Content about pitcher

05.13.11

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.

04.22.11

Lady ’Lopes turn the tables on Brentwood

By JIM RUMBLE

It was an exciting week for the Avonworth softball team, as they secured two section wins to move into second place in AA Section 1 with a record of 5-1 overall and 3-0 in section play.

Without a doubt, the most exciting win came at previously unbeaten Brentwood last Friday as the 'Lopes battled back to win in extra innings 8-4.

"This was one of the best wins in our school's history," said coach Chris Knox afterwards.

04.15.11

Troubled Avonworth offense splits section contests

By JIM RUMBLE

Having a tough time reaching any consistency on offense, the Avonworth baseball team found themselves on the short end of a 9-5 loss when they hosted Vincentian in their section opener last Thursday.

The Antelopes registered five hits, which made it difficult, especially after falling behind early in the game.

Pitcher Frank Restelli held the Royals in check through the first two innings, but had some control issues in the top of the third.

Vincentian took advantage of four walks that were issued, along with two base hits, to claim an early 4-0 lead.

04.15.11

Weather breaks for Lady ’Lopes

By JIM RUMBLE

After a week of game postponements, the Avonworth softball team finally resumed play when they hosted Carlynton in their first section game on Monday, April 11.

The Lady 'Lopes seemed to be unaffected by the time off, as they defeated the Cougars in five innings 14-1.

"It's good to get your first section game in," said coach Chris Knox after the game.

05.28.10

Lady ’Lopes battle back in playoffs

By JIM RUMBLE

If you wanted to see a perfect example of the expression “it ain't over ‘til it’s over” played out, you should have been at the Avonworth softball team's WPIAL first round game against Bentworth on Tuesday, May 18.

The Lady ‘Lopes, who trailed by nine runs going into the final inning in regulation, managed to tie the game, but then fell in extra innings 14-13.

"I've never seen anything like that before,” said head coach Chris Knox. “These kids played a good game, showed a lot of passion, and you can't give any more than that."

05.07.10

Flames held scoreless by section leader

By JIM RUMBLE

Still in search of their first win of the season, the last team the Northgate baseball team wanted to see was section leader South Fayette when the two teams met this past Tuesday.

The Lions, who were coming in undefeated at 10-0 in section play and the top dog in AA, limited the Flames to two hits on their way to a 12-0 victory.

South Fayette scored two runs in the first and two in the third off starting pitcher Justin Mayhugh to lead early, 4-0.

05.07.10

’Lopes are no match for Vincentian

By JIM RUMBLE

Having a tough time finding their offense again, the Avonworth baseball team was no match for section leader Vincentian when the teams played at home this past Wednesday.

The Royals, on the other hand, used a 17-hit attack in disposing of the Antelopes 15-2.

Vincentian got five of those hits in the top of the first against pitcher Frank Restelli to take an early 2-0 lead.

The Antelopes responded with a lead-off double by Coby Croft and an RBI hit to center by Carl Pietrusinski to put the score at 2-1.

04.30.10

Avonworth drops at PNC

By JIM RUMBLE

Not even the excitement of playing at PNC Park could evoke a win for the Avonworth baseball team when they met Our Lady Of Sacred Heart last Friday.

The Antelopes, who jumped out to an early lead, surrendered six runs in the fourth inning on their way to a 7-3 loss.

Starting pitcher Tom Turnbull seemed to have things under control, keeping OLSH off the scoreboard for the first three innings.

04.30.10

Flames fall apart after hot start

By JIM RUMBLE

It was beginning to look as though the Northgate baseball team would break into the win column for the first time this season when they hosted Brentwood this past Wednesday.

Sadly, the wheels came off in the top of the seventh, where three errors contributed to a six-run inning for the Spartans, who came from behind to defeat the Flames 8-5.

The game was for the most part a defensive battle, one in which the Flames committed no errors in the field throughout the first five innings.

04.30.10

Lady ’Lopes have bad night with Vincentian

By JIM RUMBLE

After dropping two games over the past week, the Avonworth softball team now finds itself in a battle for second place in the section race and trying to make the WPIAL playoffs.

On Thursday, April 23, the Lady ‘Lopes played at OLSH and lost 5-3.

Avonworth had nine hits, all coming on three hits apiece by Ali Chambers, Molly Frew and Tracy Catanzarite.

04.23.10

Lady ’Lopes fall to nemesis

In their first meeting since falling to Vincentian in the WPIAL championship game nearly a year ago, the Avonworth softball team had intentions of turning the tables when they played on the road this past Monday.

After leading through most of the game, the Lady ‘Lopes stumbled in the late innings and were defeated 7-4.

"Its kind of the same old situation against this team," said Avonworth coach Chris Knox after the game.

04.16.10

Cool bats cost Avonworth section opener

By Jim RUMBLE

Struggling to find some consistency from the plate this past Monday, the Avonworth baseball team lost their section opener at home to Sewickley Academy 6-3.

Although the team was limited to four hits, Antelope starting pitcher Frank Restelli did a good job through the first five innings, giving up five hits while recording seven strike-outs to keep the contest close until late in the game.

"You can't win a baseball game if you can't swing a baseball bat," said coach Phil Coffin after the game.