Baseball Game Preview: Knoch Knights vs. Hampton Talbots

Knoch and Hampton are an even 4-4 against one another since April of 2016, but likely not for long. The Knights will square off against the Talbots at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Knoch is coming into the contest hot, having won their last nine games.

The home team had won the previous three meetings between Knoch and Highlands, and Knoch kept the tradition alive. The Knights sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 3-1 victory over the Golden Rams on Wednesday. That's two games straight that the Knights have won by exactly two runs.

Zane Pacek

Earned Runs

04/08/26 vs Highlands	1
03/30/26 @ Greensburg Salem	0
03/19/26 @ Burrell	1

Zane Pacek spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned run on four hits and racked up eight Ks. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Cooper Allison was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double. That double was his first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Dylan Roth, who went 2-for-3 with two RBI.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Hampton, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Tuesday. They narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past Ambridge 9-8. The Talbots' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

Knoch's record now sits at 11-1. As for Hampton, their record is now 4-6.

Knoch came up short against Hampton in their previous matchup back in April of 2025, falling 5-2. Can the Knights avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.