By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | July 15, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
CLARKS SUMMIT — A red-hot start and timely defense proved to be just enough as Greater Pittston Township clinched the Section 5 Minors Championship with a hard-fought 6-4 win over Abington on Tuesday evening at Ackerly Field.
GPT built a five-run lead through four innings before holding off a late push from Abington to punch their ticket to the state tournament, which begins Monday at West Side Field.
Anthony Cerasaro opened the scoring with an RBI single in the second inning, sparking a string of hits that built momentum. Cerasaro and Colston Talerico each went 2-for-3 at the plate, while Crue Ziobro, Lukas Verdekal, Joseph Basile, Kaysen Simmons, and Talerico all drove in runs during the balanced offensive effort.
On the mound, Rocco Skula was electric—tossing 3.2 innings and striking out eight while allowing just one run on one hit. Santino Rynkiewicz came on in relief and shut things down, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings to close it out.
Abington didn’t go quietly. A two-run double from Jake McCormack and a run-scoring groundout in the fifth pulled them within two. Timmy Deschaine led the team at the plate, going 2-for-3, while Giovanni Tunis and David Kalechitz each worked two walks as Abington drew seven free passes in total.
Connor Mitchell started on the mound for Abington, battling through 3.1 innings and allowing six runs (four earned) on eight hits while walking four.
Both teams played a clean game defensively. GPT didn’t commit a single error, with Talerico leading the way with eight defensive chances.
Following the game, Coach Cerasaro praised his team’s all-around effort and growth through the tournament:
“We scored just enough today, strong pitching, and had great support from the Pittston community—it’s been amazing.”
GPT now advances to the Pennsylvania State Tournament, where they’ll open play Monday at West Side Field with eyes set on a deep run.