Connor Tirney leads Honesdale baseball late season playoff push

“I’m really seeing the ball well,” Tirney said. “I’ve been able to hit it all around the field, and I’ve increased my power. But I think the most important things is that I’m being much more disciplined.”

Manager Ernie Griffis agrees.

“Connor definitely got a lot stronger during the off-season,” the veteran skipper said. “He’s worked very hard with coach (Adam) Kelly and really sharpened his approach at the plate.”

Tirney is a multi-sport standout who also excels on the basketball court. He’s an honor roll student whose blue-collar work ethic covers both the classroom and the baseball diamond.

“I love Connor’s demeanor,” Griffis said. “He understands that failure is part of the game. Connor is a smart player who never gets too high or too low on the field.”

Senior shortstop Connor Tirney anchors the Honessdale infield during Lackawanna League baseball action May 7, 2026 at the Daniel J O'Neill Sports Complex.

Tirney also makes key contributions on the mound. A hard-throwing righty who features a lively fastball and an effective array of breaking pitches, Tirney works exclusively in relief for the Hornets.

Over the course of six appearances so far this season, he’s pitched 13.1 innings and earned a pair of saves. His ERA currently sits at a respectable 4.09, and he’s racked up 15 strikeouts.

“My go-to pitch has to be my curve,” Tirney said. “My approach on the mound depends on the hitter and the situation, but I try to get ahead early. I like to fill up the zone on the outer part of the plate as it induces more weak contact and lazy fly balls.”

Key win at home

Honesdale’s latest victory came May 7 at home versus longtime local rival Western Wayne.

The two teams took fans on a wild journey in this one, scoring early and often in a game that featured clutch hits and Gold Glove defense. In the end, the Hornets rallied for a 12-8 victory.

Honesdale's infield defense looks to snuff out a Western Wayne rally during Lackawanna League baseball action May 7, 2026 at the Daniel J O'Neill Sports Complex.

“This was a much needed win,” Griffis said. “It was nice to have guys on-base so we could play some small ball and produce runs the old-fashioned way. If we can execute more often the way we did today, we’ll be a dangerous team in the playoffs.”

Tirney was once again right in the middle of every Honesdale rally. Batting in the lead-off spot, he reached base four times via a single and three walks while also scoring a run.

Gino Patrisso powered the Hornet offense. The standout freshman catcher went 2-for-4 with a single, double and three RBIs.

Reese Dennis also enjoyed a big day at the dish, ripping an RBI triple, scoring three times and driving in two. Jake Fine and Levi Martin each contributed a pair of RBIs to the Hornet cause.

Brody Patrisso earned the pitching decision. The senior righty worked five innings and recorded four strikeouts. Crafty southpaw Sam Tirney closed things out by notching two scoreless relief frames.

“We’re all willing to put in the hours and willing to do what is best for the team,” Tirney said. “We have really good chemistry. I definitely think we have a great group of guys who all want to succeed and make it far in playoffs.”

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Lackawanna League Baseball Honesdale versus Western Wayne Connor Tirney