Team Matthews Tops Team Daley In Hopewell Matchup Focused On Learning And Fun

It was a great day for baseball in Hopewell on Saturday as Team Matthews and Team Daley — both local teams — faced off in a coach pitch matchup focused on development and learning more than wins or losses. The game was filled with solid hitting, great plays in the field, and tons of effort from both sides.

Team Matthews ended up with the 13–8 win behind a full team effort and a big day at the plate from Tony Matthews, who drove in five runs on three hits. He doubled in the fourth inning to clear the bases and later added a two-run single in the fifth that helped seal the game.

Team Daley got out to an early lead when Max Kokan knocked in a run in the top of the first. They added a few more in the second when Mitch Hodnicki tripled down the line and Max Kokan followed with another RBI single.

Team Matthews answered in the bottom of the second when Luka Pierce, Enzo Markowitz, and Silas Gray each came through with singles to give their team a 4–3 lead.

Daley kept battling, taking the lead again in the third with RBI hits from Sheamus and Mitchell. But Team Matthews responded in a big way in the fourth. Tony Matthews hit a bases-clearing double to drive in three runs, and Ben Matthews followed with a single to bring in another, making it 8–5.

Daley tied things up in the fifth thanks to a triple by Mitch Hodnicki and key hits from Max Kokan and Brady. In the bottom of the fifth, Team Matthews’ bats stayed hot — stringing together seven hits and scoring five times to pull ahead 13–8 and hang on for the win.

Team Matthews had 24 hits overall. Ben Matthews led the way with four, while Gus Baughman, Enzo Markowitz, Silas Gray, Eli Rogers, Grayson Oblinger, and Luka Pierce all collected multiple hits. Defensively, the team was sharp and didn’t commit a single error. Luka Pierce was all over the field, making several big stops — including two key putouts, one on a throw from right field to second base for a force out, and another throw from the infield to first base for an out.

Team Daley swung it well too, finishing with 20 hits. Mitchell Hodnicki and Brady Daley both had four hits, while Max Kokan and Mitchell each drove in three runs. Wes Z, Jake B, and Aiden also collected multiple hits. Mitch H had an especially strong day at the plate with three triples.

Game balls went to Luka Pierce for Team Matthews and Wes Z for Team Daley.

Coach Matthews had some heartfelt words about Luka’s performance:

“Luka played incredible today,” said Coach Matthews. “He’s been a little down this season because he hadn’t gotten a game ball yet, but he earned it today. He made a ton of plays — including a throw from right field to Tony at second for a force out and another from the infield to first base. He also hit really well. I’m proud of how hard he’s worked.”

Both Hopewell teams showed great teamwork, sportsmanship, and growth — exactly what coach pitch baseball is all about.

Next up for Team Matthews is a game at Freedom 1 on Monday.