JV vs. Outlaws (5/31) and JV @ Mt. Lebanon (6/1)
Wheeling Post 1 with victories over the Outlaws and Mt. Lebanon this past weekend pushing its record to 3-0.
Post 1 win over Outlaws 8-7:
On Saturday, the Junior Varsity team hosted the Outlaws at I470 for what was scheduled as a double header. In the first game, Post 1 struggled to find its rhythm early while allowing the visiting team to build a 5 run lead. Post 1 continued to chip away at the deficit inning by inning, finding themselves down one run with only one more out to spare in the bottom of the 7th. Matt Gruber stepped up to the plate as Post 1's last chance and delivered a 2RBI, walkoff single to give Post 1 the victory 8-7. Brian Campbell recorded the W on the mound.
-The second game of the double header was canceled after 3 innings due to time constraints.
Post 1 win over Mt. Lebanon 5-3:
Hot off their dramatic victory the night before, Post 1 traveled to Mt. Lebanon on Sunday to take on a solid league opponent. In complete opposite fashion to Saturday's flat start, the JV team jumped on the host squad quickly with back-to-back RBI doubles to start the game. These 4-first inning runs would be all the team needed as Gage Giovengo shut down Mt. Lebanon on the hill, earning the W. Brian Shaw came in to relieve Giovengo and recorded the save. Top offensive performers included: Chad Harper (2-3, S, D, RBI), Kevin Keane (2-3, 2S), and Brian Campbell (1-2, D, 2RBI).
Head Coach Jon-Michael Brunner on his team's success this weekend: "I was really impressed to see our players be able to win two completely opposite ball games. Whether it was battling back against the Outlaws on Saturday or never letting off the gas against Mt. Lebanon on Sunday, our team proved that it has what it takes to be successful. With home games this Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, I expect us to keep playing well and hopefully pickup three more victories."
JV @ Steel Valley (5/29)
Wheeling Post 1 win against Steel Valley 12-1.
The Junior Varsity Team traveled to take on the hosting Steel Valley squad for the opening game of its season. In support of the great performance from starting pitcher Brian Shaw (5IP, 0 runs, 4K), the Post 1 bats came alive to secure the victory. While nearly every Post 1 batter made an impact tonight, standout performers include catcher Chad Harper (3-4, 2RBI), first baseman Brian Campbell (2-4, 3RBI), and extra hitter James Cartwright (1-1, 3RBI).
Head Coach Jon-Michael Brunner on the victory: "Brian came out and gave us the opportunity to win on the mound. He pounded the strike zone and threw his curveball to perfection. Offensively, we smashed the ball up and down the lineup. I am really encouraged by our players' approach at the plate which translated into hard hit balls every at bat. This victory will give us good momentum going into our home opener this Saturday at 3:00pm."
15U @ Norwin-TQ (5/24)
Post 1 with two victories over Norwin this past Saturday, improving the team's record to 2-1.
Game 1: 11-4
-In the first game of the double header, Tyler Riedel took control on the mound throwing a complete game 3-hitter. Offensively, Post 1 showed that while they might not be the biggest team, they can swing the bats with the best of them. Coach Costain's team came alive early and did not let up, finishing with great momentum leading into the second game of the double header.
Game 2: 13-2
-Inspired by fellow teammate Tyler Riedel's performance in game 1, Post 1 starting pitcher Zach McAbee also went the distance. McAbee's complete game 1-hitter set the tempo for Post 1's rout of the hosting Norwin team. On offense, Post 1 was lead by Devin Donaldson who smashed a grand slam to push the leading Post 1 squad even further ahead. This grand slam marks not only Donaldson's first career home run, but the first home run/grand slam in 15U Wheeling American Legion history.
Coach Costain on the victories: "This weekend our boys came out and gave a great effort. I was extremely excited to see how well we played defensively, which is something you can expect to see every time the 15U Team takes the field. Moving forward, I think pitching will be the key: both how well our pitching staff is able to perform and the quality of the opposing pitchers. I couldn't be happier with the outcome of the weekend, which pushed the team over .500 to 2-1."
15U @ Pittsburgh Outlaws (5/20)
Post 1 defeated 4-2 by the Pittsburgh Outlaws
Post 1 starting pitcher Jayden Starks throws a gem, taking a no hitter into the 6th inning. Coach Costain's team headed into the top of the 7th up 2-1 but would concede three runs to the talented opposing squad. Post 1 was unable to plate any runs in the home half of the inning and would fall to the Pittsburgh Outlaws by a score of 4-2.
Coach Costain was very proud of his team's performance despite the unfavorable outcome. "Our kids played a great, fundamentally sound game. Jayden was unbelievable on the mound and set us up in solid position going into the 7th. It's unfortunate we couldn't come out with the win, but I am very encouraged by where we are as a team. Hopefully this will push us to continue to work hard leading up to our next game this Saturday."
15U vs Norwin-CL (5/17)
The 15U team opened its season at I470 on Saturday, May 17th, against a formidable visiting Norwin squad. Coach Doug Costain's players shook off some early season jitters throughout the first three innings before the end was cancelled due to rain.
