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Marino Goes Deep Early as Hazleton Area Captures Seventh Straight District Crown

Marino Goes Deep Early as Hazleton Area Captures Seventh Straight District Crown

By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | May 28, 2026 | Photo courtesy Robert Gaetano

Cougars strike early, lean on pitching and defense to secure District 2/4 Class 6A Championship over Wilkes-Barre Area

WILKES-BARRE — Championship programs know how to capitalize on opportunities, and Thursday afternoon at Wilkes University, Hazleton Area did exactly that.

The Cougars scored six runs over the first two innings and rode a strong pitching combination from Fred Corrado and Jack Esposito to defeat Wilkes-Barre Area, 6-2, capturing the District 2/4 Class 6A Subregional Championship and extending one of Pennsylvania’s most impressive postseason runs.

The title marks Hazleton Area’s seventh consecutive district championship, further cementing the Cougars’ status as one of the premier baseball programs in the region.

Hazleton wasted little time setting the tone.

After Logan Hearity reached base in the opening inning, designated hitter Dom Marino launched a two-run home run to left field, giving the Cougars an early 2-0 advantage and energizing the Hazleton faithful gathered at Wilkes University.

The Cougars added four more runs in the second inning despite recording just one hit in the frame. Hazleton showcased patience at the plate, drawing multiple walks and putting pressure on the Wolfpack defense. An RBI double from Nick Cunniffe, a steal of home, and another run-producing plate appearance from Marino helped stretch the lead to 6-0.

Wilkes-Barre Area settled in after the rocky start.

The Wolfpack responded in the fourth inning when they strung together quality at-bats and cut the deficit to four. Teague Stahovic delivered a two-run hit to bring home both Wolfpack runs, giving Wilkes-Barre Area life and creating some late intrigue.

Hazleton Area’s Corrado worked through four innings to earn the victory, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out three. When the Wolfpack threatened to build momentum, the Cougars turned to Jack Esposito, who delivered one of the game’s most important performances.

The right-hander was dominant over the final three innings, allowing just one hit while striking out four and keeping Wilkes-Barre Area off the scoreboard the rest of the way.

While Hazleton managed only three hits on the afternoon, the Cougars made them count. They also drew six walks and swiped five bases, constantly forcing action and creating scoring opportunities.

The Wolfpack showed resilience throughout the championship matchup. After falling behind early, Wilkes-Barre Area continued to battle, collecting six hits and applying pressure in several innings. The appearance capped an impressive postseason run that included a memorable upset of top-seeded Williamsport to reach the title game.

For Hazleton Area, however, Thursday’s result was another chapter in a remarkable championship tradition.

With seven straight district titles now secured, the Cougars once again find themselves celebrating on the postseason stage and preparing for the next challenge awaiting them in the PIAA tournament.

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