It’s become an annual criticism concerning the WPIAL baseball playoffs. Teams which receive a first-round bye can throw their top pitcher throughout the postseason tournament, assuming weather cooperates and games remain on schedule.
Two aces – California’s T.D. Conway and Bentworth’s Tyler Delval – displayed their considerable talents and swing-stopping curveballs during the Trojans’ 2-1 win in the Class A semifinals late Monday night at Washington & Jefferson College’s Ross Memorial Park.
It’s doubtful anyone in the overflow crowd complained after Conway and Delval each turned in masterful nine-inning performances as California defeated Bentworth’s for the third consecutive year in the playoffs.
“A lot of people out there say this No. 1 pitcher versus No. 1 pitcher isn’t a good thing,” California head coach Don Hartman said following the game. “If you’re a fan who loves baseball, you couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Conway and Delval, who both took advantage of a wide strike zone by throwing nearly as many off-speed pitches as fastballs, were nothing short of brilliant.
Delval allowed one baserunner on a Sean Cotton single with one out in the fifth through seven innings. He allowed just three hits, struck out 13 and walked one.
I feel very badly for him because he obviously did an outstanding job and he’s taking it hard,” Bentworth coach Dion Jansante said. “Without him, we wouldn’t have been in this game. I hope he realizes that.”
For at least seven innings, Delval might have outdueled Conway, if that’s actually possible. Then again, the Trojans’ ace deserves a little slack. Just hours before California arrived, Conway was leaving Mon Valley Hospital following an overnight stay for a 24-hour flu bug.
“I came straight from the hospital to the game,” said Conway, who struck out 14 and allowed five hits. “I made it habit to want to pitch in this game. I couldn’t let the team down.”
He responded with the finest performance of his season, which is saying something considering Conway upped his record to 13-0.
Conway now gets a week to recuperate before California (19-0) plays top-seeded Neshannock (20-2) in the WPIAL Class A championship, May 30 at Consol Energy Park. The game is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m.
But even a chance to help win California’s first WPIAL title since 2006 and Hartman’s third as a head coach, didn’t dampen appreciation for Bentworth (17-2).
“(Delval) pitched an outstanding team. Bentworth is a very, very good team. Look at how long that game was 0-0. That doesn’t happen very often,” Conway said. “I feel like we were the two best teams played each other.”
The Bearcats can qualify for their first trip to the PIAA playoffs by beating OLSH (16-6) in the third-place consolation game, which will be played May 30 at 4 p.m. at Ross Memorial Park.
And, naturally, Delval will pitch for Bentworth.
“Playing in the state playoffs is one of our goals we set before the season,” Jansante said. “I’ve never had a chance to play a June game and I asked the team if they wouldn’t mind helping me out. This is a talented group, and they don’t want to see it end.”
Showing posts with label WPIAL baseball playoffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WPIAL baseball playoffs. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Varsity notebook
Two intriguing names have emerged as Trinity searches for its next girls basketball coach - Bob Miles and Laura Montecalvo.
At least two sources have indicated Miles is interested and the feeling should be mutual. It makes sense. Miles teaches at Trinity and he built Fort Cherry into a program which contended for WPIAL and PIAA titles. Plus, his work has earned respect at a state-wide level as evidenced by his selection as the Class A Coach of the Year in 2011. Miles is a three-time winner of the Tri-County Athletic Director Coaches Association Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. His teams are known for unselfish, disciplined and physical play.
Fort Cherry is moving to Class AA for at least the next two seasons and was placed in a section with Seton-La Salle and Bishop Canevin. The Rangers will still be a solid team the next two years, but there is a reported drop-off in talent after the sophomore class graduates.
If Miles, who lives in the Fort Cherry district, remains interested, consider him the top candidate.
Montecalvo was a standout athlete while at Wash High and has strong interest in becoming a head coach. She is also certified as a guidance counselor, and Trinity may have an opening in guidance for the upcoming school year.
* It's late May and, finally, every local high school has a varsity football coach. Bentworth, Burgettstown, Charleroi, Jefferson-Morgan, McGuffey, Trinity and Waynesburg all enter the 2012 with new coaches.
Bentworth and Charleroi moved quickly with their hires. McGuffey and Waynesburg made splash hires. Trinity conducted an extensive search. Burgettstown moved extremely quick with an in-house candidate in Terry Havelka, also the Blue Devils wrestling coach, following Matt Taylor's departure to Keystone Oaks. Jefferson-Morgan's search was extraordinarily long, the longest I can remember at the high school level.
* The WPIAL individual track championships are today, and the Washington-Greene region should produce a strong share of gold medalists. It's been a strong year for track.
* Speaking of track, the Washington boys team has a legitimate chance to win the Class AA team title at the state meet next weekend.
