By Jake Oswalt
Central PA Area Scout

The District 6 Class A quarterfinal game between Juniata Valley and Conemaugh Valley changed on two great defensive plays made by CV center fielder Pat Callahan. The superior defense allowed Conemaugh Valley RHP Chris Horten to go the distance in a three hit, 3-0 Blue Jay victory to advance to the semifinals Thursday at Claysburg-Kimmel.

In the top of the first inning with the bases loaded and two outs, Shawn Houck (2-for-3) lined a pitch to center field for what looked like a two-run single. Instead, Callahan came in and to his right to make a diving catch to end the scoring threat.

In the fifth inning after a leadoff walk, Wyatt Belinda sent a towering shot to deep right-center field where Callahan made a running catch near the fence. The senior got the ball back to the infield quickly, but the relay throw went just wide in an attempt to complete the double play. CV appealed to second base where the umpire signaled for an out call. When the ball was caught, Kordell Collins was past second base. As he retreated to first base, Collins failed to touch second base.

Horten allowed just three singles, walked four, and struck out eight. The senior plans to attempt to make the Pitt-Johnstown baseball team in the fall as a walk-on.

In the second inning, Conemaugh Valley (16-4) loaded the bases with an infield single and two walks. Leadoff hitter Adam Barnouski  followed with a walk to force in a run giving CV a 1-0 lead.

The game remained 1-0 until the sixth inning when the Blue Jays scored a pair of insurance runs. Catcher Vince Vibostok (2-for-3) grounded a ball up the middle through the drawn-in infield for a two-run single.

Juniata Valley (10-7) starter Tanner Perow went six innings, giving up three earned runs on six hits (all singles), walked four and struck out six.

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