Tornado back on target
The two teams couldn't be entering the WPIAL playoffs on more radically different notes.
The Butler baseball team will be riding the wave of two dominant wins into the 6A postseason — 10-2 over Penn Hills Monday and 10-0 over Knoch on Wednesday night at Kelly Autmotive Park.
The Knights on the other hand will be looking to rebound in the 4A playoffs after a 10-4 loss to Pine-Richland Monday and the 10-run setback to the Golden Tornado.
“The difference in the last couple of games is we're playing fearless,” said Butler coach Cody Herald. “One through nine were all fearless and it showed. We got our running game back because we were fearless.”
And the Golden Tornado (11-6) seem to have gotten their mojo back.
Knoch (14-3) seems to have lost it this week.
The Knights committed four errors, managed just one hit against Butler starter Ryan Lynn and three pitchers gave up 10 hits.
Butler was ultra-aggressive on the bases and almost ran itself out of a couple of innings. But the pressure forced Knoch into mistakes that led to runs crossing the plate.
Butler isn't taking anything for granted in the playoffs, even coming out of arguably the best section from top to bottom in the WPIAL.
The Golden Tornado are the third-place team out of Section 1-6A.
Read the full story in Thursday's Butler Eagle.
