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West Scranton Claims District Title in Decisive Victory

West Scranton Claims District Title in Decisive Victory

By: Brad Loff | SportzWire | May 21, 2026 | Photo courtesy SportzWire

West Scranton is moving on! The Invaders secured their spot in the sub regional championship, set for Wednesday at Wilkes, after a dominant 10-4 victory over Hazleton Area on Thursday. It was a strong offensive showcase, especially in the later innings, that sealed the deal.

West Scranton's bats came alive, racking up 13 hits throughout the game. They truly put the game out of reach with a six-run explosion in the sixth inning. Mia Tallo was a big contributor in that rally, smashing a double that brought in three runs. Sophia Deluca kept the momentum going with a single that scored one, Mckenna Brudnicki added another RBI single, and Sydney Williams capped off the scoring with an RBI double.

Deluca had an exceptional day at the plate, collecting three singles in four at bats, driving in a run, and scoring twice. She was consistent from the first inning through the sixth. Williams also mirrored Deluca's hit total, finishing with three hits, including that crucial double, an RBI, and a run scored. Tallo, despite just one hit, made it count with her three runs batted in, leading the team in that category. Brudnicki also chipped in with two hits and a run batted in.

Hazleton Area tried to keep pace, getting on the board in the fourth inning when Hannah Matyas singled, scoring two runs. In the fifth, Saige Klesh blasted a solo home run to left field, providing a brief spark for Hazleton Area. West Scranton had initially taken a 4-2 lead in the fourth, thanks to key singles from Brianna Connor, Kaleiah Connor, and Allie Stanko.

On the mound for West Scranton, Kaleiah Connor delivered a solid performance. She pitched all seven innings, allowing six hits and four runs, only two of which were earned. Connor impressively struck out five batters and didn't issue a single walk, maintaining control throughout the game. For Hazleton Area, Isabella Almeida started and pitched six innings, giving up 13 hits and 10 runs while walking three and striking out two.

Hazleton Area saw Saige Klesh and Rylee Sachs each collect two hits, with Klesh's home run being a highlight. Hannah Matyas was Hazleton Area's top run producer with two RBIs.

West Scranton will now turn its attention to the sub regional championship.

West Scranton Invaders Top Performers

Sophia Deluca: 3 hits, 2 runs, 1 RBI

Sydney Williams: 3 hits, 1 double, 1 run, 1 RBI

Mia Tallo: 1 hit, 1 double, 1 run, 3 RBIs

Mckenna Brudnicki: 2 hits, 1 run, 1 RBI

Kaleiah Connor: 7 innings pitched, 5 strikeouts

Hazleton Area Top Performers

Saige Klesh: 2 hits, 1 home run, 1 run, 1 RBI

Rylee Sachs: 2 hits, 1 run

Hannah Matyas: 1 hit, 1 run, 2 RBIs

Kayla Wysocky: 1 hit