Hopewell Youth Baseball
9-Year Olds Lose to Central Valley, 12-11, in a Classic Championship Game
The 9-Year Old Championship Game between the Hopewell and Central Valley was the best game of the 2024 Hopewell All-Star Tournament.
Despite trailing 12-5 late in the game, the kids from Hopewell showed a ton of fight, didn’t quit and nearly pulled off a tremendous comeback.
In the end, they fell one run short as they lost, 12-11 to finish as runners up. Despite not getting the 1st place trophy, these 9-year olds from Hopewell played like champions.
Central Valley scored three in the third inning to jump out to a 3-0 lead but the Vikings immediately responded.
Jack Holsinger singled in Lucas Strano to cut the deficit to 3-2. Then with a runner at third and 1 out, Bowen Smith grounded out to third base which brought in two runners, Holsinger and Lincoln Cumpston. Hopewell now led 4-3.
Central Valley League then scored 6 runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning, which proved to be the pivotal inning of the game.
Moving ahead to the top of the 5th inning with Hopewell trailing 12-5, this is when the Vikings made things interesting.
Cody Goble got things started with an RBI single to bring in Eden Lingenfelter. Garrett Hoffman then grounded out, which brought in Goble. Hopewell now trailed 12-7.
After walks to Cumpston and Strano, Smith grounded out to cut the deficit to four runs, 12-8. Next up, Zac Seech hit a sharp 2-out single to left, which scored Cumpston and Smith. Hopewell now trailed just 12-10.
The final run of the inning came courtesy of an RBI single by Declan Lavia, which scored Seech.
Bowen Smith pitched a perfect 1-2-3 5th inning which gave his team a chance to pull off the improbable comeback.
The top of the 6th was exciting as Hopewell loaded the bases with 2 outs but were unable to bring in that final run.
Final Score: Central Valley 12 Hopewell 11.
Great effort all tournament Hopewell!
Next weekend, this 9-year old team will take part in a tournament at Deer Lakes.
