MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montoursville's Michael Reeder lays down a bunt for a single loading the bases in the third inning.

Michael Reeder could have moved up the Montoursville lineup this season. But the left fielder remains content where is.

Reeder has found a home at the No. 9. Setting up shop there so well has made the Montoursville order more dangerous and Reeder has become an expert lineup flipper.

Providing pop down low, Reeder continued his stellar senior season Monday at Bowman Field, going 2 for 3 with a double and three RBIs while helping Montoursville defeat Danville, 7-3, to capture the District 4 Class AAAA championship. The Warriors erased two years of frustration after coming up short in the final both times, avenged last year’s title game loss against Danville and earned a spot against the loser of Friday’s Mid Valley-Crestwood District 2 championship in Monday’s state tournament.

“We talked about bumping him up in the lineup and he asked if he could stay in the 9-hole. He feels comfortable there,” Montoursville coach Jeremy Eck said after winning his eighth district title in 13 years coaching. “He talked about being a second lead-off hitter and that’s basically what he is.”

So much so that Reeder has the same average (.457) as lead-off hitter Royce Bowes. Reeder finished last season strong and picked up where he left off, becoming one of Montoursville’s top producers. Having a player hitting so well in that slot has made life more difficult for pitchers and has provided Montoursville (17-5) an added offensive dimension.

That has shined through in two playoff games. Reeder went 4 for 6 in districts, helping Montoursville outscore Athens and Danville, teams who won 32 combined games, 18-4.

“It feels great,” Reeder said. “I’ve been hitting the ball well, and it really makes me feel really happy.”

Reeder made Montoursville happy Monday, delivering two clutch hits that helped change the game’s complexion. After Danville cut a three-run lead to two, Reeder helped the Warriors immediately respond, slamming a two-run double the next inning which made it, 5-1.

Danville again fought back, closing within 5-3 as it gained momentum and threatened to overcome a multiple-run deficit for a second straight year in the final. Again, Reeder doused that fire and restored Montoursville momentum, scorching an RBI single. Bowes follwed with a sacrifice fly as the bottom and top of the order again combined to make something good happen, putting Montoursville up, 7-3.

Just as impressive as the hits was how Reeder produced them. Both times he fell behind 0-2, but both times stayed disciplined and found a way to drive in the runners.

“It’s huge when you see him get that hit,” Bowes said. “That gives you confidence that you can drive him in. It’s been the same way with Jimmy (Mussina). When they’re down there, good things will come.”

“It’s kind of funny because his first couple swings did not look good at all,” Eck said. “To stick in and battle and look for a pitch that he roped is huge.”

Reeder is 3 for 4 with two walks in his last two district finals. He went 1 for 1 and drew three walks a year ago at Bowman Field when Montoursville dropped a 12-11 heart-breaker. What looked like an end that night really was just a beginning for both Reeder and the team.

Reeder built off his strong finish and has compiled a .594 on-base percentage this season. Reeder has been a model of consistency as well, hitting safely in 16 of his last 17 games and reaching base in all 22. He also has scored 25 runs and added 13 RBIs.

“I don’t think you can script this better at all,” Reeder said. “It’s been great playing with these guys all season.”

Reeder’s older brother Nick left his mark at Montoursville and was part of district champions there in 2019 and 2022. He also has played a vital role in Lycoming baseball making a meteoric rise in its first three years since re-starting the program.

Now it feels like Nick passed the baton and Michael is sprinting forward, leaving his own mark at Montoursville. He now also has helped the Warriors win a district title and build on their storied tradition.

“He’s never been in his shadow, but people joke with him and say, ‘Nick, Nick, Nick,'” Eck said. “Then he gets the opportunity (Monday) to come out here as a senior and to carry his team and he did a great job.”

Reeder was one of several dejected players who sadly walked off the Bowman Field grass a year ago following the gut punch championship loss. He also was one of many who flipped the script and dog piled behind the pitcher’s mound, celebrating Monday’s hard-fought championship which was 367 days in the making.

Moments like those are rare. They only come through hard work, sacrifice and paying the price. Reeder, like this teammates, paid that price since work began last October and it created a memory which will last a lifetime.

“You don’t get this moment every year. I know we have been here every year playing for it, but there are teams who who would kill to get on this field and play for a district championship,” Reeder said. “To be able to win that and capture that gold medal is just great.”