Conemaugh Valley Snags Victory on Dropped Third Strike

Conemaugh Valley's Blue Jays clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ferndale in a District 6 Class 1A playoff game on Friday, May 15, 2026. The game was a showcase of strong pitching, with both teams' hurlers delivering impressive performances throughout the contest.

The Blue Jays secured the win in the bottom of the seventh inning when Donald Brown scored from third base. Brown had reached base on a dropped third strike, and courtesy runner Jim Kichler advanced to third on a subsequent single. A wild pitch allowed Brown to score the game-winning run, sealing the victory for Conemaugh Valley.

Pitchers Kyron Fields and Lance Masser were instrumental for Conemaugh Valley, combining for a strong outing. Fields pitched 42/3 innings, allowing only one hit and no earned runs while striking out 10 batters. Masser earned the win, pitching 21/3 scoreless frames and retiring all seven batters he faced. Ferndale's pitcher Sy Werzyn also had a notable performance, pitching 62/3 scoreless innings.

Ferndale concluded their season with a 7-12 record, while Conemaugh Valley advances to face second-seeded Northern Cambria in the quarterfinals. The Blue Jays' victory was hard-fought, demonstrating the effectiveness of their pitching staff in a close playoff encounter.