Mifflin gets back on track with big win over Hempfield

Gov. Mifflin sure didn’t look like a team that had gone two weeks without playing, or three weeks without winning.

The Mustangs scored three times in the first inning Thursday and didn’t let up in pounding ninth-seeded Hempfield 12-2 in six innings in a District 3 Class 6A quarterfinal at Rulon Griffith Field.

“Coming off the big layoff, that was really crucial to have a 1-2-3 (top of the) first, then put up a couple runs in the bottom half,” said Mustangs coach Chris Hole.

The top-seeded Mustangs (20-2) banged out 13 hits and did it without the Berks Player of the Year, Tyler Minick, who did not play because of an oblique strain. The junior shortstop was injured taking batting practice before a scrimmage last week. His status for Tuesday’s semifinal against Manheim Township is uncertain.

The Mustangs need one more win, either in the semifinals or in a third-place game, to qualify for the PIAA Tournament.

“I’m proud of the boys for re-focusing, turning the page, and more than anything making sure that we write the script for whatever journey we’re on right now,” said Hole.

“We didn’t let things slip by, we took command. It’s not easy when you don’t have the best player in the county out there with you.”

Mifflin won its first 19 games this season before losing its regular season finale to Exeter, 16-10.

It was upset in the opening round of the Berks League playoffs by eighth-seeded Oley Valley. The Mustangs hadn’t won since beating Reading High 14-0 on May 4.

Freshman Travis Jenkins sparked the three-run first with a two-run double. That was one of five extra-base hits for the Mustangs.

Mifflin took command with a six-run fourth inning that saw them get seven hits, including two doubles. Winning pitcher Alexander Velez had a two-run double, Darien Troche and Matt Ventura had RBI singles and Jon Radwanski had a two-run single.

Velez took it from there. He allowed just six hits and two runs over five innings. He struck out six and walked one in improving to 8-0.

“Alexander threw very well,” Hole said. “They have a tough lineup and he pitched around some trouble. He was definitely impressive today with his demeanor on the mound as well as what he was able to physically execute.”

Freshman Ethan Grim closed it out with a scoreless sixth. He’ll likely start Tuesday against fourth-seeded Township, which advanced with a 3-1 win over Wilson.

Freshman Bryce Detwiler went 2-for-3 and scored three runs for Mifflin. Velez went 2-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Mason Woolwine, Troch and Jenkins also had two hits.

Mifflin won at Hempfield 21-3 earlier this season.

Hempfield beat Cedar Cliff 6-0 in the opening round.