Greater Pittston Township Tops Lakeland in Section 5 Action, Advances to Monday Elimination Matchup
By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | July 13, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
SCOTT TOWNSHIP — Greater Pittston Township wasted no time grabbing control in Sunday’s early Section 5 Majors contest, using a big first inning and strong pitching to defeat Lakeland 8-2 and move one win away from a shot at the championship.
GPT jumped ahead with a four-run first inning. Jadan Vazquez got things started with a two-run double to center. A Lakeland miscue added another run, and David Klansek drew a bases-loaded walk to cap the opening burst.
In the second inning, Jordan Tonte ripped a double and later scored on a passed ball, extending the lead to 6-0.
On the mound, Jacob Hulse was dominant for GPT. The right-hander struck out nine over 3.2 innings, allowing just two hits and two runs. Vazquez took over in relief and threw 2.1 shutout innings, surrendering only one hit while striking out two.
Vazquez also led GPT’s offense, going 1-for-2 with two RBIs. Mason Slusser paced the team with two hits, while the lineup worked six walks and remained patient at the plate.
Defensively, GPT was flawless—turning two double plays and committing zero errors. Caden Rossi anchored the infield with 13 chances.
Lakeland battled back in the middle innings, getting hits from Weston Dilts, William Carr, and TJ Horan. Carr and Landon Short each drove in a run, and Short drew a team-high two walks. Despite falling behind early, Lakeland showed grit at the plate, drawing seven walks and putting pressure on late.
Rocco Carito started for Lakeland and was followed by a team effort on the mound, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
With the win, Greater Pittston Township advances to face Kingston/Forty Fort on Monday in an elimination matchup. The winner will meet Abington in the Section 5 championship, needing to win twice to take the crown.
One step closer to the Section 5 crown — Monday’s matchup will decide who gets the shot.
