Trib HSSN Baseball Player of the Week: Jimmy Sadler, Chartiers-Houston

By: Don Rebel
Sunday, May 12, 2019 | 8:53 PM

Jimmy Sadler

Class: Sophomore

The Trib HSSN Baseball Player of the Week is Chartiers-Houston sophomore Jimmy Sadler, who was a combined 6 for 8 with five runs, four RBIs, four walks, a double and a home run in wins over Burgettstown, Fort Cherry and Vincentian Academy.

“Jimmy’s pitch selection was very good this past week,” Chartiers-Houston coach Vince Capozza said. “Taking what the pitcher is giving him makes him a lethal hitter.”

Sadler has been strong all season, hitting .438 with three home runs and 19 RBIs.

Capozza said Sadler’s hard work year-round has allowed him to have a big season.

“Rep, reps and more reps. He has put in the work over the past year to bring his offensive game up to his defensive game level.

Even though he is only a sophomore, Capozza was expecting a lot from Sadler entering the season.

“My expectations of Jimmy were very high,” Capozza said. “He is a blue-chipper and needs to play like one. ”

The Buccaneers’ wins over Burgettstown and Fort Cherry allowed them to earn a share of the Section 1-2A championship with Carmichaels.

“It was huge for the boys, especially my seniors,” Capozza said. “It’s been a while since we won even a share of the section.”

No. 8 seed Chartiers-Houston opens the postseason Thursday, when they face Laurel.

“(Laurel) has a couple of guys who can chuck it pretty good,” Capozza said. “It should be very competitive game and they play in a competitive conference.”

Honorable mention:

Andy Sopata, Baldwin

Senior Andy Sopata was a combined 5 for 10 with seven runs, three RBIs, a triple and a home run as Baldwin won two of its final three games to end the season. Sopata was the losing pitcher but kept section champion Bethel Park in check by allowing six hits with four strikeouts in six innings in a 5-1 loss to the Black Hawks.

Ryan Feczko, North Catholic

Junior Ryan Feczko closed his third varsity season by going 6 for 9 with four runs, two RBIs and three doubles in a pair of wins. Feczko also pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing one run on two hits with 12 strikeouts in a victory over Beaver Falls. He lowered his ERA to 1.58.

Dom Popa, Seton LaSalle

Junior Dom Popa continued his big season by going a combined 4 for 7 with two runs, two RBI, two walks and a double in wins over Brentwood and Keystone Oaks. For the season, Popa is hitting .491 with 19 RBIs, helping the Rebels to a share of the Section 3-2A championship with Serra Catholic.

Previous Trib HSSN Baseball Players of the Week:

Joe Olsavsky, Central Catholic

Jake McGovern, Hopewell

Jacob Schmidt, Elizabeth Forward

Christian Johnson, Quaker Valley

John Malagise, Blackhawk

Casey Marshalwitz, Hampton

This Week’s Trib HSSN Team of the Week: North Allegheny Tigers