At this age, one error can often be enough to open the flood gates, and that became the team’s reality on Thursday. Seven errors, 11 surrendered hits and Lehigh’s quick re-establishment on defense were the driving factors in its opponent putting up 11 unanswered runs, as Lehigh remained on the winner’s side with an 11-2 victory.

After starting the state tournament 2-0 with two decisive wins, Bellefonte will now have to win three games in three days to take home a state title and advance to regionals, including two against Lehigh. That path begins on Friday, where the team is set to face Upper Providence in the consolation final.

“It’s just an off night for us. When you have 6-7 errors, it’s tough to come back against a team like these guys,” said Bellefonte manager Ronald Tressler on the loss. “That was one of our rougher games defensively. We’re normally pretty crisp. Props to (Lehigh) for making plays.”

In terms of setting the tone, Bellefonte kicked things off as it had in its prior two games, impacting the scoreboard in the first inning while keeping its opponents off the board.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bellefonte right fielder Austin Blasi during the state tournament winner's final against Lehigh on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Freedom Park's Theory Field in Drums. Lehigh won 11-2.

A leadoff single from first baseman Rylan Shivery and ensuing 3-2 walk from third baseman Tre Terza were each converted into runs, with both stealing home on a wild pitch. And though Lehigh established its own offense, Bellefonte thwarted a similar steal at home before right fielder Austin Blasi made his first of two diving catches to cap the inning.

But Lehigh’s starting pitcher, Harrison Cser, quickly bounced back and defensively, the cracks quickly began to show. A leadoff hit and Bellefonte’s first error put the team in an early hole in the second, an inning which seemed to get in their heads despite a quick bounce back.

And when a similar starting sequence occurred in the third, the dam ruptured.

One third-inning error became four which – coupled with a leadoff walk and two-out RBI single – helped Lehigh net five runs, three coming with two outs on the board. With momentum on its side, Lehigh’s bats increased their efficiency in the fourth, as four hits in its first five at-bats – including a two-RBI triple – upped its lead to 9-2 through four.

Bellefonte kept fighting till the end. But with Lehigh adding two insurance runs in the fifth, its defense remaining firm and the frustration never truly going away, it proved to be in vain.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express The Bellefonte 8-10 baseball hangs out in the dugout during the state tournament winner's final against Lehigh on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Freedom Park's Theory Field in Drums. Lehigh won 11-2.

“The biggest thing was really just the little things. That’s what really hurt us today,” said Tressler on the errors. “We grinded for the most part. We had some good pitching. It was just one of those games where the errors and only having three hits (hurt us).”

It’s a tough setback given what the team will now have to overcome to make up the difference and it ending the team’s five-game win streak leading up to Thursday. But though the upcoming path is challenging, Bellefonte has been here before.

In sectionals just over a week ago, it responded to a loss in winner’s finals with three wins in two days, including two against Hollidaysburg. The stage is similarly set here, and they’re confident they can pull off another resurgence.

“Super proud of the kids. This was just one of those games you want to forget about,” said Tressler. “It’s nothing to hang our heads over. That wasn’t Bellefonte. It isn’t the way we play, and I’m confident we’ll be back. We’re gonna have a rematch against (Lehigh).”

In a pursuit of another resurgence, the path starts with another tough opponent in Upper Providence, a team coming off an 18-2 win over Mount Pleasant. That game is set for 6 p.m. at Freedom Park’s Theory Field in Drums.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bellefonte starting pitcher Bryson Tressler prepares to pitch during the PA 8-10 state tournament winner's final against Lehigh on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Freedom Park's Theory Field in Drums. Lehigh won 11-2.

“They’ve got good pitching, hit the ball pretty well today,” said Tressler on Upper Providence. “It’s gonna be a good game. If we play like we’ve been, play defense and put the ball in play, we should be alright.”

PA 8-10 BASEBALL STATE TOURNAMENT

Lehigh 11, Bellefonte 2

Bellefonte 200 000 – 2 3 8

Lehigh 005 42X – 11 10 1

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bellefonte's Tre Terza reacts after getting called safe at first during the state tournament winner's final against Lehigh on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Freedom Park's Theory Field in Drums. Lehigh won 11-2.

Bryson Tressler, Oliver St. Amant (4), Austin Blasi (5) and Tanner Cain and Caroline Albright. Harrison Cser, RJ Rivera (5) and Hunter Roth. W – Cser. L – Tressler.

Top Bellefonte hitters: Rylan Shivery 1-3, run; Tanner Cain 1-2, 2B; Tre Terza 1-2, BB; Kobie Urbanik run. Top Lehigh hitters: Harrison Cser 3-3, RBI, run; Colin Kelly 2-3, 2B, run; Pierce Steiner 1-2, 3B, 2 RBIs, 2 runs; Levi Chacko 1-2, 3 RBIs.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bellefonte catcher Tanner Cain throws it back to his pitcher after tagging a runner out at home during the state tournament winner's final against Lehigh on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Freedom Park's Theory Field in Drums. Lehigh won 11-2.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bellefonte manager Ronald Tressler talks to his players during the PA 8-10 state tournament winner's final against Lehigh on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Freedom Park's Theory Field in Drums. Lehigh won 11-2.

TIM WEIGHT/For the Express A Bellefonte player looks to make a play during the state tournament winner's final against Lehigh on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Freedom Park's Theory Field in Drums. Lehigh won 11-2.