Hagerstown and Hanover Split DH to open 2020 SPL Season

The South Penn League season got underway Saturday with Hagerstown and Hanover splitting a doubleheader at Diller Field.

In game one, league newcomer Hagerstown posted 5 runs in the top of the first to take an early lead and coasted to an 11-1 win in 5 innings. Austin Bulman went 3-for-3 and Tyler Erbin drove in three to lead the Braves. Zach Rudisill was 3-for-3 for the Raiders. Dylan Reid tossed three frames of 1-run ball to notch the win.

The Braves appeared on their way to the sweep, but Hanover staged an epic rally by scoring 5 runs in the top of the seventh to grab the lead and hung on for a 5-4 win. AJ Baadte got the win in relief for Hanover. Rudisill banged a 3-run triple during the pivotal rally. Hagerstown outhit Hanover 10-4 in the contest but left 14 men on base.

The SPL's opening weekend continues on Sunday with 4 matchups, including a doubleheader between North Carroll and the league's other newest member, Shippensburg.