the inning’s final run. In the fifth, Brayden Hostetter led off with a walk and moved to second on Josh Toole’s single to left. A walk to Stephen Katch loaded the bases with Black Knights and Drew Benchich patiently worked a walk to force in Hostetter. Logan Harelson’s line single to right scored Marcus Rivera, who was running for Toole, and Stephen Katch. Aiden Rodenberger singled to score Benchich and move Harelson to third. The last pitch of the game was lifted to center field, off the bat of Charles Sheerer — his sacrifice fly scored Harelson and ended the game via the ten run rule. As Harelson safely cross the plate, all of Landisville rejoiced.
With the win, Hempfield is 17-4 on the season and 13-2 in Section One. It is the 847th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
May 8, 2023: Hempfield 3, Penn Manor 2
In a back and forth tug of war affair, Hempfield was able to defeat Penn Manor on a sun drenched day at Cooper Park on the campus of Millersville University.
Peter Fiore and friends were able to put Hempfield on the board early. After Fiore drew a lead off walk, Josh Toole was hit by a pitch. Drew Benchich’s ground out to second base scored Fiore and gave Hempfield an early run. The Black Knights would post a second run in the second inning after Aiden Rodenberger singled to center and later scored on Charles Sheerer’s single to center.
The Empire Struck Back. After working out of a bases loaded jam in the second inning, Hempfield starter Hunter Williams ran into trouble in the bottom of the third. Trevor Adams reached on an infield single and scored when Bryce Avery singled to right. The Comets would leave two men on the bases when the inning ended. In the fourth inning, Penn Manor patiently waited as the strike zone disappeared. Four out of five Comet batters were issued walks, bringing a run across to tie the game and sending Hempfield to the bullpen. Dawson Kuhn emerged out of the pen with the bases loaded and two outs. Kuhn’s first pitch was lifted to right field to end the inning.
In the top of the fifth, Josh Toole singled to left and Stephen Katch drew a walk. Drew Benchich’s double to left scored Ryan Jackson, who was running for Toole, and brought Katch to third. With no one out and two men in scoring position, Hempfield appeared on the brink of a much needed big inning. However, Comet starter Brayden Eckert was able to strand the runners when the Hempfield offense could not capitalize in a key situational hitting opportunity.
Working with the slimmest of margins, Kuhn worked through a precarious fifth inning as two Comets reached on a single and a walk. The senior righthander was able to get through the sixth where Bryce Avery singled with two outs and no one. In the seventh, Peter Skiadis also singled with two outs and no one on. With the tying run 270’ away, Kuhn faced Billy Riggs, who had been on base all three times at that point. With a 2-2 count, Kuhn threw the last pitch of Hempfield’s regular season (pitch number 2,088 on the year) — for strike three, and all of Landisville rejoiced.
The JV Knights were defeated by a score of 11-4. This ends the JV Knights season with a very promising 15-4 overall record. Congratulations to Coach Bair, Coach Hesiter and our JV team on an outstanding spring season.
With the win, Hempfield is 16-4 on the season and 13-2 in Section One. It is the 846th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
May 5, 2023: Hempfield 7, Manheim Township 4
Logan Harelson and Aiden Rodenberger combined forces on the mound to help lead the Hempfield defense over Manheim Township on a perfect spring day for baseball at historic J.K. Mechanical Field.
Peter Fiore and friends got the Hempfield offense started early. After he and Josh Toole walked, Drew Benchich’s double to right scored Fiore and Hunter Williams, who was running for Toole, to give Hempfield an early lead. Hempfield added three runs in the third. Fiore walked before Josh Toole and Stephen Katch each singled to left. Fiore scored on Katch’s single and Hunter Williams, running for Toole, scored on Logan Harelson’s RBI single later in the inning. Katch would score the inning’s final run before the side was retired.
Pitching at home in front of his adoring legion, Harelson kept Manheim Township scoreless and hitless through three innings. In the fourth, Nick Tomlinson’s solo home run put the Blue Streaks on the board; Tyler Mulholland’s fielder choice ground out scored Gavin Glass who singled earlier in the inning.
Hempfield would answer the Blue Streaks runs with two more runs of their own in the bottom of the fourth — with two outs and no one on base. Stephen Katch’s double to right scored Fiore and Williams, who was again running for Josh Toole. Fiore led off the inning with a double to left and Josh Toole drew his second walk of the day.
Clearly benefitting from warm ankles, Harelson cruised through the fifth and recorded an out in the sixth before walks to Gavin Glass and Ben Connors ended his day. Harelson completed five and one third innings, striking out nine, walking six and allowing three hits. With the original “Ice Man” in attendance, it was Aiden Rodenberger getting the call in relief. Tyler Mulholland greeted Rodenberger with a single to left center, which scored Glass, and Connors scored when the outfield throw to third was not contained by the defense. Rodenberger, however, was able to get the inning’s final two outs on strike outs to end the threat. With one out and one on in the seventh, the final pitch of the game was grounded to Peter Fiore, who with Cody Fatta and Logan Harelson, turned a 6-4-3 double play for the game’s 20th and 21st outs. All of Landisville rejoiced.
The JV Knights were victorious by a score of 10-0. The JV Knights are 15-3 on the season. Congratulations!
