Johnson’s 6th Inning Hit Leads Hopewell Over Central Valley

CENTRAL VALLEY- Thanks in part to a complete team effort, the Hopewell Fall Ball Baseball team defeated Central Valley, 5-4.

The Vikings led 4-0 but Central Valley clawed their way back to tie things up in the bottom of the 5th inning. However, David Johnson came up with a clutch 2-out single in the final inning to score Anthony Ventresca, giving Hopewell a 5-4 win.

Coach Hoffman’s team is now 4-2-1 and undefeated in their last 5 games (4-0-1).

Hopewell got started early tonight as Nico Yannessa and Andrew Arzberger led off the game with singles. Then with 1 out, Tyler Hoffman brought them in with a 2-run single. Hopewell led 2-0.

Then with 2-outs, Ethan Adams came through with a clutch single scoring Hoffman.

Hopewell’s pitching was very efficient tonight, led by lefty Andrew Arzberger, who struck out all six batters he faced.

Hopewell increased their lead to 4-0 in the 4th inning as Mason Santamaria reached on a 2- out error which scored Johnson.

Ethan Adams came on and pitched a scoreless 3rd inning. He stayed for the 4th inning but was replaced by right-hander Reed Budavich, after he loaded the bases with no outs.

Budavich entered and did a great job of damage control allowing only two Central Valley runs to keep Hopewell out ahead 4-2.

The game entered the top of the 6th inning tied at 4, so Hopewell had one more chance to score and they did just that.

After one out, Ventresca singled and eventually advanced to second on a passed ball. Then with 2 outs, Johnson hit a 2-0 pitch to right field scoring Ventresca. Hopewell led 5-4.

Yannessa was brought in to close the game and he did that in quick order.

Yannessa struck out the side swinging and needed only 14 pitches to do so.

Final Score: Hopewell 5 Central Valley 4

Winning is Fun!

Hopewell is back in action on Thursday as they’ll host Riverside at Raccoon Park. First pitch is set for 5:30 pm.