The Hollidaysburg baseball team secured a 6‑2 victory over Lampeter‑Strasburg in the PIAA Class 5A state quarterfinals, earning a place in the semifinals and keeping their championship hopes alive.
A Delayed Battle
The contest was held up for nearly two hours after an earlier game stretched to 11 innings, adding a layer of tension that both squads felt as they took the field.
Cole Hartman delivered a strong outing on the mound, tossing six‑plus innings while allowing just one earned run. At the plate he contributed an RBI single that helped extend Hollidaysburg’s lead.
Defensive Mastery
Hollidaysburg’s defense turned three double plays, with Ty McGough at the center of each turn. His quick reactions and steady hands kept the opposition’s rallies at bay.
The team’s defensive coordinator praised the collective effort, noting that the double plays were a turning point in maintaining momentum after the delay.
Championship Outlook
Next up, Hollidaysburg will meet DuBois in the semifinals, a match that could determine a berth in the state championship game at Penn State University’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. The winners of that contest will vie for the title in front of a passionate crowd.
This is the second time in three seasons the squad has reached the semifinals, a milestone that fuels their ambition to finally capture the championship after narrowly missing out two years ago.
Fans and alumni alike are rallying behind the team, confident that the blend of seasoned leadership and emerging talent will carry them through the upcoming challenge.