Team Hoffman – FFC – Blanks Southside!

Friday’s matchup in Southside was fun, after all of the rain last week the Hopewell Pony League team managed to squeeze in a game thanks to Southside moving the game to their fields. This group of 13‑ and 14‑year‑olds put together a performance you don’t forget any time soon. Team Hoffman’s young squad rolled to a 7–0 shutout over South Side, reminding everyone just how impressive a complete game is at this age.

From the very first inning, Team Hoffman set the tone. On the mound, Luke Vukovcan was nothing short of electric. He sat down 11 batters via strikeout over four and two‑thirds innings, and didn’t allow a single hit or run. Even with five free passes, his fastball and breaking stuff kept hitters guessing all day long. Vukovcan also got the offense started: in the top of the first he ripped a double into right field, driving in the game’s first run.

By the third inning, Hoffman’s lead had grown thanks to solid small‑ball. A groundout by Noah Honess plated another run, and a David Johnson single pushed the score to 3–0. Johnson was on base all afternoon, finishing 1‑for‑3 with two RBIs, a team high. Vin Smetana chipped in, and Vukovcan even swiped a pair of bases, showing this squad has speed to go along with power.

Relief came from Honess, who logged two and a third clean frames, striking out two and allowing just one hit. Meanwhile, Team Hoffman’s defense was rock‑solid—no errors, and Mason Santamaria leading the way with two athletic plays on the infield at key moments of the game to key the shutout intact.

South Side’s best day at the plate came from Elijah Prince, who managed a lone hit, and Jordan Fazikas, who drew two walks in a valiant effort. But Hoffman’s combined strength on the bump, in the field, and at the plate proved too much.

Next up for Team Hoffman is a Tuesday tilt at Blackhawk against the Cougars Martella. If Friday’s performance is any indication, their 13‑14‑year‑old core is just getting started.