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York Catholic moves a win from division title


York Catholic took another step towards a possible division title by defeating Biglerville, 7-4, in YAIAA Division IV baseball action Monday afternoon at Yost Field in Biglerville.

The Fighting Irish can clinch the crown if they can defeat Delone Catholic on Tuesday when the teams face off at York Catholic at 4:15 p.m.

"We're excited for the chance to win a division title," York Catholic coach Joe Gurreri said. "Delone is a very good team, so we know that it's going to be a challenge."

Monday's contest was scoreless into the fourth before the visitors struck for a four-spot with Andrew Polson drawing a bases-loaded walk that broke the deadlock. Dillon Hippensteel then followed with a two-run single and Brendan Kennedy drove in one with a single.

"Dillon's hit really got us going," Guerreri said. "Frank (Skehan) had a great game and Chris DeMarco's double over the center fielder's head was huge."

Skehan, who was 3-for-3 with a pair of singles, a double and a walk, knocked in two runs with his two-bagger in the fifth that keyed a three-run rally.

York Catholic (10-7, 10-4 YAIAA IV) pitcher Matt Knauer carried a two-hit shutout into the sixth and retired the first two hitters of the frame before an error opened the door for a four-run outburst by the Canners.

Gavin Parker and Tyler Weikert each came through with two-run singles for Biglerville in the sixth and a walk by Chris Runk loaded the bases. Irish reliever Bill Walker recorded a strikeout to end the threat.

Knauer worked 5 2/3 innings to earn the victory. He allowed three hits with two strikeouts and two walks.

"Matt throws strikes and makes the other team put it in play," Gurreri said. "Our defense made a lot of good plays behind him, too."

Biglerville (7-7, 7-5) has now dropped five straight games.

"We've got four more games this week and we need to turn things around," Biglerville coach Jeff Taylor said. "Our hitting isn't there, especially in the clutch. We aren't fielding the ball and we make too many mental mistakes."