Hopewell Baseball
HV’s Varsity Baseball and Softball Deliver the 1-2 Knockout Punch! Double Feature Game Recaps!
Hopewell’s varsity programs were firing on all cylinders Wednesday, as both the baseball and softball squads rode dominant pitching performances to victory—and, in the case of the both teams, strengthened their playoff résumés.
Hopewell Varsity Baseball (7–4 vs. Hampton)
After surrendering an early run, junior right-hander Kingston Krotec settled in to deliver seven innings of four-run ball (three earned), striking out three and walking just one. That steadiness on the mound gave Hopewell’s offense room to rally for five runs in the bottom of the second—RBI singles from James Gill, Jacob Knobloch, Krotec himself, James Armstrong and Charles Smetana—and hold off a late two-run blast by Ryan Scully. Krotec’s ability to miss barrels and limit big innings was the cornerstone of a win that keeps the Vikings in tight contention for a playoff seed.
Hopewell Varsity Softball (13–0 vs. Beaver Falls)
On the diamond just down the road, Sophmore Alana Covalt was every bit as unflappable. Covalt went five scoreless innings, scattering three hits, fanning five and issuing a lone walk to stifle Beaver Falls’ lineup. That allowed Victoria Mann’s four-RBI day—highlighted by a first-inning two-run double and a two-run triple in the fifth—to turn into a runaway. A seven-run fifth inning, fueled by Covalt’s own bases-clearing triple and a series of smart hits and walks, put the game out of reach before Hopewell even batted around.
Anchoring the Victories
In both contests, Krotec and Covalt exemplified textbook “stop-the-bleed” pitching: mixing efficient pitch counts, timely strikeouts, and zero-tolerance approaches to run-scoring threats. Their control not only saved Hopewell’s defenses but also swung momentum in the Vikings’ favor early—setting the table for explosive offensive innings. As both teams press toward the heart of their seasons, these two arms loom as must-win keys: Krotec aiming to secure Hopewell’s postseason berth on the baseball diamond, and Covalt driving the softball squad’s bid for sectional supremacy.
Hopewell Sports Nation has been the premier broadcasting network for Hopewell Softball this season covering all of the action in our Live Facebook Feed!
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Additionally, we bring the photos that show the team effort and comradery. Its clear the team is having fun!!! – Photos by Nick Mohrbacker
