Senior pitcher Jarett Bach, Yough baseball in surprising position

By: Paul Schofield
Tuesday, April 16, 2019 | 4:59 PM

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Halfway through the high school baseball season, Yough has emerged as a surprise leader in Section 1-