With the win, Hempfield is 15-4 on the season and 12-2 in Section One. It is the 845th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
May 3, 2023: Hempfield 12, Cedar Crest 2
Hunter Williams’ six inning complete game led the Hempfield Black Knights past the Cedar Crest Falcons on a cool, crisp afternoon in Cornwall.
Staked to a two run lead after one half inning, Williams worked around an error and two singles to limit the visitors to an unearned run.
The Black Knights scored four in the second inning with hits from Michael Rieker, Brayden Hostetter, Peter Fiore, Drew Benchich and Aiden Rodenberger. Cedar Crest answered with a run in the bottom of the third as Dayton DiBiaso singled and Nolan Groff doubled to put two Falcons in scoring position with one out; Dominick Roth, running for DiBiaso, scored on Caleb Dorshimer’s fielders choice ground out and Williams retired Colden Rambler on a strike out to end the inning and strand Groff at third.
In the top of the fourth, Peter Fiore and Josh Toole both singled to left field. All of Landisville rejoiced at Stephen Katch’s bunt single, which scored Fiore and moved Ryan Jackson, running for Toole, to second base. Drew Benchich’s double scored Jackson and moved Katch to third, where he scored on Aiden Rodenberger’s sacrifice fly. Logan Harelson’s single to right scored Benchich, and Charles Sheerer’s single to right brought home Harelson for Hempfield’s fifth run in the inning. Hempfield added a run in the sixth when Michael Rieker doubled and later scored on Brayden Hostetter’s single to center.
On the mound, Williams continued to pound the strike zone as he worked through the Falcon line up. The multi-angled righty pitched around trouble in the fourth inning when his defense committed consecutive errors with no one out — striking out two and getting a fielders choice ground out for the final out of the inning. Williams pitched a relatively uneventful fifth and sixth innings to nail down the win. He struck out eight, walked zero, allowed six hits and one earned run, and did not hit a batter. Seventy of Williams’ 97 pitches were strikes.
The JV Knights were winners by a score of 9-2. The JV Knights are now 14-3 on the season. Well done!
With the win, Hempfield is now 14-4 on the season and 11-2 in Section One. It is the 844th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
May 2, 2023: Manheim Township 8, Hempfield 5
Manheim Township used two big innings — scoring five in the third and three in the sixth — to defeat Hempfield.
Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the third, seven consecutive Blue Streak batters reached base via five singles and two hit batters. The traffic on the bases yielded five runs and gave the home team a 5-1 lead after three.
Hempfield drew closer in the fifth and sixth innings. In the top of the fifth, Peter Fiore doubled and with one out, Stephen Katch walked. Drew Benchich’s double to the gap in left center field scored Fiore and Katch. In the sixth, Logan Harelson singled and later scored on Brayden Hostetter’s sacrifice fly to center.
With a one run lead in the bottom of the sixth, Trey Eckman led off the inning with a single and scored on Ty Jenkins’ homer to left on an 0-2 pitch. Manheim Township received singles from Ryan Brader, Cole Stoltzfus and Gavin Glass to plate their final run.
Josh Toole homered to left to start the top of the seventh inning and was followed by a double to center off the bat of Stephen Katch. Traeton Sauder, who entered in relief in the second inning, stranded Katch and second base in recording the final three outs for the home team.
The JV Knights were victorious by a score of 6-1. The JV Knights are now 13-3 on the season. Congratulations!
Hempfield is now 13-4 on the season and 10-2 in Section One.
May 1, 2023: Hempfield 10, Warwick 0
Behind the left arm of Logan Harelson the visiting Hempfield Black Knights were victorious in Lititz.
Hempfield’s offense was persistent throughout, posting runs in the first, third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings.
Peter Fiore and friends started the fun in the top of the first. Fiore, Drew Benchich and Aiden Rodenberger drew walks. Charles Sheerer singled to score Fiore and Benchich and Logan Harelson singled to right to score Rodenberger, giving the visitors a three run lead. In the top of the third, Brayden Hostetter’s two out bases loaded single scored Drew Benchich and Aiden Rodenberger. The Black Knights added two more in the fourth as Josh Toole singled to lead off the inning. With one out and Ryan Jackson, running for Toole, on the bases, Drew Benchich homered to left. In the fifth inning, Peter Fiore drew a walk with two outs and no one on and created a run without a ball leaving the infield. And in the sixth inning, Aiden Rodenberger started the inning with a walk and scored when Logan Harelson doubled to deep right center field. After Michael Rieker singled to left, Peter Fiore scored Hunter Williams, who was running for Harelson, with a base hit to left field.
As successful as the offense was, the game’s most outstanding performance was turned in on the mound. Over six innings, Logan Harelson retired the first ten batters he faced and the last eight batters he faced. The young left hander struck out 11 Warrior batters, walked one, hit one, and surrendered no hits. He retired the side in order in the first, second, third, fifth and sixth innings — in a game shortened by the ten run rule he pitched to 20 hitters, two more than the minimum. Fans of Hempfield Baseball who faithfully tune in to our radio broadcasts on WHHS 1240 AM or watch us on WHSPN Comcast Channel 5 may recall the last Hempfield no hitter on April 13, 2012, when Derek Totaro was perfect against Conestoga Valley in a five inning, weather shortened game. Prior to that, Jordan Neff and Ben Peachey threw a combined no hitter, also against Conestoga Valley, on April 19, 2010.
