Consistency to determine BP’s playoff success

Consistency is the key to Bethel Park’s success in the upcoming baseball playoffs.
Despite some up-and-down play throughout the spring, the Black Hawks won the Section 2 title with a 7-3 record. They sported an 13-6-1 overall record heading into the playoffs.
BP manager Patrick Zehnder noted the section banner was an “accomplishment” because the Black Hawks had graduated 14 players from last year’s club that reached the WPIAL Class 5A finals after winning back-to-back state titles in 2021 and 2022.
“It is a testament to the work that has been put in going all the way back to the fall,” Zehnder said. “This group is talented, and still learning to play winning baseball on a consistent basis. More often than not they find a way to break through.”
Zehnder admitted the Black Hawks have been “inconsistent” in bringing its A-level game regardless of opponent, but in the most pivotal games this spring, the team “brought” its best game and “fought through the tough moments” to find a way to come out on top.
While the Black Hawks topped the standings in Section I, ahead of South Fayette, Connellsville and Trinity, multiple teams emerged as champions in the other two divisions in Class 5A. Penn-Trafford, Fox Chapel, Franklin Regional and Plum all tied for first in Section I with 9-3 records while West Allegheny and North Hills tied for the Section III crown. Additionally, defending WPIAL and state champion Shaler along with Moon and Plum qualified for the playoffs in WPIAL’s Class 5A bracket, which awarded four first-round byes.
As a result, parity is the biggest concern in the one-and-done tournament that concludes May 29-30 at Wild Things Park in Washington.
“There are up to 10 teams that can win the championship this year,” he said. “I am not sure that there is a team head and shoulders above the rest.
“Whoever is the hottest and playing the best baseball at the right time will most likely walk away with the WPIAL trophy.”
For that to be the Black Hawks will require two ingredients that have fueled BP’s success this spring. Pitching and defense have been the team’s strengths.
At 6-1, Santino Diulus has been the ace of the staff. The Seton Hill recruit owns a 1.51 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 42 innings.
Ryan Walsh, who belted a walk-off homer in the win against the Rams, follows with a 1.45 ERA. The junior, who has already committed to Virginia Tech, had 37 strikeouts over 30 frames.
The pitching staff also includes Mike Bruckner, Dylan Schumacher, Dylan Paul, Nick Rillo, Joey Levis, Matthew Hughes and Owen White.
“Our pitching continues to be our main strength. Both in our top two section starters, as well as the six other guys that would be many other teams’ starters,” Zehnder said.
Ryan Petras, who as a freshman played on BP’s state winner, anchors the infield at shortstop while Ryan Tierney secures the outfield in center. The pair are the team’s top hitters with .423 and .375 batting averages respectively.
No. 3 hitter Ethan Stanhoff follows with a .360 average and leads the teams in RBI, just ahead of Dylan Paul, Bruckner and Noah Lejeune.
“Our defense remains strong, and we have been trending up offensively,” Zehnder said.
“If we can stay ahead of pitchers on the mound, make the routine plays defensively, and maintain a high percentage of quality at bats offensively, we believe we can beat any team. Sustaining that through a grueling playoff schedule is something I am excited to see if this group can do. I believe we can.”
BP’s five seniors have instilled in the youthful team a confidence. In addition to Diulus, Kaden Flambard, Ben Lentz, Tierney and Issac Wojton have left their impression on this year’s squad.
“Our seniors and leaders have done a great job upholding our program’s standards and expectations regardless of their on-field roles or performance. Their consistency and example during practice and in the dugout are a big part of what enables us to perform at our best when our best is required, and withstand the adversity that comes your way during big games.”
There are plenty of critical games ahead for the Black Hawks. While they believe in their abilities, they will approach the task ahead the old-fashioned way.
“We are focused on taking the WPIAL playoffs one round at a time,” said Zehnder. “This team can beat anyone on any given day, and we can also be beaten by anyone on any given day. If we are fortunate enough to earn another berth in the PIAA playoffs, we will be a confident, battle-tested group that will continue to expect to win every game they play regardless of opponent.”