The Prexies, who turned in one of the most dominant dual meet seasons in WPIAL history, have everything needed to win a state title.
Dustin Fuller has the ability to win multiple individual championships. The 400 and 1,600 relay teams should medal. Other individual medals could come from a long list of athletes including Josh Wise, Darius Spinks, Shai McKenzie, West Jones, Austin Fuller and Joe Phillips. It's a special group.
* McKenzie's showing this track season is solidifying his status as a Division I football prospect. Only a sophomore, McKenzie is running sub-11 seconds in the 100-meter dash and is hearing from a host of Division I football programs from the Big Ten, Big East and ACC.
McKenzie and Monessen's Justice Rawlins are already two of the WPIAL's most sought-after prospects in the Class of 2014. Rawlins already has offers from Pitt and Rutgers, with WVU showing significant interest.
* Got to agree with Mike White from the Post-Gazette, who stated the WPIAL baseball playoffs need tweaked on his blog, Varsity Blog.
The brackets are set so teams with first-round byes can pitch their ace throughout the remainder of the playoffs beginning in the quarterfinals. It takes a lot of intrigue away from the postseason. And cramming the quarterfinals games one day after the first-round games pretty much eliminated any chance for upsets.
* That stated, the WPIAL Class A baseball semifinal between undefeated California and one-loss Bentworth has to be the most anticipated postseason game between a pair of local teams since Peters Township and Canon-McMillan met in the 2008 PIAA Class AAAA quarterfinals.
The two teams play Monday night at Washington & Jefferson's Ross Memorial Park. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
* Chartiers-Houston baseball was woefully underseeded. The Bucs were far better than No. 9 in Class A.
* Peters Township junior Olivia Roberson is already a two-time PIAA champion as a key member of the Indians' girls soccer team. An all-state player her junior year, Roberson recently accepted a scholarship offer from Duquesne University.
At least two sources have indicated Miles is interested and the feeling should be mutual. It makes sense. Miles teaches at Trinity and he built Fort Cherry into a program which contended for WPIAL and PIAA titles. Plus, his work has earned respect at a state-wide level as evidenced by his selection as the Class A Coach of the Year in 2011. Miles is a three-time winner of the Tri-County Athletic Director Coaches Association Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. His teams are known for unselfish, disciplined and physical play.
Fort Cherry is moving to Class AA for at least the next two seasons and was placed in a section with Seton-La Salle and Bishop Canevin. The Rangers will still be a solid team the next two years, but there is a reported drop-off in talent after the sophomore class graduates.
If Miles, who lives in the Fort Cherry district, remains interested, consider him the top candidate.
Montecalvo was a standout athlete while at Wash High and has strong interest in becoming a head coach. She is also certified as a guidance counselor, and Trinity may have an opening in guidance for the upcoming school year.
* It's late May and, finally, every local high school has a varsity football coach. Bentworth, Burgettstown, Charleroi, Jefferson-Morgan, McGuffey, Trinity and Waynesburg all enter the 2012 with new coaches.
Bentworth and Charleroi moved quickly with their hires. McGuffey and Waynesburg made splash hires. Trinity conducted an extensive search. Burgettstown moved extremely quick with an in-house candidate in Terry Havelka, also the Blue Devils wrestling coach, following Matt Taylor's departure to Keystone Oaks. Jefferson-Morgan's search was extraordinarily long, the longest I can remember at the high school level.
* The WPIAL individual track championships are today, and the Washington-Greene region should produce a strong share of gold medalists. It's been a strong year for track.
* Speaking of track, the Washington boys team has a legitimate chance to win the Class AA team title at the state meet next weekend.
The Prexies, who turned in one of the most dominant dual meet seasons in WPIAL history, have everything needed to win a state title.
Dustin Fuller has the ability to win multiple individual championships. The 400 and 1,600 relay teams should medal. Other individual medals could come from a long list of athletes including Josh Wise, Darius Spinks, Shai McKenzie, West Jones, Austin Fuller and Joe Phillips. It's a special group.
* McKenzie's showing this track season is solidifying his status as a Division I football prospect. Only a sophomore, McKenzie is running sub-11 seconds in the 100-meter dash and is hearing from a host of Division I football programs from the Big Ten, Big East and ACC.
McKenzie and Monessen's Justice Rawlins are already two of the WPIAL's most sought-after prospects in the Class of 2014. Rawlins already has offers from Pitt and Rutgers, with WVU showing significant interest.
* Got to agree with Mike White from the Post-Gazette, who stated the WPIAL baseball playoffs need tweaked on his blog, Varsity Blog.
