Donegal could match Knoch's formula
JEFFERSON TWP — The Knoch baseball team has moved within one step of the PIAA Class AAA championship game with a string of outstanding pitching and defensive efforts.
The Knights have allowed five runs in six playoff games, outscoring their opponents 18-5.
Since Knoch beat Blackhawk 4-3 in the WPIAL quarterfinals, the Knights' two starting pitchers — Cole Shinsky and Alex Stobert — have allowed a combined 13 hits in the past four games.
Moving past District 3 champion Donegal at 4 p.m. Monday at Mt. Aloysius College in Cresson will require more of the same.
The Indians, much like Knoch, are stout at the top of their rotation.
Camren Ney (8-1, 1.38 ERA) and Samuel Lazowski (7-2, 1.91) lead the Indians' staff.
“Absolutely, pitching and defense have been there for us all season long and our boys have done very well for us keeping us in games,” Donegal coach Chris Miller said.
The Indians, who are 23-5, advanced to the semifinals after receiving a forfeit in the first round before beating West Allegheny 6-1 in the quarterfinals.
Donegal's first-round opponent, District 12 runner-up Franklin Towne Charter, had to forfeit after rain delays and a conflict with graduation and final exams forced the school to withdraw from the tournament.
The Indians are a balanced offensive team, carrying a .280 team batting average.
“Once you get to this level, they are all good teams and good hitters,” Knoch coach George Bradley said. “They are knowledgeable about baseball. We'll see what happens.”
Ryan Myers (.338), Ney (.338), Sam Lazowski (.333) and Ethan Hess (.301) all hit above .300 for Donegal.
The Indians plated 162 runs this season, against 67 runs allowed.
“We have a team that goes there and works hard, it's a team effort,” Miller said. “There's nobody that runs away with anything as far as statistics go.”
Knoch has blanked both of its state opponents, beating District 9 champion Punxsutawney 1-0 and WPIAL third-place Montour 3-0.
Over the last 28 innings, Shinsky and Stobert have only allowed one run.
Bradley credited preparation and catcher Asa Adams.
“They've been throwing strikes and moving the ball in and out,” Bradley said. “The scouting report works initially, then Asa sees what's working and how they react to pitches and they have faith in him. Rarely do they shake him off.”
Knoch (21-2) is batting .276 as a team, led by Chris Law's .463 average. Jordan Kowalski (.344), Dom Bucko (.342) and Alex Stobert (.310) also bat above .300 for the Knights.
Knoch's hoping the pitching continues and the bats can propel it to a first-ever state championship appearance.
“When you get to these playoff games, this is strong baseball,” Bradley said. “I'm not saying it's college or pro baseball, but you'll see that here the first team that makes the adjustment will prevail. ... It's nothing to be afraid of. The last six games we have seen good pitching.”
