A-K Valley athletes of the week: Kiski Area’s Ryan Rametta, Apollo-Ridge’s Kylee Wynn

By: William Whalen
Tuesday, April 9, 2019 | 5:15 PM

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Ryan Rametta

School: Kiski Area

Class: Junior

Sport: Baseball

Report card: Rametta delivered a pitching gem last week: a 61-pitch, two-hit shutout to help lead Kiski Area (3-4, 0-2) past nonsection opponent Indiana, 8-0. The right-hander leads the Cavaliers pitching staff with a 2.80 ERA. In the fall, Rametta is a member of the Cavalier boys golf team.

How long have you been playing baseball?

I played since I was 4.

How did you feel on the mound in the win over Indiana?

I was just feeling really confident. Everything was just kind of going my way.

Was there any particular pitch that was working for you?

My changeup was really working during the game. That helped out a good bit.

How many pitches do you have?

I have a four-seam (fastball), two-seam (fastball), changeup and a slider.

When do you use the four- and two-seamers?

Usually if I’m trying to pitch a batter outside, I go to a four-seam. If I’m trying to jam a batter inside, I’ll go to a two-seam.

How have things changed under first-year coach Aaron Albert?

He works us a lot harder. I think he really knows how to have fun. He really stresses the little things and that really helps us out a lot.

Is there something special about this year’s team?

I definitely feel like we have a lot more confidence this year. We all trust each other. Coach definitely brings a confidence boost before all of the games.

Can this team get out of the first round of the playoffs this year?

If we focus this year, we can definitely make it to playoffs, and I definitely see us making it through the first round.

What’s the strength of this year’s team?

Just going back to the confidence and trusting each other, we know we can compete with anyone.

Who is the most underrated player on the team?

It’s probably sophomore catcher Derek Hald. I definitely feel that he’s one of the better players on the team. He’s got a lot of experience.

If you could have walk-up music on your way to the plate, what song would you use?

We do have walk up music: “Power” by Kanye West.

Who controls the music?

My dad actually does. He has an iPad, and he hooks it up to the speakers. It gets a good atmosphere going.

What are your thoughts on the new outfield?

It’s definitely nicer, and it’s smoothed out. It’s helped the outfielders, and they can judge the hops a little better.

How many games will the Pittsburgh Pirates win this year?

I’ll go with 70, if they’re lucky.

Who is your favorite Pirate?

Jameson Taillon.

Which MLB pitcher do you look up to?

Justin Verlander.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

History.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I watch a lot YouTube baseball videos.

Kylee Wynn

School: Apollo-Ridge

Class: Junior

Sport: Softball

Report card: With Apollo-Ridge trailing by eight runs, Wynn hit a fifth-inning grand slam to spark a late-game rally in the Vikings’ 15-11 win over Section 2-AA foe Shady Side Academy last week. Wynn also hit a solo shot in the game and had six RBIs. Through four games, she is hitting .417 with a .917 slugging percentage. The 5-foot-8 Wynn also is a guard/forward in basketball.

How long have you been playing softball?

Since I was 5 years old.

Did it feel like a grand slam when the ball left the bat?

To be honest, I didn’t know. I was just trying to put the ball into play so we could get a couple runners on board.

Was the team waiting for you at home plate?

Yes. There was a spark of energy, and two other girls hit home runs.

Does it seem like this team came together pretty quick this year?

Yes. We’ve been playing together for a while, and I think we finally found out how we work together.

Because of an injury, you filled in at catcher last season. How does it feel to be back at second base?

I definitely missed it. I like second base. I played catcher four years ago. It’s wherever the coach needs me.

How much does the 15-0 loss to Mohawk in the first round of the Class AA playoffs weigh on this team?

I think after that loss it kind of gave us momentum. I have a feeling if we play them again in playoffs we’ll win.

How is this year’s team different than last years team?

We got some speed. I think our hitting is better.

Is there a game on the schedule that you have circled?

Vincentian Academy. We should have won that game, but we had a couple of errors. We know that we can beat them.

Who is the most underrated player on the team?

Bailey Zidek. She’s a freshman (shortstop), and I feel like she’s going to do great this season.

If you could have walk-up music to the plate, what song would you use?

Every single game I wear my cowgirl boots, and I play this song “Old Town Road” by Little Nas X. I listen to it every single game.

So what’s up with the cowgirl boots?

It gives me luck. I go everywhere with them. Coach gives me a funny look.

Do you have a favorite softball player that you look up to?

Sierra Romero. She used to play for Michigan.

Do you have a favorite softball school?

Michigan.

What’s your favorite subject at school?

Math. I’m in Algebra II.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

Whenever people are down, I like to bring them up.

William Whalen is a freelance writer.

Tags: Apollo-Ridge, Kiski School