A Springdale player slides into home behind Avonworth catcher Bryan Bartram. The hard-fought game ended with an 11-10 win by the Dynamos, and made the week’s remaining games do-or-die for the playoff-seeking Antelopes. Photo by Tom Steiner for The Citizen

By CARL PIETRUSINSKI

The ‘Lopes entered the final week of the regular season in control of their own destiny, as far as playoff dreams are concerned. With three games remaining, each contest would be crucial to take, and every player knew that winning-out ensured a spot in the WPIAL playoffs, from which the team has been one year removed. Losing more than once would close the season on a team that had enjoyed so many moments of promise.

On Monday, the ‘Lopes (7-4) hosted the Springdale Dynamos (4-6), who had hopes of spoiling Avonworth’s playoff dreams. The game got off to an instant calamity in the top of the first with shaky infield defense that led to five startling Springdale runs.

Heading into the second inning, luck undeniably wasn’t in the ‘Lope’s favor, as starting shortstop Andrew Niklaus was ejected for his collision into the Dynamos’ catcher, after hustling all the way from first on a Joe Galante double. This was followed up by a blown call on what should have been an infield hit for centerfielder Brian Vales, abruptly ending the shot of a second inning rally.

The teams traded runs up until the seventh and final inning, where Avonworth trailed 11-5. A string of timely walks and a bases-loaded double by Vales got the ‘Lopes inches from tying the game. But they ultimately fell short, 11-10, with the tying run only 90 feet away.

After the loss, hopes of the playoffs seemed all but wishful thinking, with the team heading to Leechburg (9-3) on Tuesday. However, the ‘Lopes rebounded strong. A hit parade erupted, with the ‘Lopes scoring all five of their runs in the third, led by another Vales double and singles by Coby Croft and Bryan Bartram.

Fortunately, that was enough run support for senior pitcher Nick Hobbs. He put the team on his back with yet another solid performance, giving up two runs in five innings of work. Senior pitcher Frank Restelli then came in, shutting the door to keep playoff hopes alive with a 5-4 win.

Afterwards Hobbs stated, “We got the job done because of that big second inning. Then Frank and I were able to hold them off. It wasn’t pretty, but we got out of there with a win. We rebounded big from the Springdale game. So now we just have to take care of business against Sewickley and we’re in.”

On Wednesday, the ‘Lopes headed to the Sewickley Academy Panthers (4-9) to finish the last leg of the three-game playoff push. A win would secure a spot, while a loss ended the season.

Due to lack of pitchers coach Phil Coffin sent junior Jake Winter to the mound for his first start of the season. The move proved to be favorable, as Winter threw five scoreless innings to guide the ‘Lopes to the playoffs. The offense had no trouble teeing off on the Panthers’ pitcher, as runs came in clusters in a 12-3 victory.

Avonworth will play their first round game of the WPIAL playoffs on Monday. Details have yet to be determined.