Mathes brothers central to Marple Newtown’s run

With a lineup that’s deep one through nine, Marple Newtown’s run to its first PIAA Class AAAA tournament has plenty of protagonists. But two of the most prominent share a surname.

The Tigers, the fifth seed out of District One, wouldn’t be in states if not for the Mathes brothers: junior Cameron and freshman Alden. Both will be called upon Monday as Marple (18-7) opens states with a trip to Manheim Township High School to face District 3 champion Ephrata (21-5) at 3 p.m.

Cameron Mathes is the favorite to get the ball, toting a 7-1 record into the game. He picked up wins over No. 8 Coatesville in the second round of districts and No. 4 Perkiomen Valley in the playback semifinals.

The youngster Alden Mathes is batting a robust .476 as the Tigers’ starting center fielder and leadoff hitter. He’s among the county leaders with 12 extra-base hits.

The Tigers, who beat Spring-Ford 4-1 last Thursday to send the program to states for the first time since 2008, should have plenty of arms at their disposal. Lefty Vince Greco, who went 5-0 this season, last pitched in the district quarterfinal slugfest setback to eventual champion Pennridge May 29, failing to escape the first inning and lucking out with a no-decision. Ricky Collings, who tossed a complete game against Spring-Ford, should also be ready to contribute innings if needed.

Marple will find a Good opponent awaiting them, as in Dillon Good. The senior and recent Nyack College commit has been on fire in the postseason. He tossed a shutout in a 1-0 win over Cumberland Valley in the District Three semifinals, his ninth win of the season, then homered to power the Mounts past Governor Mifflin, 7-4, for their first district championship. Good also had the walkoff single against Muhlenberg in the quarters.