A view of the pregame coin toss from the press box at North Schuylkill's Robert Wetzel Field as Nativity went on to defeat MMI 3-1 in a PIAA Class A quarterfinals baseballl game on Thursday (Photo by Eli Doyle).

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS — Stephen Karinch dealt, Ryan Examitas closed, and Nativity is two wins away from a state title.

Behind a pair of strong pitching performances, the Hilltoppers pushed past MMI Preparatory School 3-1 on Thursday afternoon in a PIAA Class A quarterfinal baseball game at Robert Wetzel Field.

“These are the baseball games you want to play,” Nativity coach Ben Kreiger said. “When you play, and take care of business right from the start, you play great games. And that was a good baseball team. But that has sort of been the motto. Score early and put the pressure on the opposing team from the start.”

The Hilltoppers struck early with a two-run single from Examitas in the top of the first, capitalizing on a pair of baserunners and an early opening off MMI Prep starter Tommy Horvat.

Karinch, a sophomore lefty, scattered four hits over six innings, striking out six and walking three to earn the win for the Hilltoppers. Fellow sophomore Examitas closed the door with a hitless seventh, striking out one to lock up the save.

Horvat was tough the rest of the way, but the early damage proved enough. He allowed three runs — two earned — on five hits over seven innings, striking out eight and walking four.

Nick Wagner led Nativity with a 2-for-4 day at the plate, while Examitas finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs. The Hilltoppers added an insurance run on an error in the seventh.

Thursday’s quarterfinal marked Karinch’s first appearance as a starting pitcher this season. The sophomore, used almost exclusively out of the bullpen, entered with roughly 18 innings pitched across five relief outings on the year.

Caleb Skuba went 2-for-4 to pace MMI Prep’s offense. Ben Drobnock drove in the lone run for the Preppers, who finished their season at 11-12.

MMI turned one double play and stranded nine baserunners. The Hilltoppers left eight on base and overcame two defensive errors with timely pitching.

Nativity advances to face District 5 champion Southern Fulton (23-1) in Monday’s semifinals at a site and time to be announced. Southern Fulton defeated Cowanesque Valley 5-0 in a quarterfinal ballgame Thursday.

PIAA Baseball
Class A
Quarterfinals

At Robert Wetzel Field, North Schuylkill High School 

Nativity 3, MMI Prep 1

*NOTE* Horvat pitched 6.2 innings and was relieved by Frask, who faced three batters (error, HBP, ground out).