Lehigh Bethlehem’s Senior Connie Mack team knocked off Southern Lehigh, 2-0, to claim the top of the Lehigh Valley Connie Mack League standings on July 2 at Lehigh and remained there with victories over Coplay, 12-2, on July 7 and Nazareth, 7-5, also on July 7.

Lehigh Bethlehem scored both of its runs against Southern Lehigh in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Andrew Erfle reached first base on an infield error and stole second. Cole Collins walked, and Xavier Ryan’s RBI double to right field scored Erfle.

“We knew we had to step it up, hitting-wise, and it took awhile, but we did eventually score some runs,” Ryan said. “I think we’re playing pretty good. We’re undefeated, and that’s one of the best teams we’ve played.”

Collins attempted to score on David Dunham’s hit to first base, but thought better of it and went back to third.

“Well, the first baseman made a good play. He dove, so I think if I would’ve gone, I would’ve been out,” Collins said. “I kind of just went on my own because I’m somewhat fast, and I wanted to be aggressive, but he made a good play, so I went back.”

Will Cresci’s RBI ground out scored Lehigh Bethlehem’s second run when Collins crossed home plate.

“Personally, I think we’re the best baseball team in this league, and I think being undefeated shows that,” said Collins.

Ryan pitched a complete game with three one-two-three innings and ended the game with a ground out.

“My arm felt really good,” Ryan said. “I hadn’t thrown, and they saved me for this game because it was the biggest game, and I was ready for it. My curveball was on point today, and my fastball felt good. Towards the beginning of the game, I had to catch up to it, but it worked well.”

Lehigh Bethlehem manager Paul Erfle wasn’t surprised by the time it took for his team to score runs.

“We’ve played against them for many years. I give a lot of credit to Southern Lehigh, but our kids have played together for a long time. They’re a special group,” Erfle said. “They had a really solid pitcher (PK Thompson) out there...We couldn’t take advantage of the situations until later in the game. Our team is a fastball, hard-hitting team, and we don’t usually bunt, but against a good team like this, you’ve got to pull out every strategy.”