The Kutztown KYAA 12U baseball program has completed its spring-summer season with a 1-2-3 Kutztown sweep in the overall standings. The Kutztown program fielded three very solid teams with the Phillies, Dodgers and Tigers, finishing in that order against rival teams from Fleetwood, Muhlenberg, Brandywine and Oley Valley, totaling 10 teams representing the league.
The Kutztown Phillies went undefeated with a 17-0 record, with some dramatic down-to-the-wire finishes. There was terrific baseball played throughout the year, and under the lights at the park which was sponsored by the Kutztown Youth Association.
Post season playoffs were set for a showdown between the number one and two seeds in the Championship game at Kutztown Park – Dodgers vs. Phillies.
Derek Hanna of the Phillies would get the start and Tyler Lawson got the start for the Dodgers, both a steady and reliable pitcher throughout the year. Justin Renninger ,a strong and crafty pitcher, would typically be called to finish the games. It was no exception in the championship game. Renninger entered the game and pitched three flawless innings,.
Both teams had tremendous bats, and added some power, but after four innings, The Dodgers held a 6-2 lead, thanks in part to a mamouth grand slam by Justin Akers.
In true Fightin’ Phillies form, the bats would come to life for the Phillies as they fought back, chipping away at the Dodgers’ lead.
The highlight was a two-run homer delivered by Lucas Floyd that sailed over the left center fence that tied up the game.
In the bottom of the sixth, with a runner on third base with two outs, Derek Hanna drove a laser to left field that was snagged by the Dodgers’ left fielder, Ian Fennerty that ended the inning and saved the game for the Dodgers.
That sent the game into extra innings. Jacob Boyer was called in to protect the inning and gave up no runs. Then in the bottom of the seventh, David Brooks doubled home the winning run, giving the Phillies the league championship with an 8-7 final.
For these Fightin’ Phils, it will be a year they can reflect on and remember. The 2014 season will be remembered as their undefeated and perfect season
Third place was awarded to the Kutztown Tigers with a commanding, 11-1 win over Oley Valley, which had been a Kutztown rival over the years.
Logan Bachman powered the Tigers with superb pitching, and some powerful hitting. Connor O ‘Neill, who was consistent throughout the season, was also a heavy contributor.
