Rider Recruit Throws 1-Hitter in State Semis

Future Bronc Leads CRS to PA Title Game

HERSHEY, PA--Brian Donnelly of Churchville, PA, a recent graduate of Council Rock South High School, pitched a one-hit shutout on Monday, June 11, to lead his squad to a 4-0 victory over Altoona in the PIAA Quad-A semifinals.

Donnelly, who also threw a complete-game states-opening win over Frankford, signed a national letter of intent in November to further his education and baseball career at Rider.

Controlling the Altoona game with his fastball, Donnelly did not walk a batter in the seven-inning game, striking out four.

His sacrifice bunt in the first inning led to a 3-0 early lead for Council Rock South.

A centerfielder as well as a pitcher, the all-around athlete was also his conference (SOL National) Player of Year in football as a quarterback, also leading that team to the State playoffs.

The Lower Bucks County Baseball Player of Year this season, Donnelly and his teammates will play La Salle, in the State Finals at Penn State University Friday afternoon.

Donnelly is joined by James Locklear of Hamilton, NJ (Steinert High School), Lee Lipinski of Glen Arm, MD, (Calvert Hall) and Vincenzo Aiello of Staten Island, NY (Tottenville High School), as freshmen on the 2013 Rider squad.

"There are two common denominators with this recruiting class," said Rider head coach Barry Davis.  "They all have size and each plays in a quality high school program that not only wins games, but wins championships.  It is very important to add players to your program that are accustomed to winning.  We did that. Donnelly brings athleticism to our outfield.  He was a two sport star in high school and I believe once he makes a full commitment to baseball, the ceiling is high."

-ru-