MOUNT EPHRAIM NJ–Richie Bonczak, of Mount Ephraim, took first place at the Regional Finals of the Phillies Home Run Derby Competition Friday night at his home field in Mount Ephraim. Richie put on a stellar hitting performance earning 42 of 50 possible points leaving the competition in his shadow.

Richie will move on to compete in the Championship Round at Citizen’s Bank Park on August 30, 2009 before the Philadelphia Phillies play the Atlanta Braves. There will be tickets available to join Richie and his family on this day. Please check the Mount Ephraim Little League Website this week if you’re interested in cheering Richie on and staying for the ballgame. ( As of today the game is scheduled for 1:35PM day game and the promotional giveaway is a Phillies backpack. However, there was a disclaimer that this game may become the Sunday Night ESPN Game of the Week and be changed to 8:05PM start time