The American Legion Region 2 Tournament is usually the place where the Lehigh Valley's best teams go to end the season.

North Parkland has finished many seasons there. But this year could be different.

The Buffaloes went 3-0 through the winners bracket and headed into the final day of the tournament needing one more win to secure the title and move on to states.

"Everyone has a hot bat right now," said pitcher Alex Flynn after throwing over 140 pitches in a nine-inning win over Pine Grove Sunday. "Our defense is good. Our pitching staff is deep. I couldn't be more proud of our team."

The Buffaloes opened the tournament Saturday with an 8-4 win over Bux-Mont playoff champ Hatfield.

Justin Afflerbach, the Lehigh Valley League playoff MVP, continued his hot streak with a 5-for-5 performance against Hatfield.

Parkland met Schuylkill-Berks champ Pine Grove in the winners bracket semifinal and beat the Cardinals, 3-0 on Sunday.

Flynn struck out six Pine Grove batters while scattering seven hits and walking three. He allowed lead-off base runners in six innings, but pitched out of every inning with the help of three double plays.

Pine Grove's biggest threat came in the fourth inning after North Parkland extended its lead to 3-0 in the top of the inning.

The Cardinals had runners on first and third with no outs when Buffalo right fielder Jordan Jones pulled a line drive out of the air and doubled off the runner at first base. Flynn struck out the next batter to end the inning.

"I'm big on defense," said Jones. "I do everything for my pitcher. All my teammates know I like to make big plays in the outfield, throw guys out at first.

"I'm always into the game. I saw him going. The minute it was a line drive I knew I could throw him out at first."

North Parkland went ahead 1-0 in the top of the second inning. Aiden Flynn led off with a single, moved to third on Jones' double and scored on an Evan McAndrew fielder's choice.

The Buffaloes added two more in the fourth. Jones and McAndrew hit back-to-back two-out singles to put runners on the corners. Jones scored on a throwing error when McAndrew stole second base. McAndrew scored on a throwing error on Roland's ground ball to short.

Jones, McAndrew and Roland all had two hits each against Pine Grove.

North Parkland went on to beat Nor-Gwyn, 5-4 in the winners bracket final and headed into Tuesday as the last undefeated team left in the tournament. The Buffaloes lost to Norchester on Tuesday, 5-0.

Norchester was scehdeled to face Bath on Wednesday at 12:30, with the winner taking on North Parkland for the title. Those games were played after Press deadline. See next week's issue for coverage.

North Parkland's players, many of which have been on the team for three or four seasons, like their chances of taking the Region 2 title this year, with a deep, talented and experienced team.

"I think last year's team compares a lot to this year's team," said Jones. "But we have hot bats right now. We have the same pitching, the same defense. Its just that we're hot this year. Everybody just has so much confidence going up to the plate."