Lehigh Little League Minors All-Stars were crowned Pennsylvania state baseball champions after defeating Upper Providence, 3-1, on July 26 at Valley East Little League in Drums, Pa.

“They’re excited, and they’re young, but they also are aware. They understand that this was a big deal,” said Lehigh manager Kevin Kelly.

Jack Misko’s RBI double scored Colin Kelly for Lehigh’s first run in the first inning.

In the third inning, Ashton Kendy walked, Levi Chacko singled, and Johnny Shireman reached base on an error that scored Kendy.

Lehigh’s third run came on Noah Domitrovits’ double that scored RJ Rivera who singled to center field in the fourth inning.

Upper Providence scored its only run in the fifth inning on a fielder’s choice.

“What we have is that our team is balanced,” said Coach Kelly. “That was one of our lower scoring games, but we still pulled out the win because of our defense and our pitching. In a game where their pitcher was pitching really well, we were able to get a couple runs and hold them.”

Winning pitcher Caleb Yoder threw five innings for 3 hits, 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts.

Rivera relieved Yoder for one inning with no runs and no hits.

Lehigh opened its state tournament run with a 19-3 victory over DuBois, followed by a 10-3 victory over Upper Providence, and an 11-2 win against Bellefonte.

The Pennsylvania state baseball champs are Colin Kelly, Johnny Shireman, Caleb Yoder, Jack Misko, RJ Rivera, Harrison Cser, Marcus Stuart, Noah Domitrovits, Hunter Roth, Pierce Steiner, Ashton Kendy, and Levi Chacko.

Coach Kelly is assisted by PJ Yoder, Mario Stuart, and Tom Cser.

This week, Lehigh will compete in the regional tournament in Rhode Island where teams from 12 states will vie for the regional championship.

“Every team there has won their state, and the expectation is you’re gonna have some pretty good baseball teams. The further along you get, the more wins the other teams are gonna have,” Coach Kelly said. “Just like every tournament, we expect quality competition, and each time, getting a little higher. We try not to look too far ahead, and that philosophy and mentality has helped get us to this point.”