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Patriots Storm Past Irish Devils, 15-2
By Northeast PA Patriots Staff, PLAINS, Pa. | August 1, 2026 The Northeast PA Patriots continued to build momentum in their inaugural season Saturday evening, defeating the Irish Devils by a commanding 15-2 final score at John L. Mosko Hilldale Memorial Ball Park. Making his Patriots debut, right-hander #34 Dilan Veras delivered an impressive first performance in a Patriots uniform. Veras set the tone early, keeping the Irish Devils off balance while the Patriots' offense steadily built momentum before erupting for a nine-run fifth inning. The Patriots struck first in the opening frame as #27 Joseph Bruno crossed the plate to make it 1-0. After holding the Devils scoreless in the bottom half, the Patriots added another run in the second when #7 Wencell Soriano came around to score, extending the lead to 2-0. The Irish Devils answered in the bottom of the third, plating two runs to tie the game at 2-2. One run scored conventionally before the second crossed the plate on an aggressive steal of home during a bunt play. The deadlock didn't last long. In the top of the fourth, #1 Vincenzo Iacavazzi crossed the plate to restore the Patriots' lead at 3-2, and the defense immediately answered by retiring the Devils in order. The game turned decisively in the fifth inning. The Patriots erupted for nine runs, turning a one-run contest into a commanding 12-2 advantage. The relentless offensive pressure overwhelmed the Devils and broke the game wide open. During the bottom of the fifth inning, play was briefly interrupted when the home plate umpire was forced to leave the game due to a heat-related illness. In a display of outstanding sportsmanship, a member of the Irish Devils suited up behind the plate to finish calling balls and strikes, allowing the game to continue safely. In his first appearance with the Patriots, Veras continued to shine after play resumed, recording all three outs himself in the fifth inning by fielding two sharply hit comeback line drives before finishing the inning with an infield pop-up. After a scoreless sixth inning for the Patriots, #45 Jose Valdez took over on the mound and immediately showcased his dominance. The veteran right-hander struck out the side in his first inning of work and proceeded to close out the game without allowing another run. The Patriots added another run in the seventh as #19 Hector Bautista crossed the plate, while the defense continued to shut down the Devils' offense. One of the game's defensive highlights came in the eighth inning as Bruno charged the runner and laid out for a diving tag to erase an attempted steal of third, bringing the inning to a close and preserving another scoreless frame. The Patriots tacked on two more runs in the ninth before Valdez slammed the door, securing a convincing 15-2 victory. The win moves the Northeast PA Patriots to 2-0 in the club's inaugural season as the veteran-founded independent professional baseball organization continues building momentum across Northeast Pennsylvania. The Northeast PA Patriots would also like to thank the Irish Devils organization, its players, coaches, and volunteers for their hospitality and sportsmanship throughout the afternoon. The club also extends its appreciation to the volunteer who stepped in behind the plate following the umpire's heat-related illness, helping ensure the game could be completed safely. Final Score Northeast PA Patriots: 15 Irish Devils: 2
Patriots Hit the Road for First Away Game in Club History
07/25/2026 By Northeast PA Patriots Staff The Northeast PA Patriots will take another step in franchise history on Saturday, August 1, as the club travels to face the Irish Devils (WVABA) in the first road game in organization history. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at John L. Mosko Hilldale Memorial Ball Park in Plains, Pennsylvania. The Patriots enter the contest following the first victory in franchise history, defeating the Brown Initiative BassRunnerz 5-2 in their inaugural game on July 17. The win marked the beginning of the club's inaugural independent professional baseball season and gave the Patriots a 1-0 record. Saturday's matchup presents another opportunity for the Patriots to continue building the foundation of the organization while competing against a familiar regional opponent. The Irish Devils, members of the Wyoming Valley Adult Baseball Association (WVABA), approached the Patriots seeking the matchup, adding another chapter to the club's inaugural season. Fans attending the game will have another opportunity to see a Patriots roster featuring a blend of experienced professionals, collegiate standouts, and emerging talent from across the United States and abroad. "Every opportunity to take the field is another