The Claysburg‑Kimmel Bulldogs entered the PIAA Class 1A first‑round matchup against Greensburg Central Catholic trailing after a seven‑run second inning that featured a grand slam by Anthony Grippo.
Coach Kyle Glass urged his squad to stay focused, and the Bulldogs answered with a three‑run third inning, narrowing the gap to 8‑7 after a throwing error by the opposition.
Mason Campagna, who finished 4‑for‑4 at the plate, said the team had nothing to lose and gave everything they could, while Dan Brady’s sixth‑inning double pushed the lead back to 9‑7.
The momentum shifted when Gavin Treon launched a solo home run in the sixth and Paydden Knisely followed with an RBI double to tie the game at nine.
Dustin Slowik added an RBI single in the seventh and finished 3‑for‑6 with two RBIs, while Campagna took the mound in relief, pitching 3.1 innings of one‑run ball with nine strikeouts.
A rally sparked by resilience
The game swung back and forth, and in the ninth inning a walk by Paul‑Kenneth Strayer plated the winning run, sealing an 11‑10 victory that highlighted the Bulldogs’ composure under pressure.
Coach Glass praised the effort and the crowd’s support, noting the team’s resilience as they prepare to meet Elk County Catholic in the state quarterfinals.