The JV Knights were victorious by a score of 16-6. The JV Knights are now 12-3 on the season. Great job!
With the win, Hempfield is 13-3 on the season and 10-1 in Section One. It is the 843rd win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 27, 2023: Hempfield 10, J.P. McCaskey 0
The Hempfield seniors shone brightly and all contributed to the team’s success as the Black Knights defeated the visiting J.P. McCaskey Red Tornado on a perfect day for baseball at historic J.K. Mechanical Stadium.
Hunter Williams got the start on the mound for Hempfield and the multi-angled right hander pitched brilliantly against the McCaskey line up. After a 1-2-3 top of the first inning, Peter Fiore and friends got the offense started in the home half. Fiore and Josh Toole both walked. With two men aboard, Stephen Katch launched a triple to right field to score Fiore and Scott Sauer, who was running for Toole. Drew Benchich’s sacrifice fly scored Katch to open up a three run lead for Williams.
In the second inning, Adrian Rodriguez walked and Jean-Paul Rodriguez struck out. With a runner aboard at first, Andrew Carlisle grounded back to Williams who started the often practiced but unfortunately seldom seen 1-6-3 double play, Williams to Fiore to Harelson, to end the inning. It is the eighth time this version of the double play has been turned by the Hempfield defense over the last ten Varsity baseball seasons. And, fans of Hempfield Baseball who faithfully tune in to our radio broadcasts on WHHS 1240 AM or watch us on WHSPN Comcast Channel 5 may recall the last 1-6-3 double play on April 18, 2019 at Ephrata — Vaughn to LaBarbera to Santiago.
In the bottom of the third inning, Hempfield added three runs. Stephen Katch walked and Drew Benchich singled to put two runners aboard; Charles Sheerer’s triple to left plated Benchich and Aiden Rodenberger, who had reached on a fielders choice. Sheerer scored on a wild pitch. The Black Knights added two runs in the fourth when Peter Fiore and Josh Toole walked. Stephen Katch’s single to left scored Fiore; Scott Sauer, running for Toole, scored on Aiden Rodenberger’s single to center. “Joe” Brogan Reihart singled to start the fifth inning and scored when Josh Toole doubled to left; in the sixth inning, consecutive walks to Jake Seasock, Cody Fatta and Quinn Adams loaded the bases. The tenth Hempfield run scored on a defensive error.
Hunter Williams, meanwhile, continued to post zeros on the scoreboard. He faced the minimum, twelve batters, through four innings and surrendered two singles in the fifth inning. Dawson Kuhn came on for the sixth and pitched an excellent inning as well.
There was no JV game.
With the win, Hempfield is 12-3 on the season and 9-1 in Section One. It is the 842nd win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 24, 2023: Hempfield 8, Warwick 4
Down 3-0 in the bottom of the fourth, Hempfield erupted for five runs in the home half of the inning and hung on to defeat Warwick at historic J.K. Mechanical Field.
Stephen Katch took the mound for Hempfield and worked around a tough Warrior lineup until he ran out of pitches in the fifth inning. The visiting Warriors scored one in the first inning when Seth Adomnik singled. He was retired at second base on a fielders choice, but a two out walk to Ian VanBrookhoven put two runners aboard for Sawyer Martin. Martin’s single to right center scored Martin, but the inning ended on a brilliant relay from Michael Rieker to Brayden Hostetter to Josh Toole to cut down the second run and end the inning. Warwick scored two unearned runs in the third inning, capitalizing on a Hempfield error. With two outs and Brenden Stuhltrager at first base, VanBrookhoven and Martin reached on singles to load the bases. A passed ball scored Stuhltrager and consecutive walks to Caleb Johnsen and Cody Lutz scored the second run.
Katch led off the fourth inning with a single to left field and advanced to third base on Drew Benchich’s double down the left field line. With two runners aboard, Aiden Rodenberger singled to left to bring home both runs. One batter later, Logan Harelson singled into right field to put runners on the corners for the Black Knights. Michael Rieker singled to score Rodenberger and tie the game. With two outs and runners at second and third, Peter Fiore singled to bring home Harelson and Rieker.
Warwick answered in the top of the fifth inning with two outs and no one on the bases. A walk to Sawyer Martin was followed by a double off the bat of Caleb Johnsen. Consecutive walks to Cody Lutz and Tyler Marley brought home Martin and ended Stephen Katch’s day on the mound. Aiden Rodenberger came on in relief to record the final out of the fifth inning.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Logan Harelson reached on an infield error and Michael Rieker drew a walk. Cody Fatta sacrificed Harelson and Rieker 90 feet, and Peter Fiore’s single over a drawn in infield plated Harelson. With two aboard and one out, Josh Toole’s double to the alley scored Rieker and Fiore to give Hempfield an 8-4 lead.
The pitching tandem of Katch and Rodenberger struck out 11, walked eight and allowed six hits. The Warrior attack was persistent as the visitors from Lititz left the bases loaded in third and fifth innings, and left two aboard in the seventh.
