Ben Hunter, Aali Muhammad Lead Connell Park/East Scranton/Jefferson Past Dunmore in District 17 Thriller
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | June 26, 2026 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus
Springbrook Township, PA — Connell Park/East Scranton/Jefferson erased an early three-run deficit and used timely hitting, aggressive base-running, and a strong relief effort from Ben Hunter to earn a thrilling 12-9 victory over Dunmore Little League in District 17 11-Year-Old All-Star pool play Thursday evening.
Dunmore struck first with three runs in the opening inning before Connell Park/East Scranton/Jefferson answered with a run in the second and erupted for four more in the third to take its first lead of the game.
After Dunmore answered with five runs in the bottom of the third to regain a 9-6 advantage, Connell Park/East Scranton/Jefferson responded once again. The visitors scored four runs in the fifth inning to reclaim the lead before adding two insurance runs in the sixth to complete the comeback.
Ben Hunter delivered the biggest offensive performance of the night, finishing 3-for-3 with a double, a triple, three RBIs, and a run scored. Aali Muhammad sparked the offense from the top of the lineup, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored, an RBI, and five stolen bases.
Eli Santoski added two hits, including a double, while Mason Burke finished with two hits, including a double, an RBI, and two runs scored. Logan Gaus chipped in an RBI as Connell Park/East Scranton/Jefferson totaled 11 hits and wreaked havoc on the bases with 14 stolen bases.
Hunter was equally valuable on the mound. Entering in relief, he shut the door over the final 3⅓ innings, allowing just one hit and one run while striking out six to earn the victory.
Dunmore’s offense battled throughout the contest, finishing with 11 hits. Andrew Kokindo led the way with a 3-for-4 performance that included a triple, two runs scored, and an RBI. Tanner Hill added two hits and scored twice, while Sawyer Dunda drove in two runs. James Hart, Owen Krzywicki, and Miles O’Malley also contributed RBIs in the effort.
Connell Park/East Scranton/Jefferson 9-10-11 All-Star Roster: Alex Bartkovsky, Mason Burke, Jake Duffy, Logan Gaus, Ben Hunter, Ben Iannuzzo, Nathan Kane, Ryan Kowalski, Sam LaPolla, Jaxsen Masker, Aali Muhammad, Matthew Phillips, and Eli Santoski.
Dunmore Little League 11-Year-Old All-Star Roster: Cooper Callahan, Brody Decker, Sawyer Dunda, Andrew Fisch, James Hart, Tanner Hill, Owen Krzywicki, Andrew Kokindo, Oliver Mecca, Mason O’Malley, Miles O’Malley, and Matteo Yearing.
With the victory, Connell Park/East Scranton/Jefferson earned a key win in District 17 pool play, while Dunmore will look to rebound as tournament action continues.
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