Baseball: ELCO Scores Statement Win, Upsets Manheim Central to Boost Playoff Push

ELCO entered Thursday as winners of two straight games, but the Raiders had a chance to do more than simply keep their momentum going. With Manheim Central arriving as one of District 3’s top 5A teams, a win would provide a major boost to ELCO’s postseason chances, and the Raiders delivered with a 5-2 victory.

Austin Smith helped set the tone from the start, collecting three hits in three at-bats. Smith doubled in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, and added another single in the 4th to help power the Raiders’ offense.

Smith got things started in the bottom of the 1st with a double down the right-field line that brought home the game’s first run. Braden Gettle followed with a double of his own to right, and Tyce Boyer added a single to the right side of the infield, giving ELCO a quick 3-0 lead.

ELCO extended the lead in the 2nd when an error allowed another run to score, making it 4-0. The Raiders then added one more in the 4th, giving themselves enough cushion the rest of the way.

Kylan Weiler earned the win on the mound, allowing four hits and two runs, one earned, over five innings while striking out four and walking one. Gettle handled the final two innings, striking out two and allowing no hits to collect the save.

Smith finished 3-for-3 with two RBI, a double, and two stolen bases, while Tanner Hibshman added two hits and scored twice. Gettle, Boyer, and Isaac Tanger each added a hit for the Raiders.

Tyler Grimm led Manheim Central from the top of the lineup, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Clint Groff and Gavin Compton each added a hit for the Barons, while Tanner Travitz went the distance on the mound, striking out seven and walking none.

ELCO (9-8) will look to continue to improve their postseason odds when they host West York on Saturday.

ELCO 5, Manheim Central 2