The JV Knights were defeated by a score of 10-2. The JV Knights are 11-3 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 11-3 on the season and 8-1 in Section One. It is the 841st win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 22, 2023: Hershey 5, Hempfield 1
Hempfield’s offense was limited to a single run at Hershey behind the arms of the Trojans’ James DeShong and Sean Callahan.
The Black Knights jumped out to an early lead in the first inning. Stephen Katch singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch; Drew Benchich’s RBI single plated Katch. Unfortunately, it would be the only run Hempfield could push across on the afternoon. Hempfield’s offense put runners on the bases every inning but were unable to break through.
Hempfield starter Dawson Kuhn pitched very well against an aggressive Hershey offense. After a two run home run in the first inning off the bat of Blake Umberger, Kuhn settled in and retired ten Trojans in a row. Kuhn and the Hempfield defense posted zeros in the second, third and fourth innings. In the fifth inning Danny Nelson singled to left. Hempfield was unable to record an out on Patrick Scheib’s groud ball to second base. Thad Stager singled to left to score Nelson; Bennett Sheppard’s sacrifice bunt moved both runners into scoring position — runners that would score on Will Preis’ single to center. Brody Gebhard came on in relief of Kuhn and recorded the last two outs of the fifth inning, limiting the damage to three runs, and pitched a strong sixth inning.
The JV Knights were victorious by a score of 16-6. The JV Knights are 11-2 on the season. Well done!
With the loss, Hempfield is 10-3 on the season and 7-1 in Section One.
April 21, 2023: Hempfield 10, Penn Manor 3
On a perfect day for baseball, Logan Harelson, Stephen Katch and Aiden Rodenberger combined to complete seven innings and 21 outs to defeat a relentless Penn Manor team at historic J.K. Mechanical Field.
Logan Harelson turned in a commendable performance as he worked hard through nearly five complete innings on the mound. The young lefthander allowed an earned run in the first inning when Cole Miller worked a walk and later scored on an error after Grant Fry’s single to right.
The Black Knight offense gave Harelson a small lead when two runs crossed in the second inning. Harelson singled to center and Brayden Hostetter walked. With two outs, Peter Fiore’s double to left brought home Hunter Williams, running for Harelson, and Hostetter. A single run would score in the third: the Knights threated when Aiden Rodenberger, Charles Sheerer and Logan Harelson worked walks to load the bases. Brayden Hostetter’s sacrifice fly scored Rodenberger; unfortunately the Black Knights would end the inning with two runners in scoring position.
In the home half of the fourth inning, Hempfield used four walks, a hit batter and two singles to score five runs to take an 8-1 lead. Stephen Katch provided the final two RBI’s for Hempfield with a solo home run in the fifth inning and an single to right in the sixth that scored Michael Rieker, who was running for Josh Toole.
Hempfield escaped with minimal damage after a serious Comet threat in the fifth inning. The Comets used two walks, a single and two hit batsmen to score two runs and left the bases loaded. Stephen Katch, working in relief of Harelson, recorded the final out of the fifth and pitched the sixth inning. Aiden Rodenberger came on for the seventh. His final pitch of the game was hit to deep left field and settled in Hunter Williams’ glove — the second consecutive game that Williams ended the game with the ball in his glove.
The JV Knights were winners by a score of 4-3. The JV Knights are 10-2 on the season. Great job!
With the win, Hempfield improves to 10-2 on the season and 7-1 in Section One. It is the 840th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 19, 2023: Hempfield 7, J.P. McCaskey 3
Hunter Williams’ complete game four hitter helped propel the Hempfield Black Knights over the J.P. McCaskey Red Tornado.
Pitching on the road, but still in front of his adoring legion, the multi-angled Williams effectively attacked the Red Tornado hitters as he breezed through the first three innings, nine up and nine down. Williams surrendered a lead off triple in the fourth inning, but brilliantly stranded the runner on third by coaxing three infield ground outs to silence the threat.
Hempfield scored four runs in the first inning. Josh Toole drew a one out walk. Michael Rieker, running for Toole, scored on Stephen Katch’s single to right. After walks to Drew Benchich and Aiden “Tenderfoot” Rodenberger, Charles Sheerer’s bases loaded single to left brought home Katch and Benchich. Rodenberger scored the inning’s fourth run on a wild pitch.
Runs are the currency of baseball, and you can never have enough of them.
Hempfield scored three runs in the sixth when, with two outs and no one on, Peter Fiore reached on an error and scored on Josh Toole’s single to left. Michael Rieker, again running for Toole, advanced two bases on a wild pitch and then scored on a balk. With the bases now empty, Stephen Katch re-lead off the inning with a single to left and scored on Drew Benchich’s RBI double. These three runs proved vital, because . . .
In the home half of the sixth inning, the Red Tornado would push three unearned runs across the board. Jhanel Perez reached on an error and Joshua Reyes was hit by a pitch. Perez scored when Rey Ortiz singled to center. Andrew Carlisle’s at bat continued after an error in foul territory. He grounded out to short, scoring Reyes. Ortiz scored McCaskey’s third run when Adrian Rodriguez singled to left.
