PUNXSUTAWNEY – A six-run, seventh-inning rally by the Curwensville Teener League 13-14 All-Stars went for naught Monday evening when Punxsutawney answered with a run for a 12-11 victory that jumbled the VFW Area VI Tournament.
Both teams are 1-2 with a split in their two meetings in the double round-robin tourney.
Because the Area VI champ and runner-up will advance to the state tournament, every game is crucial and a three-way tie still is a possibility, but Philipsburg (2-0) is in the driver\’s seat and can claim the championship with a win at Curwensville Wednesday or home against Punxsy Friday.
A Philipsburg sweep would leave Curwensville and Punxsy tied, meaning the trip to states would hinge on runs allowed. Punxsy pitchers have surrendered 22 while Curwensville hurlers have given up 29.
Luke Janocha came through with the game-winning hit in the bottom of the seventh for Punxsy. He drove in Dakota Thomas, who was at second via an error and a stolen base.
Thomas had four hits, one a double, in his previous at-bats.
He also picked up the win by notching the final two outs after Curwensville had wiped out Punxsy\’s big lead going to the last inning.
In the early going, Curwensville had leads of 2-0 and 5-4.
