The Palmerton Blue Bombers are headed to the District XI Class 3A baseball final after shutting out Palisades, 4-0, on Sunday afternoon at Easton Area High School.

“We’re playing really confident baseball right now,” said Bombers head coach Tyler Svetik. “We knew who we were gonna face, the kids were aggressive, they didn’t back down, and I’m really proud of them today.”

Palmerton scored all of its runs in the top of the fourth inning after pitcher Connor Beahm led off with an infield single and catcher Cole Serfass hit a double past third base. Kaleb Eitner’s RBI line drive to center field put the Bombers on the scoreboard.

Chase Reph followed up with another RBI line drive, this one to right field, and with runners on first and third, designated hitter Garrett Horvath’s triple to center scored two more runs.

“All I did was try and look for a fastball and put something in the outfield. Someone like [Palisades pitcher Jaden Newton], you’ve gotta sit fastball and you gotta jump on him early,” Horvath said. “I honestly thought it was a sacrifice fly and we were gonna get just one run across, but thankfully, we did get those two runs. It was a big moment for all of us.”

Meanwhile, Beahm was having his moment on the mound, striking out seven Pirates and retiring the side in order four times.

“This is the first time Palisades saw me this year, and when I’m in a groove, I like to keep it going, pound the zone, and I trust my defense,” Beahm said. “Today we did that, and they only had a few hits.”

Beahm struck out two batters in the bottom of the seventh inning after delivering a walk to Mike Wallbillich. Chase Kimbel’s base hit to left field left the two runners stranded when Beahm forced a fly out to end the game.

“We knew we had to be focused because it wasn’t over yet,” said Beahm. “We were down against Salisbury and came back in the last inning, and I know we caught them off-guard, and for Palisades, they were not ready for us, and now we’re gonna take this energy over to Tuesday.”

Despite Palisades’ leadoff hitters getting on base in three separate innings, the Pirates were unable to string hits together for any kind of rally, and Palmerton’s defense was on its game.

“I was very efficient with my fastball, got them to roll over and pop up,” Beahm said. “We got on [Newton’s] fastball early, put the ball in play, and put up runs. We just broke it till they broke down.”

Coach Svetik called Beahm a gamer.

“He fills up the strike zone, works fast, keeps the defense involved, and he did a great job for us today. I wouldn’t want to be playing us right now,” said Svetik. “It’s a good group, and it means a lot, so hopefully we can finish it off Tuesday.”

CHRISTMAS IN MAY

...Winning a district championship has been something the Blue Bombers have been talking about since December. “We looked at all the teams in the district and said, ‘Why can’t we win it?’ and they agreed,” Coach Svetik said.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON, LIKE BROTHER

...”My dad (Mike Svetik) was the coach in 2016, and this is my first year, so it would be something pretty special,” said Coach Svetik about winning another district title. Also, brother Zach was on the 2016 team.

ALL CARBON COUNTY ALL DAY

...Tuesday’s District XI Class 3A baseball final will pit Palmerton against Panther Valley at DeSales University for the chance to become district champion.

Palmerton 000 400 0 - 4 8 0

Palisades 000 000 0 - 0 4 1

Beahm and Serfass; Newton and Harrar. W- Beahm. L- Newton.