Highs and Lows: Trojans Split Mid-Week Series After Dramatic Engle Power Display

Apr 9
2 min read

ELIZABETHVILLE — It was a week of extreme momentum shifts for the Upper Dauphin Area Varsity Trojans, who showcased both their explosive offensive ceiling and the growing pains of a young season. After a dominant home performance against Juniata on Tuesday, the Trojans suffered a heartbreaking collapse against Susquenita on Wednesday, leaving the team at 1-1 for the week.

Engle’s Two-Blast Night Sinks Indians

On Tuesday, the story was simple: Karson Engle. The Trojan standout turned the home field into a personal launchpad, hitting two home runs and driving in four to lead Upper Dauphin to a 9-4 victory over the Juniata Indians.

Juniata struck first, manufacturing a run in the second and adding a solo shot by Nipple in the third to take a 3-0 lead. However, the Trojans' bats eventually woke up. Engle kickstarted the comeback with a solo blast to center in the fourth before delivering the knockout blow in the fifth—a towering three-run homer to left.

Connor Wenrich earned the win on the mound, while Wyatt Troutman provided a spark on the basepaths with two stolen bases, part of a five-steal night for UDA.

A Five-Run Lead Evaporates in Duncannon

The Trojans traveled to Susquenita on Wednesday looking to sweep their back-to-back slate, and for four innings, it looked like a blowout was in the making.

Capitalizing on seven walks and RBI singles from Tyler Minier and Hunter Grassmyer, Upper Dauphin built a commanding 5-0 lead. On the mound, Engle continued his hot streak, racking up eight strikeouts and keeping the Blackhawks off-balance.

However, the game "flipped on its head" in the bottom of the fifth. A combination of walks and defensive lapses allowed Susquenita to storm back, scoring five runs in the frame. The decisive moment came when Susquenita’s McNaughton laced a two-run double to take the lead. The Blackhawks never looked back, eventually securing the 9-5 comeback win.

Analysis: Discipline vs. Consistency

While the loss at Susquenita stung, the Trojans displayed an elite "eye" throughout the week. UDA hitters combined for 17 walks over the two games, a testament to their disciplined approach at the plate.

Weekly Stat Leaders

Power: Engle (2 HR, 5 RBI)
Speed: Troutman (2 SB)
Control: Engle (8 Strikeouts in 4.1 IP)
Patience: Mauser (Lead team in walks)

What’s Next?

The Trojans (3-3 overall) return to their home turf this Friday to face the Line Mountain Eagles. With the memory of the Susquenita comeback still fresh, expect a focused Trojan squad looking to get back above .500.

First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 PM.