Apr 7, 2015 5 min read

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Though the WPIAL baseball season is officially underway, many teams are waiting as the fields dry and the early Spring weather subsides. Outside of speculation regardingpotential breakout performances and the key returners for each team, there are many unknowns about how each local program will fair in 2015.

We could wait a few weeks to make predictions, but what fun is that? Here’s a look at every section that includes local teams and my thoughts on how each will play out.

Section 5-AAAA

This section is wide open and filled with talent. Baldwin, Bethel Park and Mt. Lebanon are the perceived favorites, but that wasn’t the case a few weeks ago. Canon-McMillan was my preseason favorite. The Big Macs have pitching depth and have the potential to be incredible offensively.

Well, suspensions could derail C-M a bit, including its pitching depth. That gives Peters Township a chance to sneak into the playoffs. The Indians are very deep on the mound, great defensively and have some of the best speed on the bases in Quad-A.

Prediction: Bethel Park wins the section with Baldwin and Mt. Lebanon grabbing the final two spots. The Black Hawks’ duo of pitcher Corey Augenstein and outfielder Zac Forsyth are tough to match.

Section 3-AAA

West Allegheny, Chartiers Valley and Montour moved into the section this season and those might be the three teams that reach the playoffs.

That’s not a stretch. All three are loaded with talent, especially the Indians, who defeated Blackhawk to win the WPIAL title a year ago. WA pitcher Colin Claus, who won nine games a year ago, is back. Montour is led by catcher Bill Krull.

South Fayette, Trinity and McGuffey all have first-year head coaches. Though the Lions have a shot to sneak in, I expect local teams to be shutout of the playoffs in Class AAA. I do think the Hillers have as much talent as Montour and South Fayette, but inexperience in certain spots will be costly.

Prediction: West Allegheny edges out Chartiers Valley for the section title, while Montour earns the final spot.

Section 1-AA

Burgettstown and Fort Cherry joined Section 1-AA this season, which is a bit of a buzz saw. Quaker Valley and South Side Beaver are very strong programs. Those two will likely sit atop the standings at the end of the season.

Prediction: Quaker Valley runs away with the section title behind pitcher Tyler Garbee, an Akron recruit, while New Brighton and South Side Beaver make the postseason.

Section 2-AA

There was no doubt in my mind that I was going to pick Wash High to make it three consecutive section titles. The loss at catcher is tough, but the growth of Connor Bedillion as the No. 2 starter behind Jonathan Spina is huge.

With great team speed and 3-4 pitchers to turn to, I see Wash High accomplishing the feat.

The Prexies will certainly put up the offensive numbers, but will the defense be able to stack up against Brownsville and Waynesburg? It did against the Raiders. We’ll see how the game against the Falcons goes.

Brownsville lost the Novotney brothers, but do return Shane Roebuck and Devin Braddock. Waynesburg dropped to Class AA and though the Raiders have talent, they lack varsity experience, especially on the mound.

Prediction: Wash High is too talented to not win the title. It will be close and the Prexies can’t afford to lose both games to Brownsville. The Falcons and Waynesburg round out my playoff teams out of this section. I’m nervous about the Raiders because their defense is iffy, but they have too much talent to not pick them.

Section 1-A

California is back and loaded. The pitching will always be there, plus Louden Conte and Aaron Previsky give the Trojans a great chance at repeating as WPIAL Class A champs. If Garrit Woodburn can excel as the ace, look out.

Carmichaels brings back catcher Michael Blasinsky, but lost eight starters from last season. Bentworth is a team to look out for with senior Tim Kurutz, as well as staff ace Taylor Bunner, Ty Mitchell, Robbie Shultz and Hunter Neely.

Prediction: Cal wins the section again with Carmichaels finishing second and Bentworth knocking Jefferson-Morgan out of the playoffs. The Trojans proved to be mortal with their loss to Mt. Pleasant, but their offense is dominant and the pitching will come together.

Section 5-A

Avella is the only local team in the section after it moved from Section 1. This is a tough move for the Eagles. Though Section 5-A lost Sewickley and Vincentian, OLSH is back and Bishop Canevin, which won Section 2-A last season, was added. The Crusaders return 11 lettermen, including seven starters.

Prediction: Bishop Canevin wins the section with OLSH finishing second. Avella will have to battle Brentwood, which dropped from Class AA, for the final playoff spot. I don’t think the Eagles have enough, but they will take fourth over Eden Christian and Cornell.