Forest City Drops 7–4 Decision to Carbondale Area After Early Deficit
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | April 9, 2025 | Photo courtesy BL Sports Photography / Brad Loff
Despite outhitting Carbondale Area 9-8, Forest City Varsity Baseball came up short in a 7-4 loss on Wednesday afternoon.
Forest City’s offense was led by T.J. Collins, who turned in an impressive three-hit performance. Collins also played a role in the team’s early scoring, singling to center in the bottom of the first inning to tie the game 1-1 after Carbondale Area struck first in the top half.
However, the momentum quickly shifted in the second inning. Carbondale Area erupted for five runs on three hits, seizing a 6-1 lead. The key moment came when Johnny Gorel smacked a double that drove in two runs, delivering a heavy blow to Forest City’s hopes.
Gorel went on to earn the win for Carbondale Area, throwing six innings while giving up nine hits and four earned runs. He struck out 11 without issuing a single walk. On the other side, Collins took the loss for Forest City, pitching four innings and allowing seven runs on five hits. He struck out five but struggled with command, walking six.
Forest City put up a solid fight, racking up nine total hits. Collins and Evan O’Neill each drove in two runs, while Max Urbas added a pair of hits in three at-bats. The team also showcased speed on the basepaths, stealing four bases, and remained sharp defensively with zero errors. Wyatt Reynolds led the defense with 10 plays in the field.
Carbondale Area’s offense was anchored by Hollis and Parker Smith, both of whom had two hits apiece. Hollis stood out, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs and multiple stolen bases. Smith also contributed with aggressive baserunning, and both players were part of Carbondale’s total of five stolen bases on the day. The team showed discipline at the plate, drawing seven walks, with Xander Mackey picking up two. Defensively, Carbondale played a clean game with no errors, and Hollis led the team with 12 chances in the field.
Next up, Forest City will hit the road to face Mountain View on Monday, hoping to bounce back with a strong showing.
