The Moshannon Valley Black Knights/Damsels will challenge the West Branch Warriors at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. Moshannon Valley will aim to continue their three-game streak of scoring more runs each matchup than the last.
On Wednesday, Moshannon Valley got the win against Harmony Area by a conclusive 15-1. That looming 15-1 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Black Knights/Damsels yet this season.
Valent Cervenak
| 05/07/25 @ Harmony Area | 4 |
| 03/31/25 @ Cambria Heights | 2 |
| 05/13/24 vs Harmony Area | 2 |
| 04/25/24 vs Tussey Mountain | 0 |
| 04/18/24 @ Harmony Area | 6 |
Valent Cervenak and Collin Dunlap made a splash while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Cervenak pitched four innings while giving up just one earned run off one hit. Meanwhile, Dunlap tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, Cervenak posted four strikeouts, the most he's had since back in April of 2024. At bat, Cervenak went 4-for-5 with two RBI, while Dunlap went a perfect 4-for-4 with five RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. That stolen base was Dunlap's first of the season.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Brady Kephart, who got on base in all five of his plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Zach Reifer, who went 3-for-4 with three runs and one RBI.
Moshannon Valley always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .628. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
West Branch had taken Juniata Valley down for two straight games at home, but that winning streak came to an end on Tuesday. The Warriors fell just short of the Hornets by a score of 11-9.
Kaleb Warren-Kio made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 3-for-4 with two RBI, one run, and one double. Another player making a difference was Coby Kephart, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with one run.
Moshannon Valley has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-8 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.0 runs over those games. As for West Branch, their defeat ended a four-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 11-7.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Moshannon Valley has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .445. However, it's not like West Branch struggles in that department as they've averaged .496. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Moshannon Valley suffered a grim 12-2 defeat to West Branch in their previous meeting back in April. Will the Black Knights/Damsels have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
