Kessler 8U ‘HSN’ Advances in Playoffs with Convincing 11-5 Win Over Hopewell 8U-Awesome Electric

June 16 – In a high-stakes playoff matchup, Kessler 8U CP ‘HSN’ rose to the occasion with a commanding 11-5 victory over Hopewell CP-Awesome Electric, moving one step closer to a championship run. The team erupted for 21 hits in a well-rounded offensive effort that was enough offense to gain the edge against  their opponents from start to finish. Folks, this is what baseball is all about, two Hopewell teams both showing improvement with all of their kids from start to end of the season. Coaches were supportive on both ends and eager to teach the basics to a lively bunch of kids.

Team Daley was relentless at the plate with all batters contributing each inning to keep pressure on Team Kesslers defense. During the playoffs with two evenly matched teams at the coach pitch age, it usually comes down to the team that is able to come up with more outs in the field. Team Daley was solid on defense making some extraordinary plays and efforts. Brady Daley robbing Tanner Kessler who hit a laser to him at pitcher, knocking the ball down and completing the throw to Harper Lavia at first. Harper also made an amazing scoop at first to rob MJ of a hit in an awesome athletic stretch. Hudson Lavia had a strong night defensively at shortstop making several heads-up plays including a smart decision to go for the lead runner in the fifth inning. Brady also made a key play tagging out MJ after a foot race to home plate.

HSN spoke to head coach Justin Daley after the game who was very pleased with his kids performance this season, “It’s been fun to watch everybody grow in some capacity we have kids who could barely throw looking to turn double plays.  Loved watching the hopewell kids compete tonight on both sides! A big welcome back to Dominic Santamaria fully recovered and looking good!”

Tanner Kessler led the charge with a strong 3 -for-4 day at the plate, scoring three runs and setting the tone early. Hayes Singletary followed with a standout performance, going 4-for-4 including a double, scoring twice and driving in a run.

MJ Shegog Jr. made his presence felt with two hits and a team-leading 3 RBIs, including a double that helped break the game open. Grayden McNally chipped in with two hits, two runs scored, and an RBI in a balanced offensive attack.

Lincoln Zurenko quietly posted a perfect 4-hit game, while Rory Singletary added four total bases and a run scored. Ahmad Gates and Dominic Santamaria each added an RBI, contributing to the team’s depth and consistency throughout the lineup.

Every batter contributed to the victory and highlighting the team’s relentless offensive pressure. In the field, Kessler 8U ‘HSN’ remained composed, allowing just five runs with solid defensive plays against a stacked Team Daley offense.

Tanner Kessler snagged an awesome catch behind the pitcher along with a force out at second highlighting a huge defense stand for his team!

HSN also spoke to head coach Chris Kessler, “ this was the best all around game we’ve played so far — good hitting, fielding, base running. Very proud of our guys as they went up against coach Daleys team which is fundamentally strong. The Future looks bright for Hopewell baseball!”

With this playoff win under their belt, Kessler 8U ‘HSN’ continues to build momentum and confidence as they set their sights on the next round.