After coming off a tough loss against Northwestern Lehigh and several weather delays, the Palmerton baseball team looked to get back in the win column on Thursday.

Going against a Notre Dame-GP club that had won five of its last six previous matchups against the Blue Bombers made the task seem a bit difficult.

But the task ended up not being too big this year as good hitting and great pitching from Cameron Pengelly propelled Palmeton to an 8-2 Colonial League victory.

Once again, weather became a factor as rain in the early innings tested the resilience of both teams. A first-inning error and fielder’s choice allowed Notre Dame to take a 1-0 lead, however the Bombers responded with an RBI single from Brady Reph in the bottom half to tie the score.

Things quickly tilted in Palmerton’s favor in the second inning against an inexperienced Crusader squad. Three Bomber runs, including a two-RBI single from Reph, put them in front 4-1. Reph finished the game 3-for-3 at the plate with four RBIs.

While he admits it’s not an excuse, Notre Dame head coach Michael Bedics recognized the need to get his younger players up to speed at the varsity level.

“We’re starting like six sophomores out there,” he said. “You have a young group out there, and you’re just trying to get them to raise their level to play varsity baseball. There’s a learning curve with that.”

Following an RBI single from the Crusaders’ Paul Smith in the third, Pengelly settled in for Palmerton and held Notre Dame off the scoreboard the rest of the way.

He finished his five-inning outing with five strikeouts, allowing just two runs on three hits and four walks.

“I’m just trying to focus on throwing strikes,” Pengelly said. “Once I did that and let my defense play out, I just went from there and inning-by-inning kept getting outs.”

With Pengelly doing his job, Luke Matsko tacked on some insurance for the Bombers with a two-run double in the fourth.

Two more runs crossed home in the fifth for the Bombers, and Reph closed out the 8-2 win on the mound with two scoreless innings.

“I would say this is probably as close to a complete game that we’ve played all year, and we’ve been searching for that,” said Bombers’ head coach Tyler Svetik. “I’m very pleased about the day today, especially with the weather. It’s an easy day for kids to get unfocused and things like that.”

In weather that could have proven to have a major effect on defense, Palmerton proved just how fundamental its defense was in a very difficult situation.

“Our defense definitely was doing what they needed to do today, knocking stuff down, not letting anything get to the outfield, making basic baseball plays,” said Matsko. “That was huge for us today and our pitchers throwing strikes, striking people out, that was huge.”

The Bombers are now riding the high of getting a victory against a Crusaders team that has been a thorn in their side. They hope to carry the success later into the season.

“I remember playing (Notre Dame) the past two years on JV and they just killed us on JV, and last year, I was on varsity and they just killed us, so it was one of the best feelings I’ve had this year,” Matsko said about defeating Notre Dame.

“We played (Notre Dame) last year in worse weather and we felt like we could have had them, and then they got us,” coach Svetik said. “To get this one today, it’s a big step for us because we’re sitting at 4-5 now or one away from getting to .500. And that’s really what we’re looking to do, hover around .500.”

TOUGH OPPONENT … Palmerton’s only win against Notre Dame in the previous five seasons was an 8-7 decision on March 22, 2023.

LOOKING AHEAD … Both teams face Wilson in their next game. Palmerton travels there on Saturday, while ND plays host to the Warriors on Monday.

N. Dame-GP 101 000 0 - 2 3 0

Palmerton 130 220 x - 8 11 1

Hull, Wake (4), Martino (5) and Casal; Pengelly, Reph (6) and Ahner. W - Pengelly. L - Hull.

Records: Notre Dame GP (5-5; 5-5 CL); Palmerton (4-5; 4-5 CL).