Nathan Junk wasn't at his best Friday, but the Knoch sophomore took a big step in establishing himself as one of the Knights' top pitchers.

Junk walked six batters and scattered seven hits, but he kept Hampton from taking advantage of the opportunities as the Knights posted a 4-2 Section 1-AAA victory at Pullman Park.

"He definitely showed some maturity (Friday)," said Knoch coach Curt Schnur. "He did get in some tight situations. He did not have his best stuff, but he did well to get out of it."

Hampton went four consecutive innings in which it stranded two runners, but the Talbots plated their two runs in the fourth inning.

"We hit the ball hard at them," said Hampton coach Gary Wilson. "They made some good plays and their third baseman (Zane Voltz) made some great plays.

"The bottom line is it's not like (Knoch) pounded the ball. (Hampton pitcher) Joey (Paerio) did a great job. Both pitchers are sophomores and both did a nice job," Wilson added.

Knoch took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when, with the bases loaded an one out, Robert Zanella grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Sam Stone.

Knoch increased its lead to 3-0 in the third inning when Dale Gallo hit an opposite-field two-run single down the first-base line that scored Stone and Andrew Wirtz, who opened the inning with back-to-back singles.

From the second through fourth innings, the Talbots had two outs and no one on, but were able to get the next two runners on base. In the second and third innings, Darryl Robinson and Andrew Bly, respectively, grounded out to Voltz at third base.

In the fourth inning, however, the Talbots broke through when Junk walked Jason Moffitt and Robinson, then John Runco slapped a hard grounder off the glove of a diving Voltz to plate Hampton's first run.

Brett Williams followed with an RBI single to make it a 3-2 contest and put runners at first and third. Junk, though, induced Scott Brady to ground out to end the threat.

In the fifth inning, Hampton put its first two hitters on base, but couldn't tie the game. Junk fanned Tyler Smelko, then retired Sam Bickford and Moffitt on ground balls, the latter thanks to an outstretched Stone at first base.

Knoch stranded a pair of runners at second and third base after two outs in the fifth inning, but tacked on an important insurance run in the sixth inning.

Brady opened the Talbots' seventh inning with a walk, then on a 1-2 count, Frank Paerio believed he was hit by a pitch and was heading to first base.

The umpire ruled he did not attempt to avoid the ball and Paerio returned to the plate. Two pitches later, he grounded into a double play, started by another strong play by Voltz at third base. Bly then popped out to end the game.

"This game started our second half and any win in this section is a big win," said Schnur. "Hopefully, that carries on. We're getting better and better every game and you like to see that as a coach."

Hampton 000 200 0 2 7 4Knoch 102 001 x 4 7 0W: Nathan Junk (7 IP) 2 K, 6 BB.

L: Joey Paerio (6 IP) 3 K, 3 BB.

Hampton (4-7, 2-5): Brett Williams RBI 1B; Scott Brady 1B; Frank Paerio 2-1B; Sam Bickford 2-1B, John Runco 1B, RBI;

Knoch (6-7, 5-2): Sam Stone 2-1B; Andrew Wirtz 2-1B; Dale Gallo 1B, 2 RBI; Robert Zanella RBI; Jeff Kolish 2B; Nathan Junk 1B, RBI

Monday: Knoch at Ambridge