On Thursday, May 1, 2025, the Stroudsburg Boys’ baseball team delivered a commanding 16-1 victory over the Pocono Mountain West Panthers in a game that ended after just three innings, thanks to a 12-hit performance by the Mounties. The blowout win capped off an emotional and celebratory Senior Night, as the team honored seven of its outstanding, hard-working seniors.
With the win, Stroudsburg improves to 12-5 and maintains its top spot in the Eastern Penn Mountain Conference.
The evening began with a heartfelt tribute to the Mountaineers’ seven seniors: Alex Pacitti, Paul Maccarrone, Scott Diaz, Gavin Bunn, John Gizzo, Anthony Knight, and Connor Litts. These dedicated athletes have given their all throughout the season and are now preparing to close out their high school careers.
Once the game began, the Mounties wasted no time putting on a show.
They brought the sticks—and the fireworks:
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Alex Pacitti went 1-for-2 with 2 runs scored.
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Ryan Pacitti, ’27, had a breakout performance, going 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI.
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Anthony Knight flexed his power at the plate, going 1-for-2 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBIs.
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Damian Budhai, ’27, showed off his speed and contact, going 2-for-3 with an RBI.
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Connor Litts was perfect at the plate, going 2-for-2 with 3 runs scored.
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Will Ferguson, ’26, contributed a clean 1-for-1 line with a run and 2 RBIs.
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Paul Maccarrone flashed his speed and bat, going 1-for-2 with 3 runs and 2 RBIs.
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Scott Diaz mashed a double and went 1-for-2 with 3 RBIs.
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John Gizzo joined the hit parade, going 1-for-1 with a run and 2 RBIs.
On the mound, Damian Budhai was electric. He tossed a complete three-inning game, allowing only three hits and one run, finishing with a 2.33 ERA. The performance earned him his fifth win of the season—and the seventh of his career—all while still just a sophomore.
Ryan Pacitti reflected, “It felt great, and I’m glad I took advantage of this opportunity. Nights like this don’t come often, and I’m so proud of our seniors.” Although it wasn’t his own Senior Night, the moment held special meaning as his older brother, Alex, was among those honored.
Next up, the Mounties look to carry this momentum into a key match-up against the Pleasant Valley Bears (6-12) on Monday, May 5. The Bears will no doubt be hungry for redemption after falling to Stroudsburg 9-5 on April 1. Stroudsburg will wrap up the season after that with one on the road and one at home next week. With wins to end the season, they would accomplish their best record since the 2018-19 season.