The brackets are set so teams with first-round byes can pitch their ace throughout the remainder of the playoffs beginning in the quarterfinals. It takes a lot of intrigue away from the postseason. And cramming the quarterfinals games one day after the first-round games pretty much eliminated any chance for upsets.
* That stated, the WPIAL Class A baseball semifinal between undefeated California and one-loss Bentworth has to be the most anticipated postseason game between a pair of local teams since Peters Township and Canon-McMillan met in the 2008 PIAA Class AAAA quarterfinals.
The two teams play Monday night at Washington & Jefferson's Ross Memorial Park. The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
* Chartiers-Houston baseball was woefully underseeded. The Bucs were far better than No. 9 in Class A.
* Peters Township junior Olivia Roberson is already a two-time PIAA champion as a key member of the Indians' girls soccer team. An all-state player her junior year, Roberson recently accepted a scholarship offer from Duquesne University.
Friday, May 11, 2012
WPIAL baseball pairings
No Peters Township in the playoffs for the first time since 2002. No Trinity for a second consecutive season. It's a bit odd not seeing either team in the postseason. The last time that happened was 1998.
Class AA
No. 4 South Fayette vs. No. 13 Steel Valley, Monday at Upper St. Clair, 4:30 p.m.
No. 7 Fort Cherry vs. No. 10 Bishop Canevin, Monday at Burkett Complex (Robinson Twp.), 2 p.m.
No. 15 Waynesburg vs. No. 2 Shady Side Academy, Monday at Upper St. Clair, 2 p.m.
Class A
No. 2 California, bye
No. 3 Bentworth, bye
No. 9 Chartiers-Houston vs. No. 8 Avonworth, Monday at Burkett Complex, 4:30 p.m.
No. 12 Carmichaels vs. No. 5 Serra Catholic, Monday at Charleroi, 2 p.m.
No. 13 Beth-Center vs. No. 4 OLSH, Monday, at CCAC Boyce (Monroeville), 2 p.m.s
Class AA
No. 4 South Fayette vs. No. 13 Steel Valley, Monday at Upper St. Clair, 4:30 p.m.
No. 7 Fort Cherry vs. No. 10 Bishop Canevin, Monday at Burkett Complex (Robinson Twp.), 2 p.m.
No. 15 Waynesburg vs. No. 2 Shady Side Academy, Monday at Upper St. Clair, 2 p.m.
Class A
No. 2 California, bye
No. 3 Bentworth, bye
No. 9 Chartiers-Houston vs. No. 8 Avonworth, Monday at Burkett Complex, 4:30 p.m.
No. 12 Carmichaels vs. No. 5 Serra Catholic, Monday at Charleroi, 2 p.m.
No. 13 Beth-Center vs. No. 4 OLSH, Monday, at CCAC Boyce (Monroeville), 2 p.m.s
Thursday, September 1, 2011
WPIAL baseball championships remain at Consol
Consol Energy Park - home of the Washington Wild Things (yep, they're still around) - will remain the host facility for the WPIAL baseball championships. The WPIAL and the Frontier League franchise renewed their relationship for the next three years.
Peters Township (Class AAAA), Waynesburg (Class AA) and Chartiers-Houston (Class A) played in championship games there in 2011.
The WPIAL did look into hosting the games at other facilities, but elected to remain at Consol.
"In addition to the first-class management team and the top notch facility, Consol Energy Park has guaranteed the ates for us," said Tim O'Malley, executive director of the WPIAL, in a released statement. "That was something that the other facilities were unable to do, and that's critical in our decision making process."
Peters Township (Class AAAA), Waynesburg (Class AA) and Chartiers-Houston (Class A) played in championship games there in 2011.
The WPIAL did look into hosting the games at other facilities, but elected to remain at Consol.
"In addition to the first-class management team and the top notch facility, Consol Energy Park has guaranteed the ates for us," said Tim O'Malley, executive director of the WPIAL, in a released statement. "That was something that the other facilities were unable to do, and that's critical in our decision making process."
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Varsity notebook
Some random thoughts before covering four championship games the next three days ...
Peters Township, Waynesburg and Chartiers-Houston are playing for WPIAL baseball championships. Either Chartiers-Houston or Fort Cherry will win the WPIAL Class A softball title.
Five teams reaching this stage of the postseason confirms something that's been evident to anyone paying attention to high school sports in this area - Washington and Greene counties excel in spring sports.
Baseball and softball top the list.
It's not close. Not even wrestling approaches the success the local baseball and softball teams have achieved.
In recent years, Peters Township, Carmichaels and California have won multiple WPIAL baseball titles. Canon-McMillan won a state championship, while Peters Township played for two, and South Fayette (I know, save your comments) and Carmichaels also reached the championship game.
