South Hills eliminated in Pony World Series
Team loses two straight
South Hills had high expectations for its second straight appearance in the Pony World Series but the East Zone champion saw an early exit from the tournament.
The team of 13- and 14-year-old all-stars from Peters Township and surrounding communities, however, went two-and-out in the event played Aug. 7-12 at the Historic Lew Hays Field in Washington Park.
“They did their best,” said Joe Cuervo. “Sometimes baseball doesn’t work out in your favor.
“Those young men though showed maturity, resilience, intestinal fortitude. They are remarkable kids. The amount of time they put in preparation for this moment was very impressive.”
Cuervo, who was a left fielder for the Washington Wild Things in their inaugural seasons in 2002 and 2003, noted South Hills journey started a long time before he became involved with the team at the behest of Chris Peters.
Peters, who played in the major leagues including a stint with the Pirates, and Cuervo became friends over the years and because of their playing careers. Both have settled in the Chartiers Valley School District, where their children attend school together.
Peters was the head coach of the South Hills team until midway through the East Zone tournament, when he was suspended for unknowingly using an illegal player. South Hills won that tournament and qualified for the Pony World Series with Cuervo now at the helm.
“Because we had been friends for quite a few years, Chris asked me to help him out back in May and I accepted,” Cuervo said. “He thought it would be a good thing for me to share my past experiences and be able to help those kids on their journey.
“Unfortunately circumstances thrust me into a leadership position,” Cuervo continued. “What was impressive was how the kids did not blink. They took everything in stride.
“They were willing to do what we asked and accepted their roles with humility and grace. They trusted and believed and supported each other.”
None of that mattered when baseball was about to teach South Hills a cruel lesson. Mistakes matter.
South Hills lost in eight innings, 4-3, to Navojoa on Aug. 8 then dropped a 12-4 decision on Aug. 9 to West Covina. With the loss to the West Zone champion from California, the team was eliminated from further World Series competition.
“My heart breaks for these kids,” Cuervo said. “There were crucial moments that led to consequences and that’s a great learning experience that few get to have, let alone come in the World Series.”
For South Hills, the critical plays occurred in the fourth and fifth innings as a fielding miscue and a home run provided Navojoa with a two-run cushion, 3-1.
Though South Hills rallied and pushed the game into extra innings, the Mexico Zone champion prevailed in the eighth inning when Jesus Valenzuela hit a walk-off single to left field to score Cesar Mendivil with the game-winning run.
“In a game like this it comes down to the little things and we didn’t do some of those little things, myself included,” Cuervo said.
South Hills did a few right things. Garrett Snyder singled to bring in a run, giving the team a 1-0 advantage. In a two-run sixth stanza, James Snyder brought in a run on a fielder’s choice before Mason Scheiring followed with a single to score another.
For South Hills, Connor Cizauskas started and pitched 3⅓ innings, giving up three hits and two runs, with one earned. He also recorded six strikeouts. Tate Foster, Declan Wicker and Owen Ferko also pitched in the game.
In addition to the Snyders, Cameron Lavery, Mason Scheiring, and Wicker had base hits for South Hills. The Snyders and Scheiring had the RBIs. Garrett Snyder also stole two bases.
A six-run, third-inning coupled with a six-run fifth frame led to the demise of South Hills against West Covina.
South Hills had six players record a hit, including the Snyders, Ferko, Dominic Fabic, Lucas Copeland and Foster. Ferko and Foster each drove in a run, while Fabic stole two bases.
Defensively, South Hills turned two double plays.
Aidan Haupricht started on the mound for South Hills, pitching 2⅔ innings and allowing three hits and four runs, with one earned. He struck out four and did not walk a batter. Foster, Wicker, Ricor Stoyanoff, Garrett Snyder and Colt Gavlick.
“We did what we could to win,” Cuervo said. “The amazing thing was there was no finger-pointing. Everybody had each other’s back. It was emotional after the game realizing it was over but it was such a wonderful experience and I was proud to be a part of it. These young men were a blessing for me and I only hope that I was able to give them something back.”
NOTE: Because of inclement weather and poor playing field conditions, the championship game in the PONY World Series was canceled for the first time in the event’s 75 history. No champion was crowned.