Whitehall’s Jack Lloyd didn’t take long to justify his East Penn Conference (EPC) MVP and First-Team, All-Conference selection as a pitcher,

The senior right-hander scattered six hits and struck out 10 and walked none to lead Whitehall to an 8-2 victory over Northampton in a league quarterfinal game. They will meet Parkland in a semifinal matchup Monday at DeSales University.

Lloyd, who entered the game with an 0.87 ERA in 48.1 innings, was pleased with his outing and his overall performance this season,

“At this point I feel really good about how I’m throwing,” said Lloyd, a Benedictine College recruit. “I think I’ve been getting more comfortable and confident each outing, and today I felt like I had good command overall. My fastball felt strong, and I’ve been able to get a lot more movement on my pitches lately, which has helped me keep hitters off balance.”

Lloyd was helped by Tyler Sanders, who went 4-for-4 with three RBIs, and Seth Hoderewski went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Sanders hit a two-run homer in the fourth that gave Whitehall (15-5) a 6-0 lead.

Hoderewski has noticed a difference in his game since he was moved in the batting order. The Zephyrs have won nine of their last 12 games.

“After struggling in the beginning of the year it’s a good feeling starting to warm up again. Ever since I got moved to the three-hole from the four-hole, I have felt great. I got a great lineup to help me out. It helps when Tyler Sanders and Donato Brigidi start off the game hot in the one- and two-hole.”

Lloyd also cited a change in the last month.

“As a team, I think the biggest difference since the middle of April has been our confidence and approach at the plate,” stated Lloyd. “Everyone is contributing, we’re putting together quality at-bats, and we’ve been doing a much better job of capitalizing with runners on base.”

Northampton manager Mick Sugra was certainly impressed with Lloyd.

“The league MVP threw a great game,” said Sugra. “We had six hits and two runs off him and played a clean game defensively.

“But it’s hard to get something going against a kid who doesn’t give you many opportunities to stack hits together. Tip your hat to them. They capitalized and scored runs in all six innings.”

Lloyd likes the club’s current chemistry.

“I also think the chemistry and energy around the team has continued to improve. I definitely think we’re starting to peak at the right time. We’re playing with a lot of momentum right now and guys are really settling into their roles as we head toward the most important part of the season.”

Hoderewski, also a senior, agrees with his pitcher.

“This team is like no other,” beamed Hoderewski. “ We are enjoying every second of the journey of a championship. We bond through baseball and outside baseball. The boys are putting up a great season and feel we are at our hottest point in the season. We are ready for these next league games and districts.”