In softball, Waynesburg, Carmichaels and Chartiers-Houston have won WPIAL titles. The Bucs own a state title as does Carmichaels, while Trinity, Burgettstown and Beth-Center all played for championships.
* The high school football season needs to be one week shorter.
South Fayette became the first team from our area to play a 16-game regular season. Add two scrimmages, training camp and practices to the list, and it's roughly five months of football. The Lions were a tired team leading into the state championship game.
* The Chartiers-Houston softball team is better than last year's outfit that won the state championship, yet that certainly does not mean the Bucs will repeat or even beat Fort Cherry in the WPIAL Class A championship game Thursday at California University.
Let's start with why the Bucs are better.
Colby Miller and Kayla Briggs - the top two batters - are better hitters than a year ago. Both are undoubtedly good enough to start for any team. Moving the mound back to 43 feet from home plate has seemed to help pitcher Kiersten Conwell, who relies on movement and mixing speeds more than throwing hard.
That said, the beauty (or the agony) of the postseason in baseball and softball is that one bad hop, one defensive miscue or a pitcher who is pitching his/her best game can end a more talented team's season.
* After watching Fort Cherry beat Shenango and considering the Rangers have scored a WPIAL-best 30 runs through three playoff games, it doesn't appear Class A's No. 15 seed is as much as Cinderella story as they are a dynamic offensive club.
It's not a fluke. Fort Cherry earned its spot in the finals.
* Speaking of Fort Cherry, the Rangers are in the final stages of their best school year for girls sports.
* It's disappointing to see only two Class AAA medalists - Canon-McMillan's Taylor Slaney and Peters Township's Kaitlyn Brace - at the PIAA Track and Field Championships.
* With five medals, Washington had its biggest haul since 2001. All medalists return next year for the Prexies.
* Here's been a topic of discussion among those of us that cover the WPIAL baseball/softball playoffs: If the Peters Township football program climbs to the level that of the other teams at the school, would PT be considered the top sports program in the WPIAL.
At the very least, Peters Township would be considered.
Follow me on Twitter @TheMikeKovak
Peters Township, Waynesburg and Chartiers-Houston are playing for WPIAL baseball championships. Either Chartiers-Houston or Fort Cherry will win the WPIAL Class A softball title.
Five teams reaching this stage of the postseason confirms something that's been evident to anyone paying attention to high school sports in this area - Washington and Greene counties excel in spring sports.
Baseball and softball top the list.
It's not close. Not even wrestling approaches the success the local baseball and softball teams have achieved.
In recent years, Peters Township, Carmichaels and California have won multiple WPIAL baseball titles. Canon-McMillan won a state championship, while Peters Township played for two, and South Fayette (I know, save your comments) and Carmichaels also reached the championship game.
In softball, Waynesburg, Carmichaels and Chartiers-Houston have won WPIAL titles. The Bucs own a state title as does Carmichaels, while Trinity, Burgettstown and Beth-Center all played for championships.
* The high school football season needs to be one week shorter.
South Fayette became the first team from our area to play a 16-game regular season. Add two scrimmages, training camp and practices to the list, and it's roughly five months of football. The Lions were a tired team leading into the state championship game.
* The Chartiers-Houston softball team is better than last year's outfit that won the state championship, yet that certainly does not mean the Bucs will repeat or even beat Fort Cherry in the WPIAL Class A championship game Thursday at California University.
Let's start with why the Bucs are better.
Colby Miller and Kayla Briggs - the top two batters - are better hitters than a year ago. Both are undoubtedly good enough to start for any team. Moving the mound back to 43 feet from home plate has seemed to help pitcher Kiersten Conwell, who relies on movement and mixing speeds more than throwing hard.
That said, the beauty (or the agony) of the postseason in baseball and softball is that one bad hop, one defensive miscue or a pitcher who is pitching his/her best game can end a more talented team's season.
* After watching Fort Cherry beat Shenango and considering the Rangers have scored a WPIAL-best 30 runs through three playoff games, it doesn't appear Class A's No. 15 seed is as much as Cinderella story as they are a dynamic offensive club.
It's not a fluke. Fort Cherry earned its spot in the finals.
* Speaking of Fort Cherry, the Rangers are in the final stages of their best school year for girls sports.
* It's disappointing to see only two Class AAA medalists - Canon-McMillan's Taylor Slaney and Peters Township's Kaitlyn Brace - at the PIAA Track and Field Championships.
* With five medals, Washington had its biggest haul since 2001. All medalists return next year for the Prexies.
* Here's been a topic of discussion among those of us that cover the WPIAL baseball/softball playoffs: If the Peters Township football program climbs to the level that of the other teams at the school, would PT be considered the top sports program in the WPIAL.
At the very least, Peters Township would be considered.
