Hornets Fall To Rival Tigers, 9-6

By: Ed Weaver | NTL Sports | March 27, 2024 | Photo courtesy Lance Larcom/ntwsportsreport.com

Wellsboro jumped out to an early lead but ultimately fell 9-6 to rival North Penn-Mansfield in their season-opener on Tuesday, March 26.

The Hornets scored a pair of runs in the top of the 1st, one by junior Gabe Sprouse and the other by junior Ryder Bowen, however the Tigers answered back with 4 runs to put them on top. Wellsboro rallied to retake the lead, 5-4, after scoring three runs in the top of the 2nd. With two outs sophomore Cameron Owlett reached base on a fielder's choice, followed by senior Caden Smith reaching base on an error.

Sophomore Marek Mascho also reached on error but scored both Owlett and Smith, tying the game at 4-all. Mascho would scored on a wild pitch, putting Wellsboro back in front, 5-4.

The Tigers rallied with three runs in the bottom half of the inning to retake the lead at 7-5, then added a pair of runs in the bottom of the 3rd to push their lead to 9-5.

Wellsboro's final run came in the top of the 7th by freshman Max Mascho after he singled to lead off the inning. He later scored as brother Marek drove him home on a fly out to left field.

Wellsboro had 4 hits on the day, one each by Smith, Sprouse, junior Alec Magli and Max Mascho. North Penn-Mansfield finished with 6 hits on the day.

Sophomore Dylan Copp started on the mound for the Hornets, going one and a third innings allowing 7 runs (5 earned) on 2 hits with 3 walks. Marek Mascho pitched 4 innings, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits with a walk and two strikeouts. Max Mascho also pitched an inning, allowing one hit while walking and striking out one.

Alex Davis earned the win for the Tigers, allowing 5 runs on 1 hit with 3 strikeouts in 2 innings. Cooper Shaw picked up the save, pitching the final 5 innings with 1 run on 1 hit with 7 strikeouts.

The loss drops Wellsboro to 0-1 (0-1 NTL Large School Division) to begin the year. The team is back in action next Tuesday at Towanda.