Apr 21, 2022 4 min read

High school baseball didn’t get any better than Peters Township’s come-from-behind 6-5 victory in nine innings against Bethel Park Wednesday 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 coach 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 WPIAL 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 innings, he surrendered one run, scattered four hits and struck out six.

“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 Class 5A Section 4. They improved to 5-0 in the section and 9-0 overall. BP slipped to 4-1 in the section and 7-1 overall.

Peters Township and Bethel Park were to play the second game in their two-game series Thursday at BP but that was postponed and rescheduled for today.

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 home runs to go 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.”