The William Allen Canaries knew better than to believe their game against Whitehall was over before it started, even with a 7-0 lead.

“Trust me, I know one thing Whitehall’s gonna do is hit,” said Allen baseball coach Rob Leskosky. “I know Schmitty’s (Whitehall coach Eric Schmitt) always gonna have them ready.”

The Zephyrs chipped away at the Canaries’ seven-run lead and came within one run, but Allen reliever Daifer Moreta collected three straight strikeouts in the bottom of the seventh inning to secure an 8-7 victory over Whitehall on April 6.

“We’ve got a really solid pitching staff, a lot of seniors, and we’ve got a ton of trust in them. One of the most dangerous things is we’re learning to win close baseball games,” said Coach Leskosky. “Daifer’s our number one for a reason. We have a ton of confidence in him, and he’s gonna be able to do special things.”

Whitehall tallied five runs in the second inning that included a 2 RBI double by Kolby Miller and singles by Chase Miller, Jack Lloyd, Donato Brigidi, and Tyler Sanders.

In the third inning, Zephyr pitcher Henry Shultz entered the game to relieve Nik Christman, and Canary pitcher Jorge Inoa relieved starter Aydan Schneider.

Shultz and Inoa gave up one run apiece in the third to make the score, 8-6.

Whitehall left the bases loaded in the fourth inning when Inoa forced a strikeout and a ground out.

“I was definitely feeling the pressure, just knowing this team can hit and with me throwing the ball hard, all they have to do is put the bat on the ball and it flies, but I trust my guys behind me and I trust my stuff and the work,” said Inoa. “I noticed they were hitting a lot of fastballs, and they weren’t too good with off speeds, so I was trying to work with that. I kept it cool, knowing I could do better, but I was also relieved I got out of the jam.”

Whitehall loaded the bases again in the bottom of the fifth when Moreta forced a pop out to end the threat.

Logan Shean’s RBI single to right field pulled the Zephyrs within one run, but Moreta struck out the next two batters to end the inning.

“This group has been really special,” said Leskosky. “They’re all believing in the same philosophy and thought process, and we’re seeing the results.”

Whitehall’s loss was its second of the season while Allen recorded its fourth consecutive win.

“Super big win,” said Inoa. “Whitehall is a great program, great players, and their record says it all, so definitely getting this W meant a lot. We kept it steady. Just steady, no matter what the situation is.”