Batters up on day two of Districts

Langhorne and Tri-Township
lay the hammers down

By James D’Arcangelo
For BucksLocalSports

Arms and hammers.
The first two days at the Cal Ripken District 3 Championships at the Upper Makefield baseball complex have been dominated by pitching and hitting, respectively. On Monday, complete game pitching marked wins by Warrington and Upper Makefield in the tourney for 11-year-olds.
But on Tuesday night, it was all about steady pounding ‘hammers’ as Langhorne built momentum to eventually steamroll Plumstead, 14-4, while Tri-Township, with the strength and precision of an ironsmith, beat Warminster, 18-4.
Langhorne was patient but sure in its game against Plumstead. Always aggressive and feisty, Plumstead jumped out to a 2-0 lead after one inning, and held a 3-2 lead after two.
In the end, Langhorne’s batting strength would outlast Plumstead’s determination. Two dramatic line shots over the eight-foot fence in dead center by Connor McCracken first changed the game’s momentum in the second inning, and then wedged open a close game in the fifth inning when Langhorne scored eight runs. McCracken, Nolan Jones, Tyler Galazin, and Zach Winkler scored two runs each for Langhorne.
Tri-Township’s win over Warminster was a case of steady and true marksmanship. While Warminster pushed back the tide with some very solid pitching, it was Tri-Township’s depth at the plate that launched them away.
Scoring four runs in the first, three in the second, six in the third, and five in the fourth, Tri-Township’s batters were effective up and down their lineup. Tyler Andra scored four runs, while Carter Usowski knocked in six, the most dramatic of which resulted from a line drive double off the top of the left field fence.
When Langhorne and Tri-Township meet on Thursday night, July 9, more hitting fireworks are certain to light up the sky. On an early July summer evening, it’ll be worth the trip to Upper Makefield to see the glow of the rockets and feel the heat and burning embers in what is certain to be a memorable Bucks County youth baseball match-up.
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Cal Ripken District 3 Tournament
Upper Makefield Baseball Complex
1090 Eagle Road
Newtown
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On Deck:
Wednesday, July 8 – 6 p.m.
Upper Makefield vs. Warrington
Doylestown vs. Pennsbury