Trojans Drop Tough One to Halifax, 17-2

April 22, 2026

HALIFAX — The Upper Dauphin Area Varsity Trojans ran into a buzzsaw Wednesday evening, falling to the Halifax Wildcats by a final score of 17-2 in a game that was mercifully shortened by the run rule after four innings.

Halifax wasted no time setting the tone, erupting for four runs in the very first inning before Trojans starter Karson Engle could record an out. Engle was charged with the loss after allowing two hits and four runs in a third of an inning, bringing Wyatt Troutman in from relief. Troutman worked two innings but struggled against a red-hot Halifax lineup, surrendering seven runs on seven hits. Dylan Troutman finished out the game on the mound, giving up six more runs over his 1.1 innings of work. In all, UDA's pitching staff allowed 14 hits and 17 runs on the evening, compounded by three errors in the field from Ayden Winstead, Dylan Troutman, and Karson Engle.

The Wildcats were led offensively by Will Steinhauer, who was a force all night, going 3-for-3 with a double, a triple, and four RBI, accounting for six total bases. Brayden Midle added three hits and three RBI while swiping a pair of bags, and Ryder Tobias scored three times in three plate appearances. Matt Kocher chipped in two hits and three RBI as well. Halifax's Josh Zahurak matched his offense with a gem on the mound, going the full four innings while striking out eight Trojans and allowing just two runs on four hits.

Offensively, the Trojans had their moments in what was otherwise a difficult night at the plate. Isaac Jackson provided the biggest hit for UDA with a double and an RBI. Dylan Hoke reached base and scored, and Wyatt Troutman knocked in the other Trojan run. Connor Wenrich and Ayden Winstead each contributed on the basepaths, with Wenrich stealing two bases and Winstead adding one. Hunter Grassmyer also worked a walk and came around to score.

Upper Dauphin will look to bounce back quickly and regroup as the season continues. The Trojans will need tighter pitching and cleaner defense to get back in the win column.