Hazleton Area Dominates Wilkes-Barre in 10-0 Shutout Behind Diaz and Marino
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | May 29, 2025 | Photo courtesy Ruben Bourdeau
HAZLETON, PA – A massive fifth inning surge lifted the Hazleton Area Varsity Cougars to a commanding 10-0 win over Wilkes-Barre Area on Thursday at Volpe Field. Powered by dominant pitching from Dom Marino and timely hitting across the lineup, the Cougars advanced with a statement win.
After a scoreless first two innings, Hazleton broke through in the bottom of the third. Dom Marino and Logan Hearity each grounded out to bring in runs, putting the Cougars on the board with a 2-0 lead.
But the real damage came in the fifth, when Hazleton sent 11 batters to the plate and exploded for seven runs. Errors opened the floodgates, and the Cougars capitalized with hits from Bryant Diaz (RBI single), Marcos Gil Pena (RBI single), Chris Knelly (RBI single), and Ryan Racho (RBI single). Michael Pecora and Hearity each added RBIs with a walk and groundout respectively.
Diaz led the Cougars with 2 RBIs, going 1-for-3 at the plate. He was one of seven Hazleton players to record a hit, joining Racho, Ledger, Festa, Higgins, Gil Pena, and Knelly. Racho also scored twice, reached base in both of his plate appearances, and stole two bases. The team showed discipline at the plate, working six walks total.
On the mound, Marino was nearly untouchable. The righty threw 67 pitches over five innings, allowing just four hits and no runs while striking out three and walking two. He faced 19 batters and earned the complete-game shutout win.
Wilkes-Barre’s offense struggled to string anything together despite a 2-for-2 effort from Omar Jerez. J. Bottger started on the hill for the Wolfpack and took the loss, allowing four hits and seven runs (three earned) over four innings while striking out five and walking four. N. Fritz entered in relief and surrendered three runs in just 0.1 innings of work.
Defensively, Hazleton was flawless, committing no errors and turning two double plays. Hearity led the team with four chances in the field.
With the victory, Hazleton advances behind a complete team performance—stellar defense, clutch hitting, and Marino’s gem on the mound.
Top Scorers & Stat Breakdown – Hazleton Cougars:
Bryant Diaz – 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 1 run, 1 SB
Ryan Racho – 1-for-2, 2 runs, 1 RBI, 2 SB
Nick Ledger – 1-for-1, 2 BB, 1 run
James Festa – 1-for-2, 2 runs, 1 SB
Shea Higgins – 1-for-2, 1 BB, 1 run
Marcos Gil Pena – 1-for-1, 1 RBI, 1 run
Chris Knelly – 1-for-1, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 run
Michael Pecora – 0-for-1, 1 RBI (BB)
Dom Marino (W, P) – 5.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K | 3 AB, 1 run, 1 RBI
Wilkes-Barre Leaders:
Omar Jerez – 2-for-2
J. Bottger – 1-for-1, 1 BB
N. Fritz – 1-for-2
Final Score: Hazleton Area 10, Wilkes-Barre 0