Follow me on Twitter @TheMikeKovak
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Wednesday semifinals sites and times
Five local teams - four baseball, one softball - will play in WPIAL semifinals Wednesday. The Fort Cherry softball team will play Thursday, possibly against Carmichaels.
Baseball
Class AAAA
Peters Township (18-1) vs. Butler (14-4), Wednesday at North Allegheny, 7 p.m.
Class AA
Laurel (15-3) vs. Waynesburg (17-1), Wednesday at the Burkett Complex, 3 p.m.
Class A
Serra Catholic (16-1) vs. Chartiers-Houston (11-6), Wednesday at W&J's Ross Memorial Park, 4:30 p.m.
Neshannock (19-10 vs. California (16-3), Wednesday at W&J's Ross Memorial Park, 7 p.m.
Softball
Class A
Chartiers-Houston (18-0) vs. South Side Beaver (14-4) at Fairhaven Park, 3 p.m.
Baseball
Class AAAA
Peters Township (18-1) vs. Butler (14-4), Wednesday at North Allegheny, 7 p.m.
Class AA
Laurel (15-3) vs. Waynesburg (17-1), Wednesday at the Burkett Complex, 3 p.m.
Class A
Serra Catholic (16-1) vs. Chartiers-Houston (11-6), Wednesday at W&J's Ross Memorial Park, 4:30 p.m.
Neshannock (19-10 vs. California (16-3), Wednesday at W&J's Ross Memorial Park, 7 p.m.
Softball
Class A
Chartiers-Houston (18-0) vs. South Side Beaver (14-4) at Fairhaven Park, 3 p.m.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
WPIAL baseball quarterfinals
After a couple weeks off, Peters Township and California will finally get to play Monday.
Class AAAA
Quarterfinals
Monday, May 23
Peters Township (16-1) vs. Latrobe (10-8) at W&J’s Ross Memorial Park, 7:30 p.m.
Butler (13-4) vs. Hempfield (11-9) at LaRoche College, 3:30 p.m.
Norwin (17-0) vs. Bethel Park (13-5) at Woodland Hills, 5 p.m.
Seneca Valley (13-3) vs. Upper St. Clair (11-6) at Pullman Park, 7 p.m.
Class AAA
First round
Saturday, May 21
Chartiers Valley vs. Belle Vernon at W&J’s Ross Memorial Park, 8 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Monday, May 23
Elzabeth Forward (18-0) vs. Greensburg Salem (13-4) at Woodland Hills, 2 p.m.
Blackhawk (14-2) vs. Chartiers Valley-Belle Vernon winner at Burkett Complex, 7 p.m.
Thomas Jefferson (11-6) vs. Hampton (14-3) at Upper St. Clair, 5 p.m.
Mars (14-1) vs. Hopewell (13-8) at Upper St. Clair, 2 p.m.
Class AA
Quarterfinals
Monday, May 23
Shady Side Academy (16-1) vs. Mohawk (12-6) at Highlands, 5 p.m.
Deer Lakes (13-4) vs. Riverside (13-5) at Pullman Park, 2 p.m.
Laurel (14-3) vs. Greensburg CC (13-4) at Pullman Park, 4:30 p.m.
Waynesburg (16-1) vs. Frazier (12-5) at W&J’s Ross Memorial Park, 2 p.m.
Class A
Quarterfinals
Monday, May 23
Serra (15-1) vs. Carmichaels (10-5) at Burkett Complex, 4:30 p.m.
Western Beaver (9-6) vs. Chartiers-Houston (10-6) at Burkett Complex, 2 p.m.
Neshannock (18-1) vs. Beth-Center (13-3) at Chippewa Park, 4:30 p.m.
California (15-3) vs. Bentworth (12-4) at W&J’s Ross Memorial Park, 4:30 p.m.
Class AAAA
Quarterfinals
Monday, May 23
Peters Township (16-1) vs. Latrobe (10-8) at W&J’s Ross Memorial Park, 7:30 p.m.
Butler (13-4) vs. Hempfield (11-9) at LaRoche College, 3:30 p.m.
Norwin (17-0) vs. Bethel Park (13-5) at Woodland Hills, 5 p.m.
Seneca Valley (13-3) vs. Upper St. Clair (11-6) at Pullman Park, 7 p.m.
Class AAA
First round
Saturday, May 21
Chartiers Valley vs. Belle Vernon at W&J’s Ross Memorial Park, 8 p.m.
Quarterfinals
Monday, May 23
Elzabeth Forward (18-0) vs. Greensburg Salem (13-4) at Woodland Hills, 2 p.m.
Blackhawk (14-2) vs. Chartiers Valley-Belle Vernon winner at Burkett Complex, 7 p.m.
Thomas Jefferson (11-6) vs. Hampton (14-3) at Upper St. Clair, 5 p.m.
