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Late-Inning Surge Propels North Pocono Past Valley View

Late-Inning Surge Propels North Pocono Past Valley View

By: Brad Loff | SportzWire | April 23, 2026 | Photo courtesy SportzWIre

North Pocono emerged victorious over Valley View in a closely contested baseball matchup, securing a 5-4 win. The game saw multiple lead changes, with North Pocono capitalizing on late-inning opportunities to seal the outcome.

Valley View initiated scoring in the first inning, amassing three runs. Jonathan Anuszewski singled, followed by Ellis Booth's single, advancing Anuszewski to second. Tyler Muchal then walked, loading the bases. A wild pitch by North Pocono pitcher Brayden VonAhnen allowed Jonathan Anuszewski to score, with Ellis Booth advancing to third and Tyler Muchal to second. A subsequent passed ball brought Ellis Booth home, and a balk by Brayden VonAhnen allowed Tyler Muchal to score, granting Valley View an early 3-0 advantage.

North Pocono responded in the bottom of the first when Connor Ruddy doubled and later scored on a ground out by Josh Kalinowski. The Trojans narrowed the deficit further in the second inning. Cael Hafner doubled and Rory McAndrew singled, advancing Cael Hafner to third. Mikey Hatala then popped out, but Jameson Gassert grounded out, allowing Cael Hafner to score. Connor Ruddy then hit an RBI double, bringing Rory McAndrew home and tying the game at 3-3.

Valley View reclaimed the lead in the third inning. Jonathan Anuszewski singled and stole second. Tyler Muchal walked, and Kevin Essig delivered an RBI single, scoring Jonathan Anuszewski to make the score 4-3.

North Pocono mounted a critical two-run rally in the bottom of the third to take their first lead. Jake Reese doubled, and Josh Kalinowski popped out. Dylan Hunter then singled, driving in Jake Reese to tie the game at 4-4. Following a walk to Cael Hafner, Rory McAndrew was hit by a pitch, loading the bases. Mikey Hatala then hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Dylan Hunter and giving North Pocono a 5-4 lead.

North Pocono's pitching staff, particularly Max LaFave, provided crucial relief. Max LaFave entered the game in the sixth inning and effectively stifled Valley View's offense, striking out four batters over two innings and allowing only one hit. Valley View attempted a rally in the top of the seventh, with Maddox Carey singling, but Max LaFave secured the final two outs with strikeouts to conclude the game.

Player of the Game

Max LaFave was instrumental in North Pocono's victory, delivering 2.0 scoreless innings in relief. He allowed only one hit, did not issue any walks, and recorded four strikeouts, demonstrating composure and effectiveness in critical late-game situations to preserve the lead and secure the win.

Valley View Top 5 Players

Jonathan Anuszewski: 4 AB, 2 R, 2 H, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 1 SO

Maddox Carey: 4 AB, 0 R, 2 H, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 1 SO

Kevin Essig: 3 AB, 0 R, 2 H, 1 RBI, 0 BB, 1 SO

Ellis Booth: 4 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 3 SO

Brody Call: 3 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 2 SO

North Pocono Top 5 Players

Connor Ruddy: 4 AB, 1 R, 3 H, 1 RBI, 0 BB, 0 SO

Cael Hafner: 2 AB, 1 R, 2 H, 0 RBI, 1 BB, 0 SO

Jake Reese: 2 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 1 BB, 0 SO

Dylan Hunter: 2 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 1 RBI, 0 BB, 0 SO

Rory McAndrew: 2 AB, 1 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 1 SO