Unity to determine Mt. Lebanon’s success on the diamond
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Mt. Lebanon pitcher Derrick Shields delivers a pitch to the plate during a recent game against Butler.
Tyler Smith, right, is congratulated by teammate Tanner Donati after scoring a run in Mt. Lebanon's 4-1 win against Butler.
Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac
Mt. Lebanon’s Eli Heidenreich slides safely into second base for a steal against Butler.
Mt. Lebanon's Joey Daniels against Butler.
As most of the world came together over the past year to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Mt. Lebanon baseball team is adopting a similar approach to defeat WPIAL Class 6A opponents this spring.
“We will use everyone to try to win our section games,” Lebo head coach Patt McCloskey said.
Lebo opens Section 2 action with back-to-back games against Canon-McMillan. On April 6, the Blue Devils travel to McDowell Field in Canonsburg. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. Then, Lebo hosts the Big Macs at 4:15 p.m. April 7 at Clint Seymour Field.
The Blue Devils have yet to settle on a starting line-up or pitching rotation. The Blue Devils fell 4-3 in an exhibition game against Shaler, before beating Butler, 4-1.
Only one player – junior Jack Smith – has played in a varsity game. Smith’s varsity experience came in 2019 because the 2020 campaign was wiped out by the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, 10 seniors graduated from that team.
“Missing last year was very difficult for our kids,” McCloskey said. “It was exceptionally hard for those seniors because they had put in so much time to prepare for their last high school season. It was very frustrating that they didn’t get a chance.”
This spring, the Blue Devils have an opportunity to play. McCloskey is pleased with that prospect although the virus is still having an impact. Lebo’s March 31 non-section contest at Seneca Valley was canceled because of COVID-19.
“I’m excited that we will have a chance to compete this year,” McCloskey said, “but it’s not a cliche to say we have to figure out a lot. We will be playing a lot of players early and will try to have everything sort itself out.”
Because of the team’s limited varsity experience, McCloskey said team has plenty of room for improving and many options for personal success.
“Everyone needs to go out and prove themselves,” he said.
Tyler Smith has already proved himself to college scouts. A sophomore southpaw, he is already committed to Auburn University.
In addition to pitching and playing in the outfield, Smith started at first base against Butler March 30. Against the Golden Tornado, he smacked a triple. Smith has had two hits in both of Lebo’s first two games. He pitched seven innings and took the loss against the Titans.
Derrick Shields earned the win on the mound against Butler. He struck out five and scattered five hits. The junior is also batting .500 and served as Lebo’s designated hitter against the Golden Tornado.
Lebo’s roster features multi-talented athletes.
Jack Smith, no relation to Tyler, is a three-sport performer at Lebo. In addition to baseball, he has started two seasons at linebacker for the football team and has been a reserve on the basketball team.
At 6-3, 210 pounds, Smith played the hot corner for the Blue Devils against Butler.
While Tanner Donati also plays basketball, Joey Daniels has quarterbacked the football team for two years. The junior tripled against Shaler.
Other football players on the baseball team are Eli Heidenriech, Colin Plesco and Cortland Peer, who started in left field against Butler.
Lebo’s line-up against the Golden Tornado also included: Trevor Turkovich at shortstop; Jamie Hartnett in right field; A.J. Settler at second base; Luke Hren behind the plate; and Tommy Boehner in center.
Other players expected to contribute this season for the Blue Devils include Matthew Delvaux, Paul Connolly, Evan Rossi, John Brown, Nick Messier, Thomas Pesacreta and Jack Maxwell.
While the Blue Devils are scheduled to battle rival Upper St. Clair in section clashes May 3 and 4, missing will be Bethel Park and Peters Township as both have dropped down to Class 5A. Norwin and Hempfield have replaced them in the section.
“Both are exceptional programs and both are loaded with talent this year,” McCloskey said. “Our section is really good.”
Nevertheless McCloskey expects his young club to be competitive and in the hunt for a postseason spot.
“We will work to win enough games during the challenging regular season to qualify for the playoffs,” he said. “We will work to continue to get better throughout the year with our goal of playing at our best in May with a chance to compete for a WPIAL Championship.”
The district finals are scheduled for June 1-2 at Wild Things Park in Washington. The PIAA championships are set for June 17-18 at Penn State University.