Mars (14-1) vs. Hopewell (13-8) at Upper St. Clair, 2 p.m.
Class AA
Quarterfinals
Monday, May 23
Shady Side Academy (16-1) vs. Mohawk (12-6) at Highlands, 5 p.m.
Deer Lakes (13-4) vs. Riverside (13-5) at Pullman Park, 2 p.m.
Laurel (14-3) vs. Greensburg CC (13-4) at Pullman Park, 4:30 p.m.
Waynesburg (16-1) vs. Frazier (12-5) at W&J’s Ross Memorial Park, 2 p.m.
Class A
Quarterfinals
Monday, May 23
Serra (15-1) vs. Carmichaels (10-5) at Burkett Complex, 4:30 p.m.
Western Beaver (9-6) vs. Chartiers-Houston (10-6) at Burkett Complex, 2 p.m.
Neshannock (18-1) vs. Beth-Center (13-3) at Chippewa Park, 4:30 p.m.
California (15-3) vs. Bentworth (12-4) at W&J’s Ross Memorial Park, 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Rescheduled games
It's a fun time to be playing and tracking high school sports. here's the rescheduled, rescheduled scheduled WPIAL baseball and softball games involving area teams. If you'll be at the Burkett Complex Friday for any parts of a local tripleheader. I'll see you there.
Baseball
Class AA
Laurel vs. Washington, Friday at Pullman Park in Butler, 5 p.m.
Greensburg Central Catholic vs. South Fayette, Friday at Woodland Hills, 2 p.m.
Waynesburg vs. Freeport, Friday at the Burkett Complex in Robinson Township, 5 p.m.
Class A
Rochester vs. Carmichaels, Saturday at W&J's Ross Memorial Park, 11 a.m.
Chartiers-Houston vs. Avonworth, Friday at the Burkett Complex in Robinson Township, 8 p.m.
Beth-Center vs. Vincentian Academy, Friday at the Burkett Complex in Robinson Township, 2 p.m.
Bentworth vs. Leechburg, Friday at Mt. Pleasant, noon
Softball
Class AA
Waynesburg as previously scheduled
Bentworth at South Allegheny, Saturday at Baldwin, 1 p.m.
Seton-La Salle vs. Burgettstown, Friday at Cal U's Lilly Field, 4 p.m.
Baseball
Class AA
Laurel vs. Washington, Friday at Pullman Park in Butler, 5 p.m.
Greensburg Central Catholic vs. South Fayette, Friday at Woodland Hills, 2 p.m.
Waynesburg vs. Freeport, Friday at the Burkett Complex in Robinson Township, 5 p.m.
Class A
Rochester vs. Carmichaels, Saturday at W&J's Ross Memorial Park, 11 a.m.
Chartiers-Houston vs. Avonworth, Friday at the Burkett Complex in Robinson Township, 8 p.m.
Beth-Center vs. Vincentian Academy, Friday at the Burkett Complex in Robinson Township, 2 p.m.
Bentworth vs. Leechburg, Friday at Mt. Pleasant, noon
Softball
Class AA
Waynesburg as previously scheduled
Bentworth at South Allegheny, Saturday at Baldwin, 1 p.m.
Seton-La Salle vs. Burgettstown, Friday at Cal U's Lilly Field, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
WPIAL baseball games postponed
All WPIAL baseball playoff games scheduled for Tuesday have been moved to Wednesday. Games will be played at the same time, same location as originally scheduled.
Class AA
No. 2 Laurel (13-3) vs. No. 15 Washington (9-7), Wednesday at the Burkett Complex in Robinson Township, 4:30 p.m.
No. 7 Greensburg Central Catholic (12-4) vs. No. 10 South Fayette (10-6), Wednesday at North Allegheny High School, 4 p.m.
No. 3 Waynesburg (15-1) vs. No. 14 Freeport (11-4), Wednesday at Gateway High School, 4:30 p.m.
Class A
No. Rochester (9-4) vs. No. 9 Carmichaels (10-5), Wednesday at W&J's Ross Memorial Field, 2 p.m.
No. 5 Chartiers-Houston (9-5) vs. No. 12 Avonworth (10-5), Wednesday at the Burkett Complex in Ross Memorial Park, 2 p.m.
No. 7 Beth-Center (12-3) vs. No. 10 Vincentian Academy (11-6), Wednesday at Gateway High School, 2 p.m.
No. 6 Bentworth (11-4) vs. No. 11 Leechburg (10-6), Wednesday at Mt. Pleasant High School, 2 p.m.
Class AA
No. 2 Laurel (13-3) vs. No. 15 Washington (9-7), Wednesday at the Burkett Complex in Robinson Township, 4:30 p.m.
