Barr’s Command, Clutch Bats Lift Pittston Over Abington Heights in 3-1 Victory
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | May 29, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin.Focus.Photography
In a game dominated by pitching and sharp defense, the Pittston Varsity Patriots emerged victorious over Abington Heights, 3-1, on Thursday, May 29. The matchup featured standout performances from the mound and just enough timely hitting to secure the win.
Abington Heights jumped ahead early, scoring in the top of the first inning after Evan Gonzalez drove in a run with a groundout. But Pittston answered quickly. In the bottom half of the inning, Jake Aftewicz grounded out to bring home a run and knot the game at one apiece.
The game remained locked until the third inning, when Pittston pushed across two runs to take the lead for good. Dom Innamorati delivered a sacrifice fly to bring in the go-ahead run, and a double play ball later in the frame helped plate another.
Pittston pitcher Elijah Barr was masterful, earning the complete-game win. The right-hander threw 98 pitches (64 for strikes) and allowed just two hits and one earned run over seven innings. He struck out three and walked three while facing 28 batters. Barr also helped himself at the plate, going a perfect 2-for-2 with a hit-by-pitch.
Offensively, Pittston was led by Nick Innamorati, who went 2-for-2 with a triple and scored a run. Barr also tallied two hits, while S. Giardina added a double and an RBI. Aftewicz contributed two key RBIs despite not recording a hit.
On the Abington Heights side, starting pitcher Nick Bradley pitched well despite the loss. Bradley went six innings, giving up five hits and three earned runs while striking out six and walking two on 98 pitches (60 strikes). Defensively, Abington played error-free baseball, with catcher Harshal Patel recording a game-high seven fielding chances.
Hunter Pentasuglio and Noah Kayal each had one hit for Abington Heights. Pentasuglio also swiped a base, along with teammates R. Zalewski and T. Pentasuglio. Gonzalez was credited with the team’s lone RBI.
Ultimately, Pittston made the most of their five hits and capitalized on timely opportunities, while Barr’s poise and consistency on the hill carried them to a hard-earned win.
Top Performers Stat Breakdown:
Pittston Varsity Patriots
Elijah Barr (P) – 2-for-2, R, 2 HBP, 7 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Nick Innamorati (LF) – 2-for-2, R, 3B, 2 TB
Jake Aftewicz (C) – 0-for-1, 2 RBI, 1 BB
S. Giardina (SS) – 1-for-3, 2B, RBI
Abington Heights
Nick Bradley (P) – 6.0 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Hunter Pentasuglio (C) – 1-for-2, SB
Noah Kayal (LF) – 1-for-3
Evan Gonzalez (3B) – 0-for-3, 1 RBI
Final Score: Pittston 3, Abington Heights 1
