Council Rock North defeats Central, 6-2

In their quest for a PIAA Class AAAA state baseball championship, the Council Rock North players are showing their solidarity by sporting Mohawks.

After helping the Indians beat Central in a first-round matchup yesterday afternoon, Tyler Farrell was slated to get his head shaved when the squad returned to school. Despite the dubious appearance of some teammates, the senior catcher said he was ready for the new hairstyle.

"It's not a good look for everyone," he said. "But it's a Mohawk. You have to own it and wear it with attitude. That's what I'll do."

From the No. 2 spot in the order, Farrell went 2 for 3 with an RBI as Council Rock North totaled 11 hits and clipped the Lancers, 6-2, at Bear Stadium in Boyertown.

Righthander Scott "Sunshine" Runzer, already a Mohawk wearer, fired a complete-game four-hitter. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder threw 119 pitches, 74 for strikes. At the plate, he went 2 for 4 with two RBIs.

Next for the Indians, runners-up to West Chester East in the District 1 tournament, is a second-round meeting Thursday with North Penn, District 1's No. 5 seed and a winner last night over District 3 champion Chambersburg.

Farrell, a third-year starter and erstwhile ice-hockey player, singled in his first two at-bats. In the fourth inning, he knocked in Jesse Goldberg with a sacrifice fly to center field.

Central, the Public League champion, was trying to rebound from an 11-1, six-inning loss to St. Joseph's Prep in the District 12 final.

"I was really pleased with our effort," Lancers coach Bob Barthelmeh said.

"I told the kids that our last two losses have not diminished what we accomplished this season."

The Indians (16-6) broke open a 2-1 game with a three-run fourth. The senior-laden Lancers (16-6) received a fourth-inning solo home run from Zach Magdovitz (2 for 3) and a seventh-inning RBI double from Ian Lewis.

Central 000 100 1 - 2 4 3

Council Rock North 011 301 x - 6 11 1

WP: Scott Runzer. LP: Steve Schall. 2B: C-Ian Lewis; CRN-Runzer. HR: C-Zach Magdovitz.