Williams took the mound in the seventh with a chance for the rare pitch count era complete game. Elias Morales singled to left, but Williams was able to strike out Jean-Paul Rodriguez and got Jhanel Perez to ground to short where Morales was forced out at second base. The game’s final pitch was Williams’ 89th. It was hit in the direction of Logan Harelson, who fielded and flipped to Williams covering for the 21st out. All of Landisville rejoiced. Williams struck out nine, walked none, allowed four hits, zero earned runs and hit one batter.
The JV Knights were victorious by a score of 21-1. The JV Knights are 9-2 on the season. Nice work!
With the win, Hempfield improves to 9-2 on the season and 6-1 in Section One. It is the 839th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 17, 2023: Hempfield 10, Cedar Crest 0
Stephen Katch’s dominant performance on the mound helped lead the Hempfield Black Knights over the Cedar Crest Falcons on a cool, windy day at historic J.K. Mechanical Field in Landisville.
The senior righthander made his debut mound start a memorable one. Katch struck out 13, walked one and allowed one hit in authoring a five inning shut out. After Dayton DiBlaso reached on an error in the first inning, Marcus Rivera turned in the defensive play of the game when he ran down Nolan Groff’s drive to deep left field. Rivera’s sensational catch was good for the inning’s second out, and Katch struck out Caleb Dorshimer to end the inning. Katch then retired the next seven batters in order; surrendering only a bad-hop single and a walk in the fourth inning.
Peter Fiore and friends ignited the offense in the top of the first inning. Fiore reached on a single to center and Josh Toole drew a walk. Stephen Katch singled to left to load the bases. Drew Benchich reached on a fielder’s choice ground out that brought home Fiore and Aiden Rodenberger’s single to right scored Hunter Williams, who was running for Toole.
In the home second inning, Brayden Hostetter started the inning with a single to right. A walk to Peter Fiore put two runners aboard for Josh Toole, who singled to score Hostetter. The offense continued to churn out positive results as Stephen Katch drew a walk and Drew Benchich singled to left. Benchich scored the inning’s final run on an RBI sacrifice fly off the bat of Charles Sheerer.
Dylan Jackson singled to left and then created a run in the third inning. In the fifth inning, Peter Fiore, Josh Toole and Stephen Katch reached consecutively. The final pitch of the game was lined to right field by Michael Rieker. His single scored Hunter Williams, who was running for Toole, for Hempfield’s final run.
The JV Knights were victorious by a score of 5-0. The JV Knights are 8-2 on the season. Well done!
With the win, Hempfield improves to 8-2 on the season and 5-1 in Section One. It is the 838th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 14, 2023: Penn Manor 7, Hempfield 6
Penn Manor scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to win in dramatic fashion as Hempfield was unable to record an out in the home seventh.
The visiting Black Knights opened up a four run lead in the first inning as they batted around and sent nine batters to the plate. Peter Fiore and Stephen Katch singled with Fiore scoring on a sacrifice fly from Josh Toole. With two outs and Stephen Katch aboard, Drew Benchich singled to right to score the second run. Aiden Rodenberger drew a walk before Logan Harelson and Brayden Hostetter plated the inning’s final two runs on back to back singles.
The Comets answered with a run in the home first when Isaac Braegelmann singled to score Cole Miller, who reached on a one out walk. Each team scored single runs in the third. Logan Harelson’s double to left scored Drew Benchich, who had reached on a single. Penn Manor’s Cole Miller walked to lead off the inning and later scored an unearned run. The Comets pulled to within a run when Trevor Adams’ two out single to center brought home two runs.
Hempfield added a run in the fifth inning as Josh Toole singled to center. Michael Rieker, running for Toole, scored on Aiden Rodenberger’s single to right. The Black Knights’ two run lead proved to be too little as the Comets rallied in the home seventh. Two walks to open the inning, followed by two singles and a fielders choice ground out, lifted the home team to victory.
The JV Knights were winners by a score of 10-7. The JV Knights are 7-2 on the season. Great job!
With the loss, Hempfield is 7-2 on the season and 4-1 in Section One.
April 12, 2023: Hempfield 3, Manheim Township 2
In a back and forth contest, Hempfield’s three run third inning held up as sufficient behind the arms of Logan Harelson and Stephen Katch on a warm, sun splashed day in front of a sold out crowd at historic J.K. Mechanical Field.
The visiting Blue Streaks jumped to a one run lead in the first inning as Hempfield committed two infield errors to complicate the game early. Hempfield starter Logan Harelson worked around the errors, and a hit batsman, to limit the damage while striking out the side. Pitching at home in front of his adoring legion, the young left hander maintained order over the next two innings as he retired the Blue Streaks in succession.
After threatening in the first two innings, the Black Knights broke through in the third. With one out, Peter Fiore and Stephen Katch walked before Josh Toole was hit by a pitch. Drew Benchich reached on a single up the middle to keep the bases loaded. Walks to Aiden Rodenberger and Logan Harelson scored Stephen Katch and Michael Rieker, who was running for Toole. Gavin Glass relieved Township starter Trey Eckman and induced a double play to end the threat. Glass was extremely effective in relief, retiring all ten Hempfield hitters he faced and not allowing a base runner.
In the fourth inning, Manheim Township would narrow the lead to one run after Cole Stoltzfus walked and later scored without a ball leaving the infield.
