Linglestown wins baseball playoffs with walk-off homer

Sean Frailey

Linglestown Twilight's veteran first baseman Sean Frailey erased Palmyra's one-run  lead with a dramatic walk-off, three-run homer Saturday at Koons Park.

With the win, our hometown team added the East Shore Twilight League playoff title to the regular season crown they won in late July.

I missed celebration due to a family event, so CLICK HERE for a game report by Lloyd Reigle of The Patriot-News, and HERE for coverage by Lebanon Daily News.

Linglestown closes in on baseball title with epic win

Linglestown's Bryan Stovall (second from right) gets high fives after blasting a game-winning homer over the black wall

It sounds trite, but game four of the East Shore Twilight League championship playoff series was one of those games that no one deserved to lose.

The scoreboard showed a string of zeros Friday evening as Linglestown Twilight and Palmyra locked horns in a pitchers' duel for seven innings of regulation play and one extra inning at the In The Net sports complex in Palmyra.

Bryan Stovall

Finally, Linglestown catcher Bryan Stovall put our hometown team in the lead in the ninth inning with a towering home run off Palmyra's Ryan Dove that cleared the left-field wall with plenty to spare.

But, Palmyra wasn't about to give up the ship.

They stormed back against Pete Hayden, Linglestown's top pitcher, in the home half of the inning with singles by Corey Lamoureux and Dove. Hayden retired the next two batters with a fly out and a strikeout.

Palmyra shortstop Dustin Stuck then slapped a single to right field and Lamoureux was off to the races trying to score and tie the game from second base. Linglestown outfielder Kyle Hollingsworth cleanly fielded the ball and threw a laser to Stovall who blocked the plate and tagged out Lamoureux to end the game.

Winning hurler Pete Hayden

The victory puts Linglestown up three games to one in the best-of-seven series and gives the team a chance to win the playoff crown Saturday at Koons Park. First pitch is set for 3:30 pm.

Twilight notes ... Hayden pitched all nine innings (regulation games are seven innings) to run his record this season to 11-1. ... Third baseman Scott Montgomery came up with a fielding gem in the seventh inning to snuff out a Palmyra scoring opportunity. With runners on second and third with one out, he snagged a sharply hit ball down the line, tagged out the runner at third and then completed the double play by throwing out the runner at first to end the inning. ... CLICK HERE for game report from Lebanon Daily News.

Playoff Baseball: Linglestown's last-inning rally falls short

Linglestown Twilight plated three runs in the seventh inning Wednesday evening and had the tying runner on second base, but Palmyra snuffed out the rally with a double play and an unassisted out at first base to win 4-3.

The turning point of the game was a controversial three-run homer in the second inning by Palmyra shortstop Dustin Stuck. He hit a deep shot into the right-field corner that appeared to bounce, hit the foul pole and come back into the field. The umpires awarded Stuck with a home run even though they didn't get a good look at the hit.

Our guys still lead the best-of-seven playoff championship series 2-1. Game four will be played Friday at In The Net in Palmyra.

CLICK HERE for a game report by Jeff Dewees of The Patriot-News.

Linglestown two wins away from baseball crown

Marc Frailey hit key homer

Linglestown’s slugging offense showed no sign of slowing down Tuesday in the East Shore Twilight League championship series, downing defending champs Palmyra 6-4 to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Game three will be played at Koons Park tonight with a 5:45 pm first pitch.

CLICK HERE for a report on Tuesday's game by Jeff Dewees of The Patriot-News.

And CLICK HERE for an account of the game from Lebanon Daily News. The story includes a photo of Linglestown catcher Bryan Stovall putting a tag on a Palmyra runner.

Linglestown goes one up in sandlot baseball final

Linglestown Twilight, the village's entry in the East Shore Twilight League, looked sharp Monday in a 5-2 win over Palmyra at Koons Park in game one of a best-of-seven championship series.

I cut out early to attend the CD school board meeting, but Andrew Sorgi of The Patriot-News has you covered with a good game report. CLICK HERE to read it.

Game two is at Palmyra this evening and action returns to Koons Park on Wednesday with first pitch at 5:45 pm.

Linglestown headed for baseball championship series

Linglestown Twilight, the village's sandlot baseball team, whipped Middetown tonight 10-2 to qualify for the championship series. CLICK HERE to read a game report by Jeff Dewees, a sports writer with the The Patriot-News.

Twilight will play the winner of the series between Hummelstown and Palmyra for the playoff crown. The first game most likely will be contested at Koons Park this Saturday at 1 pm or Sunday at a time to be determined, according to Dewees' report.

Linglestown pulls out win to take baseball playoff lead

Kyle Hollingsworth homered

In baseball action, Linglestown Twilight clawed their way to a 6-5 win Monday evening at Koons Park against the Middletown Brewers to take a two games to one lead in the best-of-five first-round East Shore Twilight League playoff series.

