West Hartford’s Hall High School baseball team won its third game in a row, beating Simsbury 12-2.

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Max Hanawalt pulls into third after a 2-RBI triple. Hall vs. Simsbury. April 16, 2025. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

By Paul Palmer

Grant Davidson struck out six in six innings, and Max Hanawalt went 3-for-4 and missed the cycle by a home run as the Titans improved to 4-2 with a 12-2, six-inning win over Simsbury on Wednesday.

Davidson worked out of a jam in the fourth and fifth innings by striking out the last two batters in the fourth with runners at first and third, and in the fifth, getting a fly-out and two strikeouts  after giving up a leadoff double. “This is only his second start ever at varsity level,” said Hall head coach Nick Sanford. “

On the offensive side, Hanawalt drove in three and hit a single, double, and triple in four at-bats. Tommy Hussey also had a big day at the plate with two singles and a double that drove in four runs. Hussey also scored the games first run in the bottom of the first after he singled, moved up on a passed ball, and came in to score on a Matt Panarella single.

Tommy Hussey scores on a Josh Gertner single for Hall. Hall vs. Simsbury. April 16, 2025. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Simsbury took the lead back in the top of the second after Ben Keller singled and Brodie Busam doubled to get runners on second and third. The next two batters both hit RBI fly balls to right field to bring them in.

Burke Reynolds scores as part of a three-run second inning for Hall. Hall vs. Simsbury. April 16, 2025. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

In the bottom of the second, the Titans used small ball and Simsbury miscues to plate three runners and take a lead they never relinquished. Hanawalt led off with a bunt single and was followed by a Burke Reynolds walk. After an error loaded thee bases, Louis Sauer worked the walk to force in a run. Tyler Redden and Calvin Cianflone followed with sac flies that drove in two more and it was 4-2 Hall after two.

Tyler Redden steals second and moves onto third on an error. Hall vs. Simsbury. April 16, 2025. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

“We knew we had to be small ball team this year,” said Sanford. “We lost a lot of power hitters from last year.”

Hall broke things open in the bottom of the fourth, again using clutch hitting and taking advantage of their opportunities. Redden led off the inning and was hit by a pitch. He stole second, moved to third on an error and came in to score on a Hussey single. Panarella then walked and Josh Gertner singled in the third run of the inning.

Davidson gave up his sixth and final base hit in the top of the fifth, but used his final two strikeouts to end the inning. “We talked with him about pitch sequences and relied on his curve,” said Sanford. “Grant kept us in the game.”

Pitcher Grant Davidson lets out a shout after striking out the last two batters in the firth inning. Hall vs. Simsbury. April 16, 2025. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

The Titans entered the bottom of the sixth knowing that if they could plate five runs, they would end the game by having a 10-run lead at that point – and that is just what they did. Sauer and Redden each reached base, and then Cianflone was hit in the foot to load the bases. Gertner then laced a two run double just inside third base to score two. Then, with two outs, it was Hanawalt delivering a triple to drive in two more, leaving Hall one shy of the game-ending win.

Reynolds followed with an RBI single to right field to end things and move Hall to 4-2 on the season.

Burke Reynolds makes contact for the Titans. Hall vs. Simsbury. April 16, 2025. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

Game Note:

Hall is at Conard on Thursday at 4 p.m. in the annual First Responders Game. Hall wears blue in honor of the WHPD, Conard red in honor of the WHFD. Member of both the police and fire departments also put on a cookout – something the players look forward to win or lose.

Max Hanawalt makes the throw to first. Hall vs. Simsbury. April 16, 2025. Photo credit: Paul Palmer

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