Boys enter playoffs as underdogs
Last year, an exciting season came to an abrupt end for the baseball team when the boys lost to Neshannock in the first round. But, the team gained valuable experience and returned to the playoffs loaded with seniors.
At the beginning of the season, the boys had high hopes to go even further. “I expect to win our section and make a deep run into the playoffs,” senior Derian Sziraki said.
Coach Bob Oberdorf had the same mindset. “My expectations are quite high,” he said. “We expect to do very well. We’re in a new section and have several returning seniors who were starters last year and can step in.”
With 11 seniors, the team is a much older team. “We have a good senior class,” Coach Oberdorf said. “They understand what is necessary to win.”
The boys have quite a few strengths. Coach Oberdorf said that the pitching rotation is strong, led by senior Austin Sipolino and junior Tyler Swarmer. The pitchers also had help from the rock solid defense playing behind them.
One of the weaknesses for the boys this season is a lack of returning starters. “We lost a lot of seniors,” senior Jacob Oberdorf said. “We need to pick up hitting and fill in positions.”
Vincentian, Avonworth and North Catholic were definitely the team’s toughest opponents this season. With a 10-6 record, the boys were scheduled to enter the playoff against Bentworth on May 18.
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