The Longball helps lead Bellefonte over Juniata for the D6 title

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: May 31, 2022

By Kenny Varner

WINGATE – The long ball proved to be highlight’s Tuesday night championship game as Bellefonte and Juniata went head-to-head to battle for the District 6 Championship.

Bellefonte’s Trevor Johnson belted two roundtrippers while teammate Alex Ebeling had one as the Red Raiders notched the D6 title 14-2 at Doc Etters Field at Bald Eagle Area high school.

On the mound, Derek Fravel was cool under pressure going the full five innings, striking out 10 and scattered three hits while allowing only two in the victory.

“Derek is a workhorse. He has put together a great year,” said Bellefonte coach Jon Clark. “When Derek is on and pitching like was today he’s tough.”

Leading the Red Raiders at the plate was Dominic Capperella who went 3-for-3 posting a double, a triple and a single with three RBIs.

Johnson went 3-for-3 with four RBIs and three runs scored.

Ebeling finished with a 2-for-4 afternoon with a home run and single into left field.

Triston Heckman went 2-for-3 posting a triple and a single.

Juniata got hits from Carson Kepner and a 2-hit performance from lead off hitter Dawson Harper. Harper also picked up 2RBIs for the Indians.

In the bottom of the second, Bellefonte got things started with a blast over the right field wall be lefty Johnson. With the home run, the Red Raiders were on the scoreboard.

Josh Brown was hit on the next pitch.

Teammate Peyton Vancas put down a perfect Sacrifice bunt, moving Brown up to second.

Capperella brought Brown home when he belted an RBI single to right field.

Juniata battled back in the top of the third, tying the game at two.

With one out, Seth Laub walked. He was replaced by Benny Freed on the base path.

Kepner took one for the team as was hit by a Fravel offering, putting runners on first and second.

Harper blasted a double to the gap bringing both Freed and Kepner home.

Bellefonte exploded for runs in the bottom of the inning as the Red Raiders plated seven runs.

Ebeling led off the inning with a solo blast to right, making it a 3-2 contest.

Fravel was hit by a pitch.

Heckman put runners on the corners as he smoked a single into center.

Brown’s single added another run to scoreboard, scoring courtesy runner Ryan Fraley.

Vancas put down a 2-strike bunt perfectly down the third base side, reaching safely.

Capperella followed with a 2-RBI single, upping the lead to 6-2.

Designated hitter Levi Purnell sent a long fly to left for the RBI Sac fly.

When the dust settled, the Red Raiders led 9-2.

Bellefonte added two more runs in the fourth while keeping the Indian offense at bay, sending the game into the fifth inning with Bellefonte leading 11-2.

After holding the Juniata bats somewhat silent in the top of the fifth, the scene would be set for Johnson once again.

With two on and two out, Johnson found the pitch he liked and blasted another home run, this time a 3-run round tripper to end the contest at 14-2.