opportunity to grow as a ballclub," said Andrew Mahler, Founder and President of the Northeast PA Patriots. "The Irish Devils reached out to us looking for a competitive game, and we're excited for the opportunity. We're continuing to build our identity as an organization, and every game helps us move one step closer to where we want to be." While the game will be played on the "road", the Patriots look forward to returning "home" later in August as they continue representing Northeastern Pennsylvania both on and off the field. Game Information Matchup: Northeast PA Patriots at Irish Devils (WVABA) Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026 First Pitch: 5:00 p.m. Location: John L. Mosko Hilldale Memorial Ball Park Plains, Pennsylvania Admission: $5.00 Cash or Venmo Current Record: Northeast PA Patriots (1-0)
Former Major League Pitcher José Valdez Joins Northeast PA Patriots
07/20/2026 SCRANTON, Pa. – The Northeast PA Patriots have signed former Major League pitcher José Valdez for the club's inaugural 2026 season. Valdez, a right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic, brings more than a decade of professional baseball experience to Northeast Pennsylvania. He made his Major League debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2015 and later pitched for the Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants. His professional career also includes time in the Dominican Winter League, the Mexican League, and Taiwan's Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL). Founded in 2026, the Northeast PA Patriots are an independent professional baseball organization dedicated to providing talented players with opportunities to continue competing while bringing affordable, community-focused baseball to Northeast Pennsylvania. The club opened its inaugural season with a 5-2 victory over the Brown Initiative BassRunnerz at Penn State Scranton, marking the first win in franchise history. "We're thrilled to welcome José to the Patriots," said Andrew Mahler, Founder and President of the Northeast PA Patriots. "José has competed at every level of professional baseball, from Major League Baseball to some of the most competitive international leagues in the world. That experience is invaluable, and we're excited to welcome him to the Patriots. Beyond what he brings on the field, José sets an example through his professionalism and preparation. That's exactly the kind of player we want representing our organization." Valdez becomes one of the most accomplished players to join the Patriots during the club's inaugural season, adding veteran leadership and experience to a roster that continues to grow ahead of the organization's first year of competition. "The signing of José is an important milestone for our organization," Mahler said. "As we continue building the Patriots, we're committed to assembling a competitive club while creating opportunities for players and providing fans throughout Northeast Pennsylvania with quality independent professional baseball." ​
Patriots Win Historic Inaugural Game, 5-2
07/17/2026 By Northeast PA Patriots Staff SCRANTON, Pa. – The Northeast PA Patriots made history Friday evening, defeating the Brown Initiative BassRunnerz 5-2 in the first game in franchise history at Matt McGloin Field at Penn State Scranton. The Patriots wasted little time making their mark, plating the first run in club history in the bottom of the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead. The BassRunnerz answered with a run in the second to even the score, but the Patriots remained composed as right-hander Nicholas Notari kept the visitors in check through the middle innings. With the game tied, the Patriots' offense broke through with a four-run rally, providing the separation needed to secure the organization's first victory. Former Major League pitcher Jose Valdez took the mound late, closing out the game as fading daylight brought the contest to an early conclusion. The victory marks the first in Northeast PA Patriots history and the beginning of the club's inaugural season as an independent professional baseball organization. Several Patriots etched their names into the franchise record book during the historic evening: *Nicholas Notari threw the first pitch in franchise history. *Joseph Bruno recorded the first hit in Patriots history and became the first Patriot to steal a base. *Carl Zenker Jr. became both the first and second player in franchise history to reach base after being hit by a pitch. *Jose Valdez earned the first save in club history.​ The Patriots improved to 1-0 all-time with the 5-2 victory. The Patriots return to action on Saturday, August 1, traveling to face the Irish Devils (WVABA) at John L. Mosko Hilldale Memorial Ball Park in Plains, PA. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.