High schools: John Stark baseball advances to final four, Franklin softball falls in quarters

John Stark teammates celebrate Joey Dykstra’s home run during a game on April 30. The Generals defeated Oyster River, 10-4, on Saturday to advance to the Division II semifinals.

John Stark teammates celebrate Joey Dykstra’s home run during a game on April 30. The Generals defeated Oyster River, 10-4, on Saturday to advance to the Division II semifinals. GEOFF FORESTER / Monitor staff

Published: 06-08-2025 2:09 AM

D-II Baseball

No. 2 John Stark 10, No. 7 Oyster River 4

Key players: John Stark – Chase Philibotte (WP, 5.1 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 7 K; 2-for-3, 3 runs, SB), Aiden Harris (3-run HR, 2 walks, 3 runs), Joey Dykstra (2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 runs, SB), Aidan Williams (2-for-4, 4 RBI, triple, double), Ben LaBrecque (2-for-3, double, run)

Highlights: Williams had an RBI double in the first inning and a three-run triple in the second to give the Generals a 5-1 lead. Oyster River scored three runs in the sixth inning to cut Stark’s lead to 6-4, but Harris blasted a three-run homer over Franklin Pierce University’s left center field fence in the bottom half of the frame to secure John Stark’s victory. The Generals will play in the first Division II semifinal on Wednesday at Memorial Field at 4 p.m.

Coach’s quote: “Boys played very well tonight. Was great to get some excellent reps in practice this week to rejuvenate our offense, and we got great pitching once again from Chase. Excited to get back to the semifinals.” – John Stark’s Dennis Pelletier

Records: John Stark 16-2; Oyster River 12-7

D-IV Softball

No. 2 Pittsburg-Canaan 4, No. 7 Franklin 0

Highlights: The Golden Tornadoes trailed 3-0 through three innings. They locked down defensively over the second half of the game, but couldn’t muster any offense, ending their season in the Division IV quarterfinals.

Records: P-C 15-2; Franklin 12-6

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