Undefeated Bellefonte explodes for 11 runs in 5-inning win over Bishop McCort

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: April 19, 2024

By Kenny Varner

BELLEFONTE – Totally Locked in!!

Offensively, the Bellefonte baseball team came into Friday’s contest locked in on offense.

In their game against Bishop McCourt, the Red Raiders blasted the Crushers for 11 runs on 11 hits in a 11-1 5-innings contest.

Picking up the win for the Red Raiders was Parker Capparelle. Capparelle gave up just two hits in four full innings and one only one run.

“I liked our approach. Our guys pride themselves on quality at bats and seeing the ball. Sometimes when you see a new pitcher they brought in. One who pitches the ball differently and gets us out on our front foot makes me a little on edge at times,” said Bellefonte coach Joni Clark. “After they brought in their second pitcher I thought we adjusted well. We had one inning like that but they were able to respond with a seven spot in the bottom of the first inning. That was pretty good.”

Offensively, lead off hitter Trevor Johnson was a perfect 3-for-3 in the sub-50 degree weather, scoring three times in the victory.

Teammates Braedyn Kormanic and Levi Purnell both finished with two hits each. Kormanic went 2-for-2 with 2RBIs while Purnell packed a punch with a 2-for-3 afternoon and 3RBIs.

The Crushers opened the scoring as they played its only run in the top of the first.

Brook Beppler, who had one of his team’s three hits, blasted a leadoff double. Mason Pfeil reached base on a Red Raider miscue.

Bishop McCort got on the scoreboard on an RBI single into left by Jonathan Delia that scored a hustling Beppler.

Bellefonte’s defense shut things down to minimize the damage at only one run scored.

Capparelle’s offense gave him some comfort heading into the top of the second as the Red Raiders’ offense started off white hot erasing the early deficit and adding five runs in the process.

Johnson led things off with a hard shot to second that he hustled out.

Peyton Vancas joined Johnson on the base paths as he singled into left.

Kormanic’s single into the gap in center scored Johnson and left Vancas sitting at third still with no one out, setting the stage for teammate Purnell. Kormanic was replaced on the base paths by Coletta Houser.

Purnell was up for the challenge as he brought in both Vancas and Houser via a double into the left field gap, upping the game to a 3-1 advantage.

Capparelle reached on a fielders choice. With the ball hit to shortstop, Purnell headed off to third where he was plunked on the back of the head by the Crushers’ shortstop.

Purnell later scored on a RBI sacrifice fly by Isaac Gall while Capparelle scored on an RBI sacrifice fly by Ryan Fraley.

That would be the boost the Red Raiders needed as they shut down Bishop McCort in the second with no runs or hits.

Bellefonte added to its lead in the second as its top of the order continued to hit a hot bats.

Johnson posted a single and stole second, leading things off in the inning. With one out, Kormanic doubled in Johnson. He was again replaced by Houser on the base paths.

But his stay there would be a quick one as he crossed home plate on a single into left field by Purnell.

Holding a 7-1 advantage, Capparelle continued to make quick work of the Crushers’ bats.

The home team would find their way back on the scoreboard in the fourth.

Johnson led things off with a walk. Vancas advanced on an error by Bishop McCort.

Kormanic loaded the bases with a walk. Again, Houser took to first base.

Capparelle helped his own cause blasting a sizzling shot into centerfield, scoring all three runners and allowing himself to slide in with a double of his own.

Bellefonte added a run in the bottom of the fifth to end the contest and keep their undefeated streak in tact.

Bellefonte will be back in action Saturday Morning at Medlar Field as they battled rival Bald Eagle Area at 9:00 am.

Bellefonte 11 , Bishop McCourt 1(5 inn.)

BM 100 00x x – 1 3 3

BE 520 31x x – 11 11 1

WP: Parker Capparelle

LP: Adam Radkowski

Multiple hitters: BM – . BE – Trevor Johnson 3-for-3 3 runs, Braedyn Kormanic 2-for-2 2RBIs, Levi Purnell 2-for-3 3RBIs.

HR: BM – None. BE – None.

3B: BM – None. BE – None.

2B: BM – Brook Beppler. BE – Levi Purnell, Kormanic, Capparelle