The Greencastle Little League All-Stars and Tri-Town, battling to stay alive in the Pennsylvania State Little League Tournament, put on a show for the ages before a large crowd at Newville Friday night. After seven innings, there were nothing but zeros on the scoreboard. Pitching and defense totally dominated the night.

Greencastle finally broke through in the top of the eighth inning and defeated Northern Lebanon 2-0.

According to International rules, after seven innings, a runner is placed at second base to start each half-inning.

Chase Cordell was the runner for Greencastle, Kolston Piper flew out to the center fielder, and Cordell advanced to third. Noah Ambrose hit a line drive single to right field, scoring Cordell to make it 1-0. Ambrose, however, was injured at first base and had to be replaced by pinch runner Colston Piper. Piper took the lead off first base, and Tri-Town tried to pick him off and overthrew the ball, and Piper ended up on third base.

Bryce King hit into a fielder’s choice, scoring Piper to make it 2-0.

Greencastle had to survive a major threat in the bottom of the eighth. The runner was placed on second base, and Kaden Caster was hit by a pitch; they both would advance on a passed ball, putting runners at second and third. Cordell then got the next three hitters on a strikeout, a pop out and a ground out to preserve the win for Greencastle.

All of the Greencastle hits were singles. Ambrose, King, Broady Sprague, and Maze Gordon each collected a hit for Greencastle.

Greencastle manager Derrick Host told Mid Penn Broadcasting on the post-game show, ” Our pitching and defense came through yet again, making plays all over the field, turning double plays, every routine ball is an out, even nonroutine balls we’re making plays, our pitchers, Kolston and Chase pitched a great game today.”

Piper pitched the first 3 1/3 innings, allowing three hits, no runs, no walks, and striking out two. Cordell pitched the final 4 2/3 innings and allowed no runs and no hits, walking three, hitting a batter, and striking one.

Tri-Town starter Roman Melkbach was outstanding. He was lifted after 6 1/3 innings when he reached the maximum 85 pitch count. Melbach allowed just two hits and two walks and struck out seven.

In the first game, which also went eight innings, Northern Lebanon defeated  West Point 10-6. Greencastle will play Northern Lebanon on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. in another elimination game. The game will be broadcast on Mid Penn Broadcasting.

Only four teams remain in the tournament, Greencastle, Northern Lebanon, Council Rock Newtown, and Back Mountain.