Buell propels Pennsbury to PIAA quarterfinal with win over Hempfield

FREDERICKSBURG — When Pennsbury senior Logan Buell was given the starting nod in his team’s District 1 opening win over Spring-Ford, the Falcons regular season right fielder said he was a little surprised.

When Pennsbury head coach Joe Pesci turned to the red-head in the team’s PIAA-opening battle against Hempfield (23-4), Buell didn’t blink. Instead, he took control of the battle from the outset.

Logan made quick work of the opposition, scattering three hits — all singles — on his way to a complete game 2-0 shutout that sent the Falcons (20-5) to a state quarterfinal battle against District 2 runner-up North Penn, a 5-0 winner over District 12 runner-up Olney Charter.

Buell did not walk a single batter in the contest.

“Today, I really had all my stuff,’ said Buell. “My fastball was just getting ahead; I was able to throw it for strikes early in the count.

“Whenever I had to spot up, I put it wherever I wanted it, especially my curveball was working very well and it kept them off-balance the whole game.

“It was a good performance.’

Indeed.

For an outfielder with just one start on the mound in the regular season, Buell possesses an impressive pitching record. After the win over Hempfield June 3 at Earl R. Wenger Field in Fredericksburg, Logan is 5-0 with a pair of saves.

“I’ve had four starts all season and three of them are in the playoffs so I’m liking postseason baseball,’ said Buell with a big smile.

Until Pennsbury pushed a run across with two outs in the sixth inning, the Falcons held onto a 1-0 lead throughout. The slim lead worked to Pennsbury’s advantage however, said Buell, who likes pitching in close games.

“I like a tighter game,’ admitted Logan. “I think I’m more focused.

“When it’s a big lead, I’m not zoned in so I like these more important games to be close ones.’