Cougars Capitalize Late, Top Crestwood 3-2 Behind Higgins and Bullpen Lockdown
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | April 11, 2025 | Photo courtesy Bob Gaetano Photography
Hazleton Area Varsity Cougars snatched the lead late and held on for a 3-2 win over the Crestwood Comets on Friday night in a tightly-contested matchup defined by small-ball execution, clutch pitching, and timely hits.
The game was deadlocked at two entering the fifth inning when Shea Higgins stepped up and grounded out to bring in what would become the game-winning run. Higgins finished 1-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs, including an RBI single in the first that put Hazleton on the board early.
Crestwood quickly responded in the bottom half of the first when Wagaman singled to right, driving in the tying run. Hazleton reclaimed the lead in the top of the fourth on a Chris Knelly RBI single before the Comets answered once again, this time on a passed ball, to tie the game 2-2 heading into the fifth.
Pitching dominated the rest of the way. Jack Esposito started for Hazleton, going three innings while allowing four hits, two runs (one earned), and striking out three. From there, AJ Collevechio and Chris Peters combined for 4 shutout innings. Both relievers struck out three and allowed just three hits between them, keeping Crestwood off the scoreboard the rest of the way.
McManus took the loss for Crestwood, allowing three runs on three hits over five innings. He walked four and struck out three before handing the ball to Fedak, who tossed two scoreless innings in relief with two punchouts.
Logan Hearity, Ryan Racho, Higgins, and Knelly each collected one hit for Hazleton, while James Festa led the team with two walks. Racho and Hearity each stole two bases, and Hazleton swiped six in total. Behind the plate, Nick Ledgeranchored a flawless defensive outing with 10 total chances and no errors committed by the Cougars.
Crestwood was paced offensively by Stavish and Galella, who each went 2-for-3. Wagaman chipped in with a hit and an RBI. The Comets also turned a key double play defensively to stay in the game.
Hazleton showed patience at the plate, drawing six total walks, and capitalized on opportunities when it mattered most. They improved their late-game composure with shutdown relief work and clean defense, sealing a gritty win on the road.
Next up for Hazleton is a Saturday showdown against Parkland.
Top Performers & Stats Breakdown:
Hazleton Area Cougars (4 H, 3 R, 6 BB, 6 SB):
Shea Higgins: 1-for-3, 2 RBI
Ryan Racho: 1-for-3, R, RBI, HBP, 2 SB
Chris Knelly: 1-for-2, RBI, R, BB, SB
Logan Hearity: 1-for-3, 2 SB
James Festa: 0-for-1, 2 BB
Nick Ledger: 10 defensive chances, 0 errors
Pitching:
Esposito: 3.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R (1 ER), 1 BB, 3 K
Collevechio: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Peters: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 K
Crestwood Comets (7 H, 2 R):
Stavish: 2-for-3, R
Galella: 2-for-3, 2B
Wagaman: 1-for-3, RBI
Mylet: 1-for-2
Domzalski: 1-for-3
Pitching:
McManus: 5.0 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
Fedak: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
