Dalmado Earns Win as Valley Forge Outlasts Lancaster Bible 16-9 in Wild Slugfest
EPHRATA, PA – March 28, 2026 – The University of Valley Forge baseball team exploded for 16 runs on 16 hits, including a five-run eighth inning, to defeat Lancaster Bible 16-9 and capture their second conference victory of the season.
Brandon Dalmado (3-2) earned the win with 6.2 strong innings of work, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits while striking out 5 batters in front of 65 fans. The right-hander worked out of several jams to keep the Patriots in control through the middle innings.
The Patriots (10-10, 2-0 Conference) wasted no time getting on the board, scoring two runs in the first inning and never trailing in the high-scoring affair. Valley Forge added three runs in the second, two in the third, and one in the fourth to build an 8-1 advantage before Lancaster Bible mounted a comeback attempt.
Juan Lopez sparked the offense from the two-hole, going 2-for-5 with 2 RBIs, a double, two stolen bases, and a team-high 4 runs scored. The infielder reached base safely in all six plate appearances and was a constant threat on the basepaths.
Gabriel Murphy continued his torrid stretch at the plate, going 3-for-5 with 3 runs scored and a walk, reaching base in all six plate appearances for the second time this week. Murphy set the table all game, providing spark and energy at the top of the lineup.
Aaron Zapata delivered the knockout blow in the eighth inning, clearing the bases with a double to left center that plated three runs and extended the Patriots' lead to 13-3. Zapata finished 2-for-6 with a game-high 3 RBIs.
Zack Haines went 2-for-5 with 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored, while Asijah Evelyn added 2 hits, 3 runs scored, and an RBI. Carson Lengle provided the big blow with a two-run home run in the third inning and finished 2-for-6 with 3 RBIs.
Brayden Tunnell contributed a hit, a run scored, 2 walks, and an RBI, while Chase Timmons and Tyler Stwarka each added a hit in the victory.
The Patriots' offense was relentless, drawing 6 walks and constantly putting pressure on Lancaster Bible's pitching staff. Valley Forge scored in five different innings, showing the ability to manufacture runs throughout the contest.
Lancaster Bible (8-9) refused to go quietly, mounting comeback attempts in the fifth and eighth innings. Donavan Boles led the Chargers with 3 hits including a double and 2 RBIs, while Evan Sareyka, Dylan Witkowski, and Daniel Peña each collected 2 hits. The Chargers scored four runs in the eighth to make it interesting at 13-7 before Valley Forge tacked on three more in the ninth.
The Patriots broke the game open with a five-run eighth inning that featured timely hitting and opportunistic baserunning. The rally showcased Valley Forge's depth and ability to deliver clutch hits throughout the lineup.
Jake Bannon pitched 1.1 innings in relief, and Lengle came on to close out the ninth inning, allowing 2 runs while recording the final three outs to secure the victory.
The victory marked a significant milestone for the Patriots as they secured their first conference win of the season and improved to .500 overall at 10-10. The offensive explosion showcased Valley Forge's potent lineup and ability to put together quality at-bats from top to bottom.
Game Notes:
- Valley Forge earns first conference win of season
- Patriots collect 16 hits and score 16 runs
- Juan Lopez reaches base safely in all 6 plate appearances (4 runs scored)
- Gabriel Murphy reaches base in all 6 plate appearances for second time this week
- Aaron Zapata's bases-clearing double in 8th inning provides cushion
- Carson Lengle hits two-run home run
Box Score Summary:
- Valley Forge: 16 runs, 16 hits, 3 errors
- Lancaster Bible: 9 runs, 14 hits, 4 errors