Logan Harelson worked through the fifth and sixth innings, allowing just one runner on another infield error. In the seventh inning, with the game still hanging in the balance, a one out walk to Trey Eckman and a hit off the bat of Josh Boll put the tying and go ahead runs on the bases. Harelson got the second out when Ryan Brader hit a chopper to third, but both runners advanced 90 feet closer to scoring. Harelson ran out of pitches having gone six and two thirds of an inning. At this point, some Hempfield patrons mentioned that they thought they saw the ghost of “The Iceman,” Andrew Blough, getting loose. But it was not Blough. It was Stephen Katch, coming on to get the 21st out. Katch’s third pitch to Ben Connors was the game’s final one, lofted in the air to shortstop. Peter Fiore secured the catch in his glove and all of Landisville rejoiced; from centerfield, Charles Sheerer nodded approvingly at Fiore’s work.
The JV Knights were victorious by a score of 5-1 and improve to 6-2 on the season. Great job!
With the win, Hempfield improves to 7-1 on the season and 4-0 in Section One. It is the 837th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 10, 2023: Hempfield 15, Cedar Crest 5
Hempfield scored runs in the first, fourth, fifth and seventh innings and rebounded from early inning troubles to defeat Cedar Crest on a perfect spring day for baseball in historic Cornwall.
With two outs and no runners aboard in the first, Stephen Katch and friends ignited the Hempfield offense. Katch drew a walk before Josh Toole was hit by a pitch to put Black Knights on the bases for Drew Benchich. The Hempfield DH singled to right to score Katch. Michael Rieker, running for Toole, scored the second run when Aiden Rodenberger singled to right. Cedar Crest would answer right away. The Falcons pushed across four runs in the home first to take a 4-2 lead as seven of the first eight Cedar Crest batters reached safely. In the second inning, the Falcons increased the lead by a run. With one out, Dayton DiBiaso walked and Nolan Groff singled. A walk to Caleb Dorshimer loaded the bases with Falcon runners. An unearned run scored on an infield error.
In the pivotal fourth inning, Hempfield pushed across eight runs to take a lead they would not relinquish. Ryan Jackson, Charles Sheerer, Stephen Katch, Josh Toole, Drew Benchich and Aiden Rodenberger all had RBIs in the inning. After adding a run in the fifth, the Black Knights added four more in the seventh. Charles Sheerer doubled and Michael Rieker drew a walk to put Black Knights on the base paths. Josh Toole’s double scored Sheerer and moved Rieker to third. Drew Benchich reached on an infield error and Aiden Rodenberger drew a walk to load the bases for “Joe” Brogan Reihart. Reihart wasted no time in sending a line drive through the middle to score Hempfield’s final two runs.
On the mound, Aiden Rodenberger relieved starter Hunter Williams in the bottom of the third. Rodenberger effectively worked through four innings of relief, allowing one hit and striking out ten Falcon hitters. Dawson Kuhn came on for the seventh inning and retired the side in order, the final out landing securely in Charles Sheerer’s glove as all of Landisville rejoiced.
The JV Knights were victors by a score of 5-4, and are now 5-2 on the season. Congratulations!
With the win, Hempfield improves to 6-1 on the season and 3-0 in Section One. It is the 836th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 8, 2023: Hempfield 5, Chambersburg 1
Hempfield scored runs in the first, second and third innings and managed to work out of problems posed by the Chambersburg offense to win at Greene Township Park in historic Scotland, PA.
With two outs and none on for Hempfield in the first inning, Stephen Katch and Josh Toole drew walks. Katch and Michael Rieker, running for Toole, engineered a run without a hit to give the visitors an early lead. In the second inning, again with two outs and no one on, Hempfield pounced. Logan Harelson lined a single to right and consecutive walks to Marcus Rivera and Charles Sheerer loaded to bases for Peter Fiore. Fiore singled to center to score Harelson and Rivera, and Stephen Katch’s single scored Sheerer to open up a four run lead for the Black Knights. Hempfield’s final run crossed the plate in the third inning. Brayden Hostetter reached on an infield single; walks to Drew Benchich and Aiden Rodenberger loaded the bases with no outs. Chambersburg cut down a run at the plate on an infield ground out. But with two outs, Charles Sheerer masterfully drew a walk to score Benchich. The game was a tale of two halves for the Black Knights’ offense — Hempfield scratched out five hits in their first 15 at bats; unfortunately they were 0 for their final 11 at bats across the last few innings.
Making his first start on the mound, Brody “Bam Bam” Gebhard pitched five complete innings to earn the win. The young sophomore struck out three, walked four and surrendered four hits. He allowed one earned run in the third inning after Chase Stenger, Wyatt Kissel and Treyton Sarvis reached on consecutive singles. Gebhard pitched through traffic on the bases throughout as the Trojans stranded eight runners in innings one through four. Aiden Rodenberger relived Gebhard in the bottom of the sixth inning. After a relatively calm sixth, drama ensued in the seventh as pinch hitter Tyler Brechbiel was hit by a pitch and Chase Stenger reached on an infield error. Rodenberger got clean up hitter Chase Stenger to fly out to center, but a walk to Wyatt Kissel loaded the bases and brought the tying run to the plate in the person of Treyton Sarvis. Sarvis struck out on three pitches for the second out. Rodenberger got pinch hitter Jason Cunha to fly out to center. All of Landisville rejoiced as the ball was secured in Charles Sheerer’s glove for the 21st out. Remarkably, 14 of the Trojans’ 21 outs were fly outs.
