Mt. Pleasant baseball team seeks return to title game

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, March 18, 2018 | 7:24 PM

Mt. Pleasant senior left fielder Noah Lynch has communicated to the team's younger members the benefits a strong playoff run will bring.

Continuing to win means avoiding some of the less-than-desirable playing surfaces around Western Pennsylvania. By reaching the WPIAL finals and the PIAA playoffs, the Vikings played at Wild Things Park and Mt. Aloysius College.

While Mt. Pleasant finished 13-7 and lost at both facilities — in the WPIAL Class 3A finals and PIAA first round, respectively. Playing for the opportunity to get back is a major motivator.

“That was an amazing experience,” Lynch said. “I've discussed that with the guys who didn't experience that last year. It's exciting going out on fields we haven't played on before, especially the nicer ones. It's a lot to look forward to.”

After losing some of their top pitching to graduation, the Vikings will rely on a fresh mix of talent. Junior Jared Wagner threw the most innings of any returning pitcher, collecting a 1-1 record in 22 ¹⁄₃ innings.

Trevor Mason, Joe Shrum and Cody Reese also pitched for Mt. Pleasant.

“We have do have a couple other pitchers that are returning,” Vikings coach Chris Firmstone said. “We have experience there, so it's not going to be one our weak links.”

Mt. Pleasant hit .320 as a team last season. Shrum hit .388, and Reese hit .367.

Firmstone said he's expecting balance from a group that lost its top hitter. Jason Beranek led the Vikings at .423 last season.

“We don't rely on one person,” Firmstone said. “Everyone does their part throughout the game, whether it be the lead-off guy or the guy batting in the nine hole. We ask the three, four and five guy to lay down bunts.”

Lynch has been pleased with the effort from teammates.

Many days, the end of practice is just a suggestion to stop. Players continue anyway.

“I see a lot of will,” Lynch said. “I see the want-to. I see a lot of kids who stay after and do extra work.”

That is a big part of what Firmstone wants to see.

To compete for another section or a trip to a well-maintained facility, the Vikings need to find the same groove as last season.

“Bringing that fight, that never-give-up,” Firmstone said about his team's attitude.

“Our goals are to win the section, make the playoffs and make another strong run at the WPIAL finals like we did last year. The hard work and dedication these boys have brought to us in the last year, we are looking for the same out of the seniors and for the young guys to step up and contribute more like they did last year.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.

Tags: Mt. Pleasant