Valley Sports Report
ATHENS — Riding the strength of a 4-run first inning, the Athens 9- and 10-year-old team racked up a 7-4 victory over Camp Hill in the first round of West Division action at the Pennsylvania State Little League Championships on Wednesday.
Camp Hill took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, but Gavin Stein, Luke Newman and Cody Jennings singled to load the bases for Athens in its half of the inning, then Marc Felt and Braden Priester smacked RBI singles to forge a 2-1 edge for the locals. Zack Jayne and Daniel Joyce followed with walks push the advantage to 4-1.
Jennings and Felt doubled in the second to for a 5-2 lead.
Camp Hill closed the gap to 5-3, but Newman and Jennings scored in the fourth to make it 7-3 in Athens' favor.
Camp Hill got a solo home run by Quinn Buffington in the sixth for its final run.
On the mound, Jennings struck out five over 2 2/3 innings. Newman fanned two in 1 1/3 innings and Joe Horn added a K in one inning.
Athens also received some key defensive plays from outfielders Nate Bradley and Gary Raupers in the winning effort.
Athens plays Harborcreek today.
IN TOP PHOTO: Athens' Zach Jayne leaps to make a catch. MIDDLE PHOTO: Cody Jennings gets ready to pounce on home plate after his home run as teammates rush the plate to congratulate him. BOTTOM PHOTO: Luke Newman received congratulations from his teammates following his home run. ... PHOTOS BY TIFFANIE JAYNE.