By the way, if you're unfamiliar with the sandlot league, it's an adult league with many current and former college players and a few former minor league players. The brand of play is pretty darn good for an amateur league.

Linglestown got the win in the bottom of the first extra inning when second baseman Marc Frailey found a hole in the left side of Middletown's infield to score left fielder Nate Shroy, who singled earlier in the inning.

Our hometown team will try to close out the series on Wednesday when the series resumes at Middletown High School. First pitch is set for 5:45 pm.

CLICK HERE for a game report from The Patriot-News.

Twilight game notes — The winning pitcher was Steve Booker who relieved starter Chris Nolan in the eighth inning. ... Twilight slugger Sam Nott injured a leg running the bases in the first inning and left the game. ... Nate Shroy led the team offensively with two-hits. ... Designated hitter Kyle Hollingsworth solidly stroked a ball into the basketball courts at Koons Park in the fourth inning. By my count, it was his fifth roundtripper of the season. ... And, Steve Booker, who played minor league ball, went yard for the first time this season with a third-inning blast.

Sandlot playoffs: Linglestown squares series with shutout victory

Andrew Roman had 3-hit game

Linglestown Twilight, the village's entry in the local sandlot baseball league, had all the right stuff Sunday as they whipped the Middletown Brewers 6-0 to even a best-of-five first-round playoff series at a game apiece.

Pete Hayden (9-1) once again turned in a marvelous pitching performance in blanking the Brewers. He gave up nine hits but was able to hold the Brewers in check by only walking one and forcing two grounders that were converted into inning-ending double plays.

Also, Hayden had a lead before he threw his first pitch thanks to a two-run homer by power hitter Sam Nott in the first inning.

Shortstop Andrew Roman has a good night at the plate, going three-for-three with a run batted in and two runs scored.

Game three of the series will be played Monday at Koons Park with the first pitch at 5:45 pm.

Twilight notes — Hey, would you consider doing me a favor?

Please come out to Linglestown Twilight's playoff game Monday evening at Koons Park at 5:45 pm and make some noise.

It's free and it would be so cool to have a crowd hooting and hollering as our team seeks to win the playoff championship.

Please share this blog post with your friends and family. And, if you come out to the game, please stop by and say hello. (I'll be at the announcer's table located behind home plate at the refreshment stand.)

Sandlot baseball: Linglestown topped by Middletown pitching gem

It was an omen of what was to come when Middletown Brewer shortstop Justin Antes, the game's first batter, slapped one over the fence Saturday at Koons Park in game one of a first-round, best-of-five playoff series.

Linglestown Twilight, your hometown team that deserves your support, was beat 5-1 by a stellar pitching performance by Middletown's Zach Whitman, who hurled a five-hitter that included a whopping 11 strike outs.

The two teams will meet again today at the Middletown High School field at 5 pm, and game three is slated for Monday at Koons Park with a 5:45 pm first pitch.

Linglestown locks down top baseball playoff seed

Marc Frailey had 4 RBIs Friday

Linglestown Twilight, your hometown team, produced an awesome offensive show Friday evening at Nye Field in Hummelstown, winning a one-game playoff 12-5 to capture the East Shore Twilight League's regular season championship. CLICK HERE for a game report by The Patriot-News.

Twilight's playoff campaign starts today, 1 pm at Koons Park against arch rival Middletown.

Linglestown has shot at league pennant

Linglestown victory celebration in '08

Thanks to Palmyra losing a game Wednesday, Linglestown Twilight has a date Friday evening in Hummelstown for a one-game playoff for the East Shore Twilight League pennant and top seed in the playoffs that start this weekend. First pitch is scheduled for 5:45 pm at Nye Field in Hummelstown, free admission.

Palmyra needed to close out their season with two wins to claim the title, but they lost 8-3 Wednesday on their home field to a scrappy Lawnton club that is still in the hunt for a playoff bid.

Linglestown and Hummelstown split a four-game series over the course of the season. I expect Pete Hayden, Linglestown's top hurler, to be on the mound in a match-up with Hummelstown ace Jimmy Miller.

Linglestown was the East Shore Twilight League's top club in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
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CLICK HERE for directions to Nye Field in Hummelstown.

Frustrated Phillies fans should cheer on local team

In sandlot play, Linglestown locks up playoff spot

Our hometown team, Linglestown Twilight, came up with a four-run fifth inning to scratch out a 6-3 win Tuesday at Koons Park over the always tough Middletown Brewers. With the win, Twilight finished with a 14-9-1 record, earned a trip to the league playoffs and stayed atop the standings, tied with Hummelstown.

Bryan Stovall got winning hit Tuesday

Twilight pitcher Chris Nolan (3-1) pitched a steady ball game for six innings to get the win and Evan Phillips struck out two in a one-inning relief outing to earn a save.