The JV Knights fell short by a score of 5-4. The JV Knights are 4-2 on the season.
With the win, Hempfield improves to 5-1 on the season and 2-0 in Section One. It is the 835th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 5, 2023: Hempfield 4, Warwick 1
After scoring four runs in the game’s final three innings, Hempfield’s defense bent but did not break in the bottom of the 7th as the visitors from Landisville emerged victorious in a crisp, well pitched, well played high school baseball game by both teams.
Starting pitchers C.J. Easler (Warwick) and Logan Harelson (Hempfield) traded zeros across four innings of play. Hempfield had runners aboard in all four innings but stranded six Black Knight runners. In the fifth inning, however, Brayden Hostetter’s one out, two-RBI single to right center gave the visitors the lead. Charles Sheerer drew a lead off walk and was advanced by the unselfish Peter Fiore. An intentional pass to Stephen Katch set up force outs for the defense; Warwick went to the bullpen and relieved Easler with Brenden Stuhltrager. Josh Toole deftly drew a walk to load the bases for Hostetter. Sheerer and Katch scored on the hit and Michael Rieker, running for Toole, advanced to third. Rieker scored the third run when Drew Benchich hit into a fielders choice ground out. In the seventh inning, Hempfield extended the lead to four when Peter Fiore singled to left. As he is known to do, Fiore created a run out of thin air and scored a few pitches later on a wild pitch.
For Hempfield, Logan Harelson pitched into the seventh inning before running out of pitches. The young lefthander worked around first inning trouble as the first two Warwick batters reached, but Harelson settled in and struck out the side. In the fourth inning, Warwick would threaten again with the inning’s first two batters reaching; again, Hempfield would turn back the Warriors without surrendering a run. Harelson struck out eight, walked two and allowed three hits. He was backed up brilliantly by his defense, with notable plays by Cody Fatta and Ryan Jackson.
The Black Knights’ bid for a shutout was erased in the 7th. With one out and no one on, Cody Lutz drew a walk—the first of three consecutive walks allowed by Hempfield—to bring the tying run to the plate. It was designated hitter Seth Adomnik against designated stopper Hunter Williams. Williams induced a sacrifice fly to right which scored Lutz and put runners on the corners. At times the 21st out can seem like the toughest one to record. With the game in the balance, Brenden Stuhltrager flied out to Charles Sheerer to end the game and all of Landisville rejoiced.
The JV Knights were victorious by a score of 6-0 and are now 4-1 on the season. Great job!
With the win, Hempfield improves to 4-1 on the season and 2-0 in Section One. It is the 834th win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
April 3, 2023: Hempfield 14, J.P. McCaskey 2
Hempfield jumped out to a 9-0 lead after one inning and never looked back, turning away the visiting J.P. (John Piersol) McCaskey Red Tornado on a crisp, breezy afternoon at historic J.K. Mechanical Field.
Charles Sheerer and friends started the scoring in the bottom of the first inning. Eight of the Black Knights’ first nine batters reached safely; Josh Toole, Brayden Hostetter, Drew Benchich, Stephen Katch, Marcus Rivera and the aforementioned Sheerer all contributed with RBIs in the inning. In the second inning, Brayden Hostetter and Drew Benchich reached on singles. Aiden Rodenberger doubled to score Hostetter and Benchich crossed the plate on a passed ball. In the third inning, Peter Fiore and Stephen Katch singled before Josh Toole walked to load the bases. Logan Harelson’s single to left scored Fiore, but that was all Hempfield would get as the inning ended with the bases loaded. The bottom of the fourth inning saw Jacob Manuel, Quinn Adams, Michael Rieker and Jackson Rubin all reach safely, with Manuel and Adams scoring the final two runs for Hempfield.
On the mound, Hunter Williams pitched three innings. Dawson Kuhn and Ryan Jackson each worked an inning in relief. Williams, pitching at home in front of his adoring legion, faced ten Red Tornado hitters. He struck out three and allowed one hit. Dawson Kuhn worked a perfect fourth inning, retiring the side in order. In the fifth, Ryan Jackson struck out the side. However, McCaskey would use a single and two walks to push two runs across the plate in the fifth.
The JV Knights were victorious by a 17-2 score and improve to 3-1 on the season. Congratulations!
With the win, Hempfield improves to 3-1 on the season and 1-0 in Section One. It is the 833rd win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
March 31, 2023: Hempfield 9, Spring Grove 0
Logan Harelson led the way for the Black Knights. Taking the mound for Hempfield in an unfamiliar land, the junior left hander threw shutout baseball through six complete innings, striking out 13 Rocket hitters, walking two and allowing two hits.
Hempfield’s Peter Fiore manufactured the game’s first run through offensive ingenuity, staking the visitors to an early single run lead. With one out in the third, Charles Sheerer and friends gave Hempfield some breathing room. Sheerer singled and scored on Peter Fiore’s sacrifice fly. Josh Toole singled to left with two outs, setting the stage for Stephen Katch’s majestic, towering home run to left field.
