In a highly anticipated matchup on Tuesday, Episcopal Academy clashed with Malvern Prep, pitting two of the state's top baseball teams against each other.
Despite a valiant effort from Episcopal Academy, they ultimately succumbed to a 6-2 defeat at the hands of Malvern Prep. This loss marked Episcopal Academy's third consecutive setback against Malvern Prep in recent matchups.
The Friars and Churchmen entered Tuesday holding the top two spots in the most recently released Philadelphia Baseball Review High School Power Rankings, with the Churchmen ranked No. 1 and the Friars ranked No. 2.
Senior Tague Davis was outstanding on the bump for Malvern Prep, tossing six quality frames while scattering two earned runs on two hits. He walked one and struck out eight. Sophomore Jack Herbein sat down the side with a clean seventh to close the game out.
Jackson Melconian finished 1-for-3 for the Friars with two RBIs, while Andrew Pellicciotta chipped in with a double and a pair of RBIs of his own. Davis also helped his cause, collecting two hits.
The Churchmen used six pitchers in the contest, with freshman Hunter West looking the best with three shutout frames in relief with three strikeouts.
Owen Peiffer and Alex Barrist collected the lone two hits on the afternoon for Episcopal Academy.
The loss dropped Episcopal Academy's record to 10-2, while Malvern Prep extended their road winning streak to six games dating back to last season, improving their overall record to an impressive 11-1.
Looking ahead, Episcopal Academy will have the advantage of playing at home in their next game against William Penn Charter at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. On the other hand, Malvern Prep will hit the road again for their Friday matchup against Germantown Academy at 4:00 p.m.
These two clubs will meet again in Newtown Square on April 26.
In Other Ranked Action
No. 3 Neshaminy 10, Truman 0
