.jpg "Marino's Power Surge Fuels Hazleton Area Victory")
Marino's Power Surge Fuels Hazleton Area Victory
By: Brad Loff | SportzWire | April 16, 2026 | Photo courtesy Bob Gaetano
Dominic Marino was an unstoppable force at the plate, smashing two home runs and driving in three runs, as the Hazleton Area Cougars delivered a commanding 7-1 victory over the Wilkes-Barre Wolfpack on Thursday. The Cougars' offense exploded for 11 hits, backed by a stellar pitching performance that kept the Wolfpack largely in check.
The Hazleton Area offense wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. In the very first inning, Chris Knelly ripped a triple, bringing in the game's first run and setting the tone early. Dominic Marino continued the offensive onslaught in the bottom of the third, launching a solo home run to left field, extending the Cougars' lead. He was not done yet. In the bottom of the fifth, Dominic Marino connected for his second homer of the day, a two-run shot to center field, solidifying Hazleton Area's control of the game.
On the mound for Hazleton Area, Fred Corrado was brilliant, striking out an impressive 12 batters over five and two-thirds innings. Fred Corrado surrendered just three hits and one run while issuing three walks, earning the win. Chris Peters came in for relief, shutting down the Wilkes-Barre offense for one and one-third innings. Chris Peters gave up zero hits, struck out one, and walked none, sealing the victory with precision.
For Wilkes-Barre, Alex Hufford started, giving up five hits and four runs over four innings, while striking out six and walking three. Chase Binker entered in relief, pitching two innings and allowing six hits and three runs.
Defensively, Hazleton Area turned one double play, showcasing their agility in the field. The Wilkes-Barre Wolfpack, for their part, played a clean game, committing no errors. Dalton Flowers was busy behind the plate, handling eight chances in the field.
Hazleton Area Cougars Top Performers:
Dominic Marino: 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 H
Chris Knelly: 3B, 1 RBI, 3 H
Jeudi Hidalgo: 2 H, 1 R, 1 double
Fred Corrado: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 12 SO, 3 BB
Chris Peters: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 SO
Wilkes-Barre Wolfpack Top Performers:
Nathan Fritz: 1 H
Alex Hufford: 1 H
Tyler Daugherty: 1 H, 1 RBI
Alex Hufford: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 6 SO, 3 BB
Dalton Flowers: 8 chances in the field
Player of the Game:
Dominic Marino. With two crucial home runs, including a solo shot and a two-run blast, Dominic Marino's bat was the driving force behind the Hazleton Area Cougars' victory, tallying three runs batted in and setting the offensive tone for his team.
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