.jpg "District 2 Clash: Pittston Area Flexes Top-Ranked Muscle in Statement Win Over Holy Redeemer")
District 2 Clash: Pittston Area Flexes Top-Ranked Muscle in Statement Win Over Holy Redeemer
By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | April 30, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
PITTSTON — District 2's heavyweight showdown lived up to the billing — and it was the top-ranked Pittston Area Patriots who came out swinging, rolling past No. 5 Holy Redeemer, 6-1, in front of a packed crowd under a golden sunset Wednesday evening.
The Patriots wasted no time asserting themselves. Jake Aftewicz roped a two-run double in the first inning to ignite the offense, and Beau Widdick followed with a sac fly to cap a three-run frame that set the tone.
Silvio Giardina got the start and earned the win, going three strong innings, giving up just one hit and no earned runs while striking out four. But it was Elijah Barr who closed the door on the Royals, delivering four dominant innings in relief — allowing just one hit and fanning six — to lock it down and earn Sportzwire’s Nina’s Bites Player of the Game honors.
Offensively, Pittston stayed aggressive. Aftewicz finished with two RBIs, while Richard Tonte added a pair of hits and was one of five Patriots to swipe a bag. The team’s defense was spotless, committing no errors behind their pitching duo.
For Holy Redeemer, Chase Binker stood out with a 2-for-3 day at the plate, but the Royals couldn’t generate enough momentum against the Patriots' pitching tandem.
The win keeps Pittston Area perfect and riding high atop the Sportzwire D2 Coaches Poll with the postseason inching closer.