Offensively, Twilight catcher Bryan Stovall swatted the key hit in the fifth inning, a high bouncing single over the third baseman's head that scored two runs. Right fielder Kyle Hollingsworth sealed the victory with a solo homer in the sixth inning.

Palmyra has a chance to overtake both Linglestown and Hummelstown by winning the two games remaining on their regular season schedule. If Palmyra loses one, Linglestown and Hummelstown will play a one-game playoff Friday with the pennant and top playoff seed on the line, according to a Patriot-News report. Check the Gazette on Friday morning for schedule information.

Twilight notes — Center fielder Sam Nott finished the regular season with 10 home runs. His latest display of power happened Saturday when he rocketed two balls over the fence at Koons Park against Steelton. ... Pete Hayden, the team's pitching ace, finished the regular season with very respectable 8-1 record. ... Former Central Dauphin pitcher Bryce Wolford recorded his first win of the year Saturday against Steelton. ... Finally, I'd like to organize a flash mob for a playoff game. It would be cool to have people come from all directions into Koons Park a few minutes before the first pitch to cheer for our hometown team. Watch the Gazette for more details.

Sandlot baseball: Linglestown surges into second place

Linglestown player/coach Ken Connor smacked winning RBI Sunday

Our hometown team, Linglestown Twilight (11-7-1), jumped into second place in the East Shore Twilight League by going 3-1 last week. Technically, they were undefeated. (You'll have to read the rest of this post for the story.)

Last Wednesday, Twilight traveled to Dauphin and won 4-1. Pete Hayden was the winning pitcher and Sam Nott hit a solo homer.

The next night at Koons Park, Chris Nolan (2-0) had a good outing to lead Twilight to a 9-2 win over last-place Steelton. Shortstop Andrew Roman had a great game, going three-for-four with a homer and three runs scored. In the sixth inning, Sam Nott put the game away with a grand slam.

Palmyra tagged Twilight with their only loss of the week Friday in Lebanon County, but it took some questionable tactics by Palmyra's skipper to get the 8-7 win.

After giving up eight runs in the second inning, Twilight, trailing 8-7, rallied in the top of the seventh inning to take a 9-8 lead. Palmyra then slowed down play to delay recording the third out and the umpires eventually called the game because of darkness, negating Twilight's two runs scored in the seventh inning.

The week ended on a high note Sunday at Koons Park with Twilight scoring two runs in their final at-bat to down Dauphin 4-3. Right fielder Corey Ellsesser singled in one run and player/coach Ken Connor got the winning RBI. Continuing his stellar season on the mound, 35-year-old pitching ace Pete Hayden (7-1) recorded another complete-game win.

Twilight note — Linglestown hosts Lawnton tonight at Koons Park, 6 pm. As always, I need a volunteer to operate the electronic scoreboard.

Sandlot baseball: Linglestown splits pair to remain in 4th place

Linglestown Twilight, your hometown team, ended play this week with a record of 8-6-1 and remain in fourth place in the tightly packed East Short Twilight League.

Zach Seaman

Twilight traveled to Hummelstown on Thursday and banged out 12 hits to win 8-2. Pitching ace Pete Hayden went the distance to run his record to 5-2. The offensive star was third baseman Zach Seaman (pictured) who had a multiple hit game that included his first home run of the season.

Saturday at Koons Park, the Middletown Brewers eked out a 1-0 win over Twilight at Koons Park with a strong pitching performance by veteran hurler Adrian Huber.

Linglestown starter Evan Phillips (1-2) pitched a one-hitter during a six-inning outing, but issuing a walk to the leadoff batter in the sixth inning proved to be the game's turning point. The runner moved to second on a beautiful sacrifice bunt by Huber and then scampered home on a hit by Chuck Kline.

Twilight was in position to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh inning when they had runners on first and second with one out, but Huber closed out the game by getting Wyatt Hoover to fly out to the shortstop and striking out Corey Ellsesser.

Twilight notes — Linglestown has a busy week ahead with 6 pm away games Wednesday and Friday at Dauphin and Palmyra respectively, and games at Koons Park on Thursday against Steelton at 6 pm and Sunday against Dauphin at 5 pm.

Twilight uses quick strike to take down Palmyra

In sandlot baseball action, Palmyra's Tyler Reed mowed down Linglestown Twilight's batting order with good location and a speedy fast ball through five innings Saturday at Central Dauphin High School.

But, things changed in a hurry in the sixth inning when out of nowhere Twilight erupted for four runs to take a 4-3 lead and won the game by putting away Palmyra with a nifty three-up, three-down top of the seventh inning.

Twilight catcher Bryan Stovall and left fielder Wyatt Hoover both delivered clutch singles that plated the four runs, and Pete Hayden (4-2) was the winning pitcher.

