Hopewell Pulls Out Gutsy 8-7 Win Over Central Valley

On paper, pulling out a win appeared to be a very difficult task tonight for Coach Yurcina’s Hopewell Pony League team.

First off, the Vikings were without James Armstrong and Luke Vukovcan again.

Second, they learned that 1st baseman and pitcher Andrew Arzberger is out indefinitely with an injury that he sustained last night against Blackhawk.

That’s 3 hitters and pitchers out of the mix.

Third, Hopewell was coming off a 8-4 loss yesterday in which they collected only two hits.

Finally, Hopewell had to take on a talented team in rival Central Valley.

However, the great thing about sports is that the game isn’t played on paper, it’s played on the field and tonight, Hopewell gutted out a 8-7, in what may be their most impressive win of the season.

With the win, Hopewell improves their record to 6-2-1.

Central Valley scored two in the top of the first but like they did all evening, Hopewell responded with four of their own in the bottom of the inning.

With 1 out, Jaxsen Covalt singled , which was followed by a single from Collin Davis. Next up, cleanup hitter Camden Hoth drove in Covalt with an RBI single.

Then with runners at the corners and 1 out, Ryan Gaguzis drove in Davis with a grounder to first base. Game was now tied at 2. After Jackson Yurcina walked, he along with Hoth would score on a CV error off a fly ball from Owen Ackerman. Hopewell led 4-2 after one inning.

Collin Davis had a stress free second inning as he got three ground ball outs (3rd Base/Aiden Ritchart, 2nd Base Yurcina and to himself at pitcher).

Davis also had an easy 3rd inning, which included two strikeouts.

Hopewell added two runs in the bottom of the third inning. With 1 out, Hoth singled, which was followed by a walk to Gaguzis. Then with 2 outs, Ackerman came up clutch with a 2-run single. Hopewell now led 6-2.

We move ahead to the top of the 5th inning and CV scores 3 runs and are threatening to get more. With runners at 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs, Coach Yurcina brings in Gaguzis and he promptly strikes out out the batter on 3 pitches.

Hopewell led but only by the score of 6-5.

In the bottom of the 5th inning, Gaguzis helped himself out with what turned out to be the game winning runs.

With 2 on and 1 out, Gaguzis singled to center scoring Colvalt and Davis. Hopewell now led 8-5.

This game was filled with drama but nothing like in the top of the sixth. CV scored a run to cut the score to 8-7 and had the bases loaded with 0 outs.

Gaguzis said no problem, I love pressure and pitched with ice water in his veins.

With 3 on and 0 out, Gaguzis struck out the first batter. Then, the second batter popped up to catcher Ackerman and the 3rd out came via a grounder to Covalt at second.

No drama in the final frame as CV’s first batter popped to Covalt at second base. Next CV batter flew out to Jayvion Lindsey in center. Then with 1 on, Gaguzis ended the game with a strikeout.

Hopewell wins 8-7!!

No rest for Hopewell as they’ll have their 3rd game in 3 days. The Vikings will be at 2nd place Blackhawk.