No. 7 Greensburg Central Catholic (12-4) vs. No. 10 South Fayette (10-6), Wednesday at North Allegheny High School, 4 p.m.
No. 3 Waynesburg (15-1) vs. No. 14 Freeport (11-4), Wednesday at Gateway High School, 4:30 p.m.
Class A
No. Rochester (9-4) vs. No. 9 Carmichaels (10-5), Wednesday at W&J's Ross Memorial Field, 2 p.m.
No. 5 Chartiers-Houston (9-5) vs. No. 12 Avonworth (10-5), Wednesday at the Burkett Complex in Ross Memorial Park, 2 p.m.
No. 7 Beth-Center (12-3) vs. No. 10 Vincentian Academy (11-6), Wednesday at Gateway High School, 2 p.m.
No. 6 Bentworth (11-4) vs. No. 11 Leechburg (10-6), Wednesday at Mt. Pleasant High School, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
California wins a weird, wild one
California took a five-run lead in the bottom of the first inning Wednesday afternoon against Vincentian Academy by hitting one pitch out of the infield.
Five, well-placed infield singles, a bases-loaded walk to T.D. Conway and a two-run double from Mike Britton gave the Trojans a 5-0 lead, a lead that should have been 6-0 were it not for a completely blown call by the home plate umpire. On the play, Tommy Sparrow tagged up from third base on a Adam Miller pop-up to shortstop and raced home. The ump ruled Sparrow left third too early.
Bad call.
As peculiar as the first inning went, the sixth inning was quite unusual.
Conway and Zac Edmiston combined to pitch five shutout innings on three hits as the Trojans took the same 5-0 lead into the sixth in a game where the winner goes to the PIAA Class A playoffs and the loser starts playing American Legion.
In the sixth, Sparrow took the mound and only registered one out. California then called upon catcher Sam Luketich to pitch. Like Sparrow, Luketich recorded one out.
With two outs, two runners on base and the score 5-4, Conway took the mound a second time.
The sophomore finished with the win and the save as California, which made four pitching changes, advanced to states with a 5-4 win.
Five, well-placed infield singles, a bases-loaded walk to T.D. Conway and a two-run double from Mike Britton gave the Trojans a 5-0 lead, a lead that should have been 6-0 were it not for a completely blown call by the home plate umpire. On the play, Tommy Sparrow tagged up from third base on a Adam Miller pop-up to shortstop and raced home. The ump ruled Sparrow left third too early.
Bad call.
As peculiar as the first inning went, the sixth inning was quite unusual.
Conway and Zac Edmiston combined to pitch five shutout innings on three hits as the Trojans took the same 5-0 lead into the sixth in a game where the winner goes to the PIAA Class A playoffs and the loser starts playing American Legion.
In the sixth, Sparrow took the mound and only registered one out. California then called upon catcher Sam Luketich to pitch. Like Sparrow, Luketich recorded one out.
With two outs, two runners on base and the score 5-4, Conway took the mound a second time.
The sophomore finished with the win and the save as California, which made four pitching changes, advanced to states with a 5-4 win.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Updates brackets for baseball, softball
Most baseball teams will be playing Thursday and Friday, weather permitting.
http://www.wpial.org/0910bseresults.asp
All first-round softball games now have sites and times.
http://www.wpial.org/0910sftresults.asp
http://www.wpial.org/0910bseresults.asp
All first-round softball games now have sites and times.
http://www.wpial.org/0910sftresults.asp
Mother Nature's a real mother
The streets and yards are dry in my neck of Western Pennsylvania but parts of the region have once again been affected by rainy weather and it continues to wreak havoc on the WPIAL baseball schedule.
All local baseball teams, which the exception of Chartiers-Houston, scheduled to play today have had games postponed. The Bucs play Monaca at the Burkett Sports Complex in Robinson Township at 4:30 p.m.
The WPIAL has postponed the following baseball games:
Class AAAA
Norwin vs. Baldwin; Penn Hills vs. Penn-Trafford; Peters Township vs. Hempfield; Shaler vs. Plum; Pittsburgh Central Catholic vs. Butler;
Class AAA
Montour vs. Greensburg-Salem; Laurel Highlands vs. Trinity; Thomas Jefferson vs. Hampton;
Class AA
Shady Side Academy vs. Waynesburg; Washington vs. Seton-La Salle;
Class A
Jeannette vs. Jefferson-Morgan; Beth-Center vs. OLSH; California vs. Carmichaels; Bentworth vs. Cornell.
All local baseball teams, which the exception of Chartiers-Houston, scheduled to play today have had games postponed. The Bucs play Monaca at the Burkett Sports Complex in Robinson Township at 4:30 p.m.
