Baseball

Runners compete in the boys 300-meter hurdles during the WPIAL Track and Field Championships on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at Slippery Rock University.

Coronavirus outbreak could leave 6-figure dent in WPIAL budget

March 18, 2020

The coronavirus outbreak already has spring sports on hold indefinitely, but the WPIAL is bracing for off-the-field impacts as well from the unfolding pandemic.

Penn-Trafford baseball stays hungry amid uncertainty

When Penn-Trafford baseball players and coaches left practice Friday — their final practice as a group until March 30 at the earliest and maybe their last workout together ever — players were given baseballs to take home.

Springdale first baseman Garrett Apuzzo batted .367 last season.

Springdale baseball searching for arms after 2-win season

Springdale players, led by third-year coach Brett Burger, are looking to shift the current trends of the Dynamo baseball team.

Hempfield’s Christian Zilli during baseball practice at Hempfield Area High School on Monday, March 6, 2020.

WPIAL baseball, softball teams bag southern trips over coronavirus pandemic

Knowing the feedback he would get, Aaron Albert could hardly break the news to his players without getting emotional.

Hempfield pitcher Callie Sowers talks with the home plate umpire about her gold cloth during a PIAA Class 6A quarterfinal against McDowell Thursday, June 6, 2019, at North Allegheny High School.

PIAA suspends chapter meetings for game officials until state reopens schools

March 17, 2020

The PIAA Officials Council has suspended all chapter meetings until Gov. Tom Wolf reopens schools, the PIAA announced in an email to Pennsylvania high school sports officials.

Norwin’s Justin Turcovski races to first, during the game against Yough at Norwin High School in on Thursday, March 6, 2020.

Norwin baseball team has talent to contend for titles

(Editor’s note: The PIAA has postponed the start of the spring sports season because of concerns over the covid-19 pandemic.)

Riverview’s Mark McClelland tries to score during a 2019 practice at Riverview High School in Oakmont.

Riverview aims to contend in challenging Section 3-2A

(Editor’s note: The PIAA has postponed the start of the spring sports season because of concerns over the covid-19 pandemic.)

Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher celebrates after defeating Mars in the WPIAL Class 5A championship game Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, at Petersen Events Center.

Time to open the vault for daily HSSN Classics archive video streams

March 16, 2020

While high school sports and sports in general are on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, the TribLive High School Sports Network misses the action as much as the readers and viewers.

Plum senior Jared Hoener waits for a pitch during practice on Thursday, March 12, 2020.

Plum baseball motivated to return to playoffs after down year

Over the past decade and a half, the Plum baseball team has been a mainstay in the WPIAL playoffs.

Mt. Pleasant’s Nathan Kubasky anticipates a pitch from teammate Hunter Tate while stepping off base to make a run during team practice as head coach Chris Firmstone observes Thursday, March 12, 2020 at baseball practice at Mt. Pleasant Area High School.

Mt. Pleasant baseball hopes to use hard-nosed approach to earn another playoff bid

Like many teams, Mt. Pleasant baseball is not sure when it will play its first game, but at any rate, coach Chris Firmstone likes the makeup of his team.

Knoch infielder Dathan Gillis competes during a scrimmage game against Slippery Rock High March 12, 2020.

No guarantee spring sports are played, but WPIAL discusses ‘what if’ scenarios

The WPIAL board discussed contingency plans for spring sports season behind closed doors Monday, but “anything at this point is uncertain,” associate executive director Amy Scheuneman said.

Leechburg baseball not satisfied with just WPIAL playoff spot

March 15, 2020

After making the WPIAL baseball playoffs each of the past two seasons, Leechburg would like to break out of the 2-0 mold.

Monessen’s Cam Frolo led the baseball team in batting average (.533) and hits (32) last season.

Despite turnover, Monessen baseball expect to keep playoff streak intact

Youth will be relied upon to supplement the few veteran bats remaining for the Monessen baseball team after losing a nine-player senior cast last season.

Nick Wilson participates in baseball practice at Sewickley Academy on Wednesday, March 11, 2020.

Sewickley Academy baseball team looks to build on experience

Sewickley Academy’s baseball team continues to grow.

Knoch’s baseball team warms up before a scrimmage game against Slippery Rock High March 12, 2020.

Young Knoch baseball team looks to gain experience as season progresses

March 14, 2020

As seasons carry on, teams start to gain experience, learn from mistakes and reach their full potential when the postseason approaches.

Ligonier Valley sophomore Connor Tunstall delivers a pitch during an intrasquad scrimmage Friday, March 13, 2020, at Ligonier Valley High School.

Ligonier Valley baseball has holes to fill in lineup if it wants to chase Heritage title

In its final tuneup before joining the WPIAL next season, the Ligonier Valley baseball team will attempt to exit District 6 this spring with a second consecutive Heritage Conference championship and fifth overall.