Hopewell Baseball
HV’s JH Baseball Battled Beaver – Struggle to Produce Run Support!
Hopewell Middle School Vikings Fall to Beaver 4-1 in Friday’s Matchup
The Hopewell Middle School Vikings were defeated by Beaver 4-1 on Friday in a hard-fought baseball contest. Despite a strong pitching effort and solid defensive plays, the Vikings were unable to overcome a lack of offensive production and timely hits from Beaver.
In a conversation with head coach BJ Rankin he talked about missed opportunities and the inability to build run support, “Our pitching executed well with limiting them to 6 hits and striking out 9. We will need to take better advantage of scoring opportunities when we have them in the coming games.” It’s important to note that this is a 7th grade team playing against mostly mixed 7th/8th grade teams. It’s a good opportunity for these younger kids to get some reps and play tough opponents which will benefit them as they get older.
The game began with a tough break for Hopewell, Beaver got on the board in the top of the first inning. Following a miscue, Cole Harvey capitalized with a single down the right field line, bringing in one run to put Beaver ahead 1-0.
Beaver extended its lead in the fourth inning, when Dylan Hamilton hit an inside-the-park home run, scoring two additional runs for Beaver. The home run stretched their lead to 3, and the Vikings found themselves in a challenging position heading into the latter innings.
Ryder Kostrick started on the mound for Hopewell, delivering an impressive performance despite the loss. Over three innings of work, Kostrick allowed three hits and two runs (none of which were earned), striking out four and walking one. On the other side, Harvey was equally effective for Beaver, giving up three hits and one run over four innings while striking out three and walking two. Anthony Ventresca came in as relief for Kostrick and the young lefty got off to a good start getting a pop up to second baseman David Johnson, followed by a strikeout to Maynard. The next batter hit a single on a fly ball to Short Stop Vincent Smetana followed by a well hit ball by Malcom to clear the bases. Ventresca finished off the inning getting the third out on a ground ball to Grey McIlvain.
Hopewell’s offense was led by Ryder Kostrick, who went 1-for-2 at the plate and drove in the team’s only run. Grey McIlvain, Kostrick, Brandon Cecchini, and Tyler Hoffman each recorded a hit for the Vikings, but they were unable to string together enough offense to threaten Beaver’s lead.
Hamilton was a standout for Beaver, going a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, leading the team with four hits and contributing significantly to their victory.
The Vikings will look to bounce back on Wednesday when they face Blackhawk in their next game. The team will aim to capitalize on the lessons learned from Friday’s matchup as they continue their season.
In some spirited team building time after the game the kids enjoyed a meal at Harold’s Inn in Hopewell who was ready and able to seat the large group with minimal notice. Consider stopping by Harold’s for your next family meal or call them for any sporting event needs.
Pics from the Game