The WPIAL has postponed the following baseball games:
Class AAAA
Norwin vs. Baldwin; Penn Hills vs. Penn-Trafford; Peters Township vs. Hempfield; Shaler vs. Plum; Pittsburgh Central Catholic vs. Butler;
Class AAA
Montour vs. Greensburg-Salem; Laurel Highlands vs. Trinity; Thomas Jefferson vs. Hampton;
Class AA
Shady Side Academy vs. Waynesburg; Washington vs. Seton-La Salle;
Class A
Jeannette vs. Jefferson-Morgan; Beth-Center vs. OLSH; California vs. Carmichaels; Bentworth vs. Cornell.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Baseball, softball playoffs resume Wednesday
The first round of the WPIAL baseball playoffs will begin Wednesday. With several proms on the horizon, there are multiple site and time changes.
For the complete updated brackets, http://www.wpial.org/0910bseresults.asp.
The WPIAL softball playoffs will also start Wednesday and the teams scheduled to play today will start Thursday.
For the updated brackets, http://www.wpial.org/0910sftresults.asp.
For the complete updated brackets, http://www.wpial.org/0910bseresults.asp.
The WPIAL softball playoffs will also start Wednesday and the teams scheduled to play today will start Thursday.
For the updated brackets, http://www.wpial.org/0910sftresults.asp.
Softball games postponed
All WPIAL softball playoff games scheduled for today have been postponed. No make-up dates have been announced.
We are still waiting to see when the WPIAL baseball playoff games that were postponed Monday and today will be played.
We are still waiting to see when the WPIAL baseball playoff games that were postponed Monday and today will be played.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Rain washes out baseball games
All WPIAL baseball playoff games scheduled for today and Tuesday have been postponed. There was a total of 27 baseball games scheduled for those two days, including games for all local teams.
A decision has not been made on WPIAL softball playoff games, which begin Tuesday.
A decision has not been made on WPIAL softball playoff games, which begin Tuesday.
Friday, May 14, 2010
WPIAL baseball pairings
North Allegheny, Moon, Shady Side Academy and Serra Catholic are the defending champions and each has an excellent chance to repeat. NA is the top seed in Class AAAA. Moon is the No. 2 seed in AAA. Shady Side Academy is seeded fourth in AA, while Serra is the top seed in A.
South Fayette, Washington and California are the local teams with high seeds in their respective brackets.
First round
Class AAAA
No. 5 Peters Township (14-6) vs. No. 12 Hempfield (11-9), Monday, 7 p.m. at Washington & Jefferson's Ross Memorial Park. The Indians can hit. They need pitching to make another playoff run.
Class AAA
No. 12 Trinity (11-5) vs. No. 5 Laurel Highlands (15-4), Monday, 2 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant. Trinity is the only local team to make the PIAA playoffs in each of the past three years.
Class AA
No. 1 South Fayette (17-1) vs. Riverview/Deer Lakes winner, Tuesday, site and time TBD. The Lions reached the PIAA finals last year and have not lost to a WPIAL team this year.
No. 3 Washington (13-5) vs. No. 14 Seton-La Salle (12-4), Monday, 4:30 p.m. at Upper St. Clair. The Prexies haven't won a playoff game since 2005, losing their last five.
No. 13 Waynesburg (11-5) vs. No. 4 Shady Side Academy (17-2), Monday, 2 p.m. at W&J's Ross Memorial Field. A dominant program a decade ago, Waynesburg makes its second playoff appearance since 2001.
Class A
No. 3 California (18-2) vs. No. 14 Carmichaels (7-12), Monday, 4 p.m. at Beth-Center. These two friendly rivals have won five WPIAL Class A titles the past decade. California beat Carmichaels, 16-2, in early April.
No. 5 Beth-Center (11-5) vs. NO. 12 OLSH (11-6), Monday, 2 p.m. at Upper St. Clair. The Bulldogs went undefeated in Section 1 but are 1-5 out of section. Four of those losses came against Peters Township, California, Jeannette and Waynesburg.
No. 6 Bentworth (16-3) vs. No. 11 Cornell (10-6), Monday, 4:30 p.m. at W&J's Ross Memorial Field. The Bearcats have lost two games to Class A teams, each by one run.
No. 9 Jefferson-Morgan (11-6) vs. No. 8 Jeannette (12-4), Monday, 4 p.m. at Baldwin. Tough to get a read on the Rockets. They beat Brownsville but lost to Chartiers-Houston, Bentworth and Avella out of section.
No. 10 Chartiers-Houston (12-6) vs. No. 7 Monaca (12-5), Monday, 4:30 p.m. at the Burkett Sports Complex. The Bucs are the only Class A team to play within five runs of Serra Catholic, a 14-11 loss in early April.
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