Peters Township comes back to beat Bethel Park
High school baseball didn’t get any better than Peters Township’s come-from-behind victory, 6-5, against Bethel Park on April 20 under the lights at Peterswood Park.
“Bethel Park is a great team and it was so much fun to be apart of an atmosphere like that,” said PT manager Rocky Plassio.
“Two undefeated teams, neighborhood rivals with a lot of mutual respect for one another. High school baseball the way it was intended to be played.”
The Hawks entered the game undefeated in section competition under Patrick Zehnder, who is in his third season as coach. BP also is the defending state champion and 2021 district runner-up.
After being roughed up for two runs on five hits in the first inning, BP took a 5-2 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning before the Indians rallied for three runs to push the game into extra innings.
Jake Kail homered and Jack Lutte tagged a two-out, two-run single in the uprising.
“Jack sparked us to start the rally and Jack was absolutely clutch,” said Plassio.
In the bottom of the ninth, back-to-back doubles by Wes Parker and Bryce Thompson produced the winning run.
Parker finished with three hits and Thompson earned the win on the mound, having hurled two scoreless inning.
“Wes had some key hits and Bryce was terrific,” Plassio said.
Tucker Ferris also proved “instrumental” in the win. He entered the game in relief and with the Indians trailing. In five frames, he surrendered one run, scattered four hits and fanned six batters.
“It was truly a team effort and the list goes on and on as to who contributed,” said Plassio.
“I am very happy for our players and so proud of our kids for having the belief that they could fight back and find a way to win that game. They showed a lot of resolve and ability to persevere against a top ranked opponent.”
With the victory, the Indians moved to the top of the standings in Section 4 in Class 5A of the WPIAL. They improved to 5-0 in the division and 9-0 overall. BP slipped to 4-1 in the section and 7-1 overall.
During the early spring months, Sam Miller has carried the big stick for the Indians, batting .533 with four home runs, tops in the WPIAL. Parker has three round trippers to go along with a .444 average.
Lutte (.481), Thompson (.433) and Drew Ripepi (.414) rank among the Indians other top hitters. Ripepi had two infield singles against the Black Hawks.
Miller, Kail, Parker, Ripepi, Ferris, Lutte and Sampson along with Joey Bedillion are seasoned veterans, having helped the Indians reach the WPIAL semifinals and PIAA playoffs last spring.
Five players are proven commodities such that they have gained NCAA Division I offers. Miller and Kail are committed to Columbia. Ripepi will play for Pitt while Parker is bound for Toledo.
Jack Natili will continue his career at Rutgers. The senior is unable to play this season because of an injury. Lutte has taken over his duties behind the plate.
While the Indians demonstrated their offensive power, knocking out 14 hits against BP pitching, they remain a strong defensive club that relies on a variety arms to contribute on the mound.
They have progressed nicely while filling additional voids such as with Parker at first base, Ripepi moving from the outfield to third base and Thompson contributing in the outfield and on the mound after having not playing his junior year.
“Sure, its nice to be winning and we cherish those victories,” said Plassio. “But the kids have grown close together as a group, supporting one another and working so hard to become more accountable for one another.
“They have spent quality time together away from the field and that has helped to bond them as a group. They are very special young men and I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to be able to coach them and spend time with them.”
Plassio is in his 15th season as a head varsity baseball coach. He spent time at Washington and Baldwin before taking over the duties at PT when Joe Maize retired in 2019. He brings a philosophy to the position that involves coaching and mentoring the entire player.
“I place value on building relationships with my players,” he said. “I believe it is so important to be honest and forthcoming in my approach, to keep open the lines of communication at all times. I do my best to motivate through positive tactics and letting my passion to compete be present during games.
“My philosophy is to place a strong emphasis on using the lessons that the game presents to us, to help us become better people and learn from our experiences.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Peters Township and Bethel Park were scheduled to play their second game on April 22 at 4 p.m. at Purkey Field. Results of the game were too late for publication in this edition of The Almanac.