By: Jordan Hirsh
May 9, 2023
FAIRLESS HILLS, PA. – The Pennsbury Falcons (12-3) defeated the Neshaminy Skins (12-5) on Monday to take sole possession of first place in the SOL Patriot Division.
This game began last Friday, but was suspended in the bottom of the 2nd due to rain, with the score 3-3. On Friday, Pennsbury jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, after Ryan Zuckerman drilled a solo homer in the bottom of the 1st, followed by a single, two walks, a hit by pitch, and a wild pitch.
Neshaminy would answer right back in the top of the 2nd. Jake Kozlowski singled to lead off the inning, the next batter, Luke Hardnock, doubled, and the following batter, Robert Harrison,brought both of them home with a double of his own. Two batters later, Branden Lall would single to drive in Harrison and knot the score.
Three days later, the Pennsbury bats picked up right where they left off. The Falcons struck for 3 more in the bottom of the 2nd, two off the bat of Joe Tiroly, who ripped a hanging breaking ball into left field to drive in Ryan Zuckerman and Michael Mercora. Tiroly would then come around to score one of his three runs of the game on a wild pitch later in the inning.
Pennsbury’s offense continued to roll in the 3rd. 4 straight hits by Tyler Boraski, James Schaffer, Ryan Zuckerman, and Joe Tiroly gave the Falcons a 9-3 lead. Three batters later, Joe Tiroly would steal home on a pickoff attempt at second base to make it 10-3.
On the mound, Pennsbury right hander, Kayden Faulcon, was excellent. He entered the game in relief of Keller Bradley, who pitched on Friday before the rain delay, and allowed 3 earned runs in 2 innings. Faulcon pitched 4 strong innings, striking out 5 and allowing just 2 hits and no runs. Faulcon was able to locate his fastball real well, and mixed in some sliders when he needed to in order to keep the Neshaminy hitters off balance.
On offense, Pennsbury would add 1 more run in the 5th on an opposite field double by Jordan Czerniak.
Overall, every Falcon starter reached base at least once in this one. This, coming against a Neshaminy team that had held opponents to just 2.5 runs per game over their last 6 contests.
“It’s a huge win,” said Joe Tiroly. “We really wanted to get out there and make statement.”
Tiroly, who finished 3 for 5 with 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored was awarded player of the game honors.
This was also Pennsbury’s Coaches vs. Cancer game. An event that hits home for this Falcons club, as one of their own, first baseman, Sam Labrecque, is currently battling synovial sarcoma.
“Sam Labrecque is such an amazing kid, he’s a strong kid, he’s a hard worker,” said Tiroly. “We’re really happy and proud that we were able to get the win for him.”
The Falcons will next be in action on today as they take on cross-town rival Truman (8-4). Neshaminy’s next game is also this afternoon, as they head to Council Rock South to face off against the Golden Hawks (6-7).