Hopewell Pony League Drops 7-5 Decision to Ambridge

Harmony Twp– The Hopewell Vikings Pony League team was back in action last night as they traveled to take on the Ambridge Bridgers.

The Vikings continued to play shorthanded with three players not able to play but Ambridge was also without two big bats from their lineup.

It was a competitive game, but Hopewell once again came up just short as Ambridge walked away with a 7-5 win. Hopewell’s record drops to 6-4-1, while Ambridge moves to 8-3.

Like in their last game a 6-5 loss at Blackhawk, Hopewell had their chances but couldn’t get the big hit when the opportunity presented itself. Despite scoring 5 runs, Hopewell only managed to pick up 4 hits.

Hopewell got on the board in the top of the first inning and didn’t need a hit. With 1 out, Jayvion Lindsey was hit by a pitch and eventually came around to score on a wild pitch. Hopewell led 1-0.

Right-hander Luke Vukovcan got the start for Hopewell and had a clean 1-2-3 first innings. Defensive plays included a fly out to Jaxson Covalt, a ground out to Camden Hoth and a ground out to Collin Davis.

Ambridge scored two runs in the bottom of the second and were threatening to score more. The Bridgers had runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1 out but Vukovcan ended the inning with back-to-back strikeouts. Ambridge led 2-1 after 2 innings.

Hopewell retook the lead in the third inning as they were able to bring in 3 runs.

With 1 out, David Villanueva singled on a hard ground ball to shortstop, which was followed by Jacob Durkin getting hit by a pitch and Noah Ciminella drawing a walk. With the bases loaded and 1 out, Covalt reached on an Ambridge error, which brought in Villaneuva. Next up, Lindsey hit a sharp single into center field which scored Durkin and Ciminella. Hopewell led 4-2. Unfortunately, Hopewell wasn’t able to add on any more runs which turned out to be a key point in the game.

Ambridge immediately responded in the bottom of the inning with 4 runs to take a 6-4 lead.

Vukovcan ended up pitching 3 innings, allowing 4 hits, 6 runs (6 earned), 5 walks and 5 strikeouts.

Ambridge added another run in the bottom of the 5th to increase their lead to 7-4.

In the top of the 6th, Hopewell had a good chance to get back in the game.

With 1 out, Lindsey singled to center field, followed by Davis getting hit by a pitch. Lindsey would score on a ground ball by Hoth to make the score 7-5. Vukovcan then walked and after a wild pitch, Hopewell had runners at 2nd and 3rd with 2 out but weren’t able to bring them in which would’ve tied the game.

Hoth relieved Vukovcan and pitched a solid 3 innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 run, 2 walks and 2 strikeouts.

Hopewell had one more chance in the 7th inning to tie things up but were set down 1-2-3.

Next up for Hopewell is a game on Thursday at Beaver.