by In a dramatic finish to Monday’s District 3 4A baseball quarterfinal, Fleetwood edged past James Buchanan 3-2, thanks to a walk-off two-run homer by Ashton Hartkopk.
The game-winning blast came with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, sending the Tigers into the semifinals.
What Happened
Fleetwood, the fourth seed, faced a tight battle against the James Buchanan Rockets.
Down 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Ashton Hartkopk delivered a clutch two-run home run to win the game.
Cane Cromer had reached third base after advancing on a dropped third strike and a pair of situational plays.
Hartkopk’s heroics sealed a comeback victory for Fleetwood, who now moves on to face East Pennsboro.
Key Details
- Final Score: Fleetwood 3, James Buchanan 2
- Date: Monday, May 19, 2025
- Event: District 3 4A Baseball Quarterfinal
- Winning Play: Two-run walk-off homer by Ashton Hartkopk
- Next Opponent: Top-seeded East Pennsboro (Semifinal)
James Buchanan’s starting pitcher, Drew Crouse, put up an excellent performance with six innings, five hits, and four strikeouts.
The Rockets held a 1-0 lead before both teams traded runs in the fifth inning.
JB’s offense was led by doubles from Jimmy Bell and Jake Miller.
Reactions or Statements
There were no formal post-game comments, but the momentum-shifting homer has already stirred buzz in local high school baseball circles.
Observers praised Crouse’s strong pitching and Hartkopk’s late-game composure under pressure.
What’s Next
Fleetwood will travel to East Pennsboro for Thursday’s semifinal matchup.
A victory there would secure a coveted spot in the PIAA state tournament.
James Buchanan’s postseason run ends with a hard-fought game and solid performances on the mound and at the plate.
FAQs
Q: Who hit the walk-off home run for Fleetwood?
A: Ashton Hartkopk hit the game-winning two-run homer in the seventh inning.
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: Fleetwood defeated James Buchanan 3-2.
Q: Who pitched for James Buchanan?
A: Drew Crouse started and pitched six strong innings, allowing five hits and striking out four.
Q: When is Fleetwood’s next game?
A: Fleetwood will play East Pennsboro on Thursday in the District 3 4A semifinal.
Q: What’s at stake in the next round?
A: A win would send Fleetwood to the District 3 final and secure a PIAA state tournament berth.
Summary / Final Takeaway
Fleetwood’s thrilling 3-2 win over James Buchanan was capped by Ashton Hartkopk’s walk-off home run, a defining moment in the District 3 4A baseball playoffs.
With strong pitching from both sides and clutch hitting in the final inning, the Tigers earned a hard-fought victory and now aim for a spot in the state tournament.