As Harelson continued to keep the Spring Grove bats in check, he helped himself offensively several times during the afternoon. Harelson drew a walk to lead off the fourth. Michael Rieker, running for Harelson, brilliantly dissected the defense and scored on Brody Gebhard’s sacrifice fly to center. Hempfield added two runs in the sixth when Brayden Hostetter tripled to deep right and scored on Harelson’s sacrifice fly. Drew Benchich found a crease in the defense with a double to right and scored on Aiden Rodenberger’s line drive single to center. Hempfield’s final two runs scored in the top of the 7th. Josh Toole reached on an infield error. Ryan Jackson, running for Toole, advanced to second when Stephen Katch drew a walk. Cody Fatta reached on an error, allowing Jackson to score; Fatta scored two batters later when Benchich singled him home on a base hit to left.
Harelson yielded to the Black Knight bullpen after six innings of work. Clearly benefitting from warm ankles, Harelson at one point struck out seven consecutive Rocket batters on 27 pitches. In the seventh inning, Brody “Bam Bam” Gebhard nailed it down for the Black Knights. All of Landisville rejoiced when the game’s final pitch landed securely in Charles Sheerer’s glove in center field.
The JV Knights were winners by a score of 4-3 and improve to 2-1 on the young season. Great job!
With the win, Hempfield improves to 2-1 in Non-League play during the 2023 season. It is the 832nd win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.
March 28, 2023: Gov. Mifflin 3, Hempfield 2
Governor Mifflin’s Alexander Velez and Tyler Minick combined for a dominating two hit, eleven strikeout performance against the visiting Hempfield Black Knights. The pair recorded 1-2-3 innings against the Hempfield hitters in innings 3, 4, 5 and 6 — and retired 15 consecutive batters into the 7th inning.
Charles Sheerer scored the game’s first run in the top of the first inning. Sheerer connected for one of Hempfield’s two hits and crossed the plate on Stephen Katch’s infield ground out.
Governor Mifflin tacked two runs on the board in the first. Tyler Minick singled to left field but was forced out at second base when Bryce Detwiler grounded to third. The Mustangs would make Hempfield pay for not recording a double play when Alexander Velez and Travis Jenkins reached on consecutive singles. After an infield error, Velez scored on Matthew Koehler’s fielders choice ground out.
Hempfield evened the score in the visitors second inning. Brayden Hostetter singled and Aiden Rodenberger drew a walk. The pair advanced on a beautiful sacrifice bunt from Logan Harelson. With two outs and the bases loaded, Hostetter scored on a wild pitch. That was all that the visitors would get as two runners were left stranded in the second. Hempfield did not reach second base for the remainder of the game.
Governor Mifflin scored the deciding run in the bottom of the 5th inning. With one out and the bases empty, Tyler Minick reached on an infield error and stole second base. With two outs, he scored on Alexander Velez’s well placed double down the right field line.
Hempfield’s Hunter Williams pitched well for the visitors. He allowed four hits, struck out six, walked none and hit one batter. Stephen Katch pitched the sixth inning, striking out the side while working around two Mustang hits.
The JV Knights were defeated 8-7 in 8 innings and are 1-1 on the season.
Hempfield is 1-1 in the 2023 season.
March 20, 2023: Hempfield 10, Northeastern 2
Hempfield’s Boys of Summer welcomed the 2023 High School Baseball Season on the first day of spring by hosting the Northeastern Bobcats at historic J.K. Mechanical Field in the heart of Landisville.
The visitors from Manchester wasted no time in beginning the action as the lead off batter singled to right field to open the game. Hempfield starter Logan Harelson, however, would settle in and retire three of the next four batters to keep Northeastern off the board in the first inning.
Hempfield’s offense sprang to life in the bottom of the first. Waking up from a long winter of hibernation, Charles Sheerer and friends crossed the plate six times in the first to stake the Black Knights to an early lead. Sheerer and Peter Fiore reached base to set the stage for Stephen Katch, who singled in a run before scoring later in the inning. Drew Benchich, Brayden Hostetter and Logan Harelson reached on a walk, a hit by pitch and a walk, respectively. With two outs and the bags full, it was sophomore Brody Gebhard who broke the inning open with a base hit to right field.
Hempfield added runs in the second inning as Peter Fiore, Josh Toole and Stephen Katch all reached consecutively on base hits. A sacrifice fly from Drew Benchich plated Ryan Jackson (running for Toole), and Aiden Rodenberger’s two out single to center brought home the inning’s third run in the form of Katch. Rodenberger added a two out RBI single to right in the fourth inning to help the Black Knights reach double digits on the scoreboard.
Defensively, Logan Harelson worked quickly and efficiently on the mound. Despite a shaky defensive effort by the home team in the top of the third, the young lefthander kept his poise and limited the Bobcats to two unearned runs in the inning. Harelson went six complete innings, striking out nine batters and surrendering two hits. He was relieved by Hunter Williams. All of Landisville exhaled as Williams’ final pitch was a called third strike to end the game and secure the victory for Hempfield.
The JV Knights were victorious by a score of 11-4 in 8 innings. Congratulations!
With the win, Hempfield begins the 2023 season with a 1-0 record. It is the 831st win for the Hempfield Baseball Program.