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East Side Rolls Past Newtown Edgmont, Sets Up Championship Rematch with Blue Mountain

East Side Rolls Past Newtown Edgmont, Sets Up Championship Rematch with Blue Mountain

By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | August 2, 2026 | Photo courtesy Justin Bradley

PA State Little League Tournament – Semifinal Elimination Game

East Side Little League left no doubt Sunday afternoon.

Behind a dominant combined no-hitter from Ryan Donnelly and Ryan Hennessey, an explosive offensive performance, and flawless execution in every phase of the game, East Side overwhelmed Newtown Edgmont Little League 10-0 in just 3½ innings via the mercy rule to advance to the Pennsylvania State Little League Championship.

The victory sends East Side into a highly anticipated championship rematch with Blue Mountain, the only team to defeat them during the tournament, earning a 6-4 victory on July 29. Monday's title game will provide East Side with an opportunity for redemption.

"We REALLY want them," said slugger Paul Cowperthwait after the win.

East Side Strikes Early

Newtown starter Graeme Geary ran into immediate trouble in the opening inning as East Side's offense erupted from the start.

Ryan Donnelly reached base to begin the game and advanced to second on a passed ball before East Side's lineup caught fire. Cleanup hitter Dillon DiGiulio delivered the game's biggest early blow, crushing a three-run home run to put East Side firmly in control.

Just two batters later, Paul Cowperthwait added a towering solo home run of his own, extending the lead to 5-0. East Side collected five runs on four hits in the opening frame, immediately putting Newtown on its heels.

No-Hit Pitching Takes Control

While the offense was piling up runs, Donnelly was nearly untouchable on the mound.

The East Side starter needed just 23 pitches through three innings, retiring Newtown hitters with remarkable efficiency. After a quick three-up, three-down second inning against the heart of Newtown's order, Donnelly left the game having not allowed a hit while striking out multiple batters and consistently pounding the strike zone.

With Monday's championship in mind, East Side elected to preserve its ace.

Ryan Hennessey entered in relief for the fourth inning while Donnelly shifted to shortstop, completing the combined no-hitter as East Side closed out the mercy-rule victory.

"I had to trust my fielders, just throw strikes," Donnelly said afterward. "Yeah, we've definitely been working on our hitting."

Another Five-Run Outburst

East Side put the game out of reach in the second inning.

After Colton DiGrazio reached on an error, Adam Gazonas worked a walk before Pat Corliss laid down a bunt that resulted in the lead runner being forced at third, leaving runners at first and second.

The top of the order capitalized.

Donnelly lined a hit that brought home two runs before Darren Molineux followed with a two-out RBI double. Newtown turned to Ben Rosci in relief, but the East Side offense kept coming.

Cole Warner drew a walk before DiGiulio ripped a deep drive off the wall for an RBI double. Ryan Hennessey then drove another run home with a sharp single through the middle. Cowperthwait's ground ball ended the inning, but not before East Side had added five more runs to build a commanding 10-0 advantage.

Defense Finishes the Job

East Side's defense backed up its pitchers throughout the afternoon.

Donnelly made one of the game's finest defensive plays in the fourth inning after moving to shortstop, helping preserve the no-hitter with a highlight-reel play on a high chopper, off the 3rd basemen.

Newtown's final three hitters were retired in order as Hennessey completed the combined no-hitter and sealed the 10-run rule victory after just 3½ innings.

Offensive Leaders

DiGiulio led the offensive barrage with a three-run homer and an RBI double, driving in four runs.

Cowperthwait finished with a solo home run, while Donnelly drove in two runs, Molineux added an RBI double, and Hennessey chipped in with an RBI single as East Side pounded out timely hit after timely hit.

Asked about his first-inning home run, DiGiulio said he was ready for the pitch.

"He threw a bunch of curves to Cole and Darren, and he threw me a curve. I was looking for it."

Already thinking ahead to Monday's championship, DiGiulio added, "We're going for 'em, trying to beat 'em bad like we did today."

Cowperthwait described his home run approach.

"He threw me two outside pitches and I was looking for the third one, then just took it the other way."

On the championship matchup, he emphasized the team's mindset.

"Keep energy high and not be down on ourselves no matter what happens. We REALLY want them!"

Locked In for the Championship

East Side head coach Bob Hennessey praised his team's complete effort but stressed that the job isn't finished.

"Everything's going right. Kids were playing with fire," Hennessey said.

He also credited his team's defensive fundamentals.

"We always preach the play's never over. Back up each other."

Despite the dominant semifinal performance, Hennessey wants his team to stay grounded entering the championship.

"I still want them to be humble, play their game."

Looking ahead to Blue Mountain, the coach knows exactly what his team will be facing.

"The fact that they go up there and grind, quality hits, and we just gotta be ready for it."

After a complete performance that featured dominant pitching, explosive offense, airtight defense, and a combined no-hitter, East Side now has the opportunity it has been waiting for since July 29—a championship rematch against Blue Mountain with the Pennsylvania State Little League title on the line.