Heading into the week, Twilight owns a 6-5-1 record and is in fourth place in the highly competitive East Shore Twilight League.
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Twilight notes — In Saturday's game, center fielder Sam Nott made a spectacular diving catch ... and, first baseman Sean Frailey displayed cat-like reflexes in recording an unassisted double play off a line drive that he snagged and then put out the runner at first ... Twilight plays Lawnton at 6 pm tonight at Koons Park.

Linglestown Twilight nipped by Lawnton in sandlot play

After a pitchers' duel early on, Lawnton scratched out a win Tuesday over Linglestown by scoring a run in the bottom half of the last inning to break a 4-4 tie.

Twilight pitcher Pete Hayden (3-2), who relieved starter Evan Phillips, was credited with the loss.

Linglestown (4-5-1) will try to snap a two-game losing streak at Koons Park this evening against Hummelstown. First pitch is at 6 pm.

Diamond news: Palmyra tops Linglestown Twilight

Linglestown Twilight, our hometown sandlot baseball team, dropped an away game Monday to Palmyra, last season's champion, by a count of 8-2.

Palmyra broke the game open in the fourth inning when Brett Harmony hit a solo homer to contribute to a four-run inning, chasing Twilight starting pitcher Adam Chernicoff out of the game.

With the loss, Twilight's record goes to 4-4-1 and they remain in fourth place of the East Shore Twilight League.

Twilight plays tonight at Lawnton at 6 pm and returns to friendly confines of Koons Park on Thursday for a 6 pm game against Hummelstown.
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Twilight notes — Player/coach Ken Connor put himself in a relief pitcher in the sixth inning of last night's game. He usually plays third base or in the outfield ... Scott Montgomery hit his first round-tripper of the season in the sixth inning with no one on base.

Sandlot baseball: Twilight wins third straight

Linglestown Twilight, your hometown team, traveled to Penbrook and topped the Steelton squad Thursday evening 10-5. (Penbrook and Steelton combined teams this season.)

Pitching ace Pete Hayden (pictured) notched his third win this season with relief help in the seventh and final inning from Chris Nolan, who recorded his first save of the season.

Hayden uses a big-bending curve ball and expertly changes speed and location of pitches to keep batters off balance.

Sam Nott smacked a homer, a two-run shot in the sixth inning, to pad Linglestown's lead enough to easily withstand a grand slam by Steelton's Kyle Otstot in the bottom half of the inning.

The win puts Linglestown (4-3-1) over the .500 mark for the first time this season. As of today, the team is in fourth place, seven points behind league leading Dauphin, which has played three more games than our team.

Twilight returns to action Monday with a 6 pm away game at Palmyra, and plays home games at Koons Park Thursday against Hummelstown and Saturday against Palmyra, 6 pm and 2 pm starting times respectively.

Twilight powers to win over Dauphin

Linglestown Twilight, the area's sandlot baseball team, used the long ball to overcome some shoddy infield play Sunday at Koons Park to defeat first-place Dauphin 8-5. The win ups the team's record to three wins, three losses and a tie (3-3-1).

Evan Phillips (pictured), a Susquehanna Township grad and current college player at Indiana University of Pa., had to deal with seven errors but went the distance on the mound to even his record at one win, one loss (1-1).

Kyle Hollingsworth, another Susquehanna Township grad who is playing college ball at Shippensburg University, went two-for-three and recorded three RBIs with one swing in the second inning when he went yard to give Twilight an early lead.

Veteran Twilight first baseman Sean Frailey, a Penn State Harrisburg grad who lives in Middletown, continued his hot play at the plate with a sixth-inning homer with one on that sealed the game for the home team.

Twilight returns to action later this week with an away game Thursday against Steelton at the Penbrook field, 6 pm start.

Baseball: Linglestown Twilight turns things around

In sandlot baseball action, Linglestown Twilight had a good weekend with a 6-6 tie Friday at Lawnton and a big 7-2 win Saturday at Koons Park against defending league champion Palmyra. The team's record is 2 wins, 3 losses and a tie.

Twilight first baseman Sean Frailey (pictured) was the player of the weekend with a clutch home run at Lawton and two hits, two runs scored and a RBI against Palmyra.

Veteran Twilight pitcher Pete Hayden went the distance (seven innings) against Palmyra, allowing four hits and issuing only two free passes. Hayden, the ace of the staff, sports a 2 win, 1 loss record and has appeared in four of Twilight's six games this season.

This week Twilight hosts Steelton on Tuesday, 6 pm start, and Dauphin on Sunday, 5 pm start.
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Thanks to those of you who helped with the first two games and to a Gazette reader who graciously volunteered to work a few games later this season.

Some volunteers are needed to operate the electronic scoreboard at Twilight games. Please email Bill Bostic for details.