Baseball: Palmyra Uses Late Surge to Beat Rival Hershey

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Palmyra Uses Late Surge to Beat Rival Hershey

There is rarely a shortage of intensity when Palmyra and Hershey meet, and Tuesday’s matchup was no different. In another chapter of the rivalry, Palmyra broke open a tight game late and pulled away for an 8-2 road victory over the Trojans.

The Cougars were led by Aiden Willard, who turned in a big day at the plate. Willard went 3-4 with 3 runs, 2 RBI, a home run, and a double, including a solo shot in the 6th inning that helped Palmyra create some separation.

Hershey grabbed the game’s first run in the bottom of the 4th when Wyatt Morgan singled home a run to give the Trojans a 1-0 lead.

Palmyra answered in the top of the 5th. Adam Strohecker and Jesse Willi each delivered singles as the Cougars moved in front 2-1. In a rivalry game where momentum was tough to hold, Hershey answered right back in the bottom half to tie it at 2-2 on a sacrifice bunt by Bryce Erwin.

The game shifted for good in the 6th inning. Willard’s home run gave Palmyra the lead, and the Cougars kept the pressure on from there. A sacrifice fly by Willi and an RBI single from Mathew Eldridge helped Palmyra push three runs across in the frame and take command.

Palmyra continued to add on and finished with 11 hits while drawing 10 walks in the win. Strohecker backed Willard with a strong showing, going 3-4 with 2 runs and 2 RBI, while Eldridge added 2 hits and an RBI as the Cougars gradually wore down Hershey over the final two innings.

On the mound, Logan Kriner earned the win for Palmyra after allowing 1 run on 2 hits over 4 innings. Kriner struck out 5 and walked 2. Gavin Stephens worked in relief before Willard closed things out with 2 scoreless innings.

Hershey was limited to 3 hits in the game. Adam Garver doubled and scored a run, while Erwin and Morgan each drove in a run.

Palmyra’s pitching staff combined to allow just 2 runs while striking out 8.

Palmyra improved to 4-0 with the win and will host Bishop McDevitt on Thursday.

Palmyra 8, Hershey 2

Full Box Score

Palmyra Leaders

Aiden Willard: 3-4, 3 runs, 2 RBI, HR, 2B
Adam Strohecker: 3-4, 2 runs, 2 RBI
Mathew Eldridge: 2-4, RBI, 2B
Jesse Willi: 1-3, 2 RBI, BB
Luke Risser: 1-5

Pitching
Logan Kriner: 4.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Gavin Stephens: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Aiden Willard: 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Hershey Leaders

Adam Garver: 1-3, run, 2B
Bryce Erwin: 1-2, RBI
Wyatt Morgan: 1-3, RBI

Pitching
Colton Fultz: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 7 K
Carson Hummer: 1.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB
Chase Erwin: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 1 K

Last game: Palmyra Breaks Game Open with 9-Run 3rd in Win Over Lebanon