Mansfield baseball captures D4 title.
By: Brian Fees | Towanda Daily Review | June 1, 2016 | Photo courtesy Brian Fees
2016 NTL and District 4 News
WILLIAMSPORT -- When the season started, the North Penn-Mansfield baseball team wasn't even in Class AA.
On Tuesday, they were capturing the District 4, Class AA title with a 5-2 win over Warrior Run.
Being moved up to AA during the season didn't phase the Tigers as they won their first district title since 2004.
"We thought we would be single A," JP Shaw said. "We wanted to win single A districts, but AA is better."
On Tuesday, the Tigers scored three runs in the second inning and Shaw made that hold up as he scattered nine hits, striking out six.
"I am proud of him," Mansfield coach Matt Perry said of Shaw. "He is buying into everything. He is growing and progressing as the year goes on. He's getting stronger."
For Shaw, it was a battle all game against a good Defenders lineup.
"The nerves were up there," Shaw said. "They had bases loaded, and I was scared. They are good hitters, but I got through it."
The biggest threat by Warrior Run came in the bottom of the second after the Tigers scored three in the top of the inning.
Warrior Run started the inning with three straight singles, cutting the deficit to 3-1. And they had bases loaded with one out, but Shaw got out of the jam.
"The bases loaded there, I think second inning, that was probably the most crucial inning of the game," Perry said. "We were able to get out of there with one run, that's big, real big."
Over the next five innings the Tigers played small ball, adding a couple runs to their total.
"Small ball is our game," Shaw said. "We just work together as a team."
While the Tigers were able to add to the lead as the game went on, Perry never felt comfortable against a good Warrior Run team.
"Against those guys, we would have liked a little more cushion, but it worked out in the long run," Perry said.
After beating two-time defending champion Loyalsock in the semifinals, Perry was happy with the way the team came out in the final.
"I am very proud of these guys, they worked hard from January on and it's a testament to the work they put in," Perry said. "Any one of these playoff games, you don't want a letdown. Everyone is big. That team over there is a great team. They kept us on our toes. Not for one second could I breathe a sigh of relief, not for the full 21 outs."
For Mansfield's players, it is special bringing home a district crown.
"It feels good, it feels great, you can't even imagine," Shaw said. "We have a great team, I can't imagine playing with other guys."
Along with his pitching, Shaw also had a big day at the plate, with a pair of doubles.
"I finally got a hold of the ball, it felt good," he said.
Brendon Hill had a pair of hits for Mansfield and Dylan Wesneski had a hit and scored a run.
Carl Dinger had a hit and Levi Adams had an RBI and scored a run.
Dylan Williamson had a pair of hits, with a triple, an RBI and a run scored and Dylan Meyer scored a run.
Dewey Wise had a hit and scored a run in the game for the Tigers.
Mansfield will be on the road at the District 2 champions on Monday in the opening round of states.
"I am so excited, I can't wait," Shaw said.
"I am excited, it's the first time in states," Perry said. "I am excited, we will get to work and see what we can do."
For Shaw, the hope now is to keep this run going as long as possible.
"Through the summer, let's go," he said.
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