Mid Valley Walks Off Hanover Area in Extra-Inning Thriller to Claim Section 5 Senior League Title

By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | June 30, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography

THROOP — Where 60-foot base paths stretch to 90 and the level of play sharpens dramatically, the Mid Valley Senior League All-Stars proved they belong among the state’s best.

On Monday night under the lights at Spartan Stadium, Mid Valley edged Hanover Area in walk-off fashion, 3-2, in a nine-inning classic to capture the Section 5 Senior League Championship and punch their ticket to the state tournament in DuBois.

Locked in a 2-2 deadlock through seven innings, the game extended into extras using Senior League’s unique tiebreaker format — each team starts with a runner on second and one out. After a scoreless top half from Hanover, Mid Valley capitalized on a defensive miscue in the bottom of the ninth, bringing home the winning run and setting off a celebration on the infield.

Mid Valley’s pitching duo of Christian Ellis and Paxton Grebb was pivotal. Ellis tossed 6 1/3 innings, striking out seven and allowing two runs on five hits. Grebb slammed the door over the final 2 2/3 innings, not surrendering a hit or run and earning the win.

Zackary Buza led the way offensively, finishing 2-for-3 with an RBI and scoring the team’s first run in the third inning. Ian Scanlon also drove in a run to help power Mid Valley’s attack. The defense was sharp, turning a timely double play to keep Hanover in check.

For Hanover Area, Trey Mishanski and Ben Kolbicka each tallied two hits, with Mishanski delivering a clutch RBI double in the fifth to tie the game. Starting pitcher Joe Korus was impressive on the mound, striking out eight across 6 1/3 innings and allowing just one earned run.

With the Section 5 crown secured, Mid Valley advances to the Pennsylvania Senior League State Tournament in DuBois — riding a wave of momentum, strong arms, and sharp execution as the competition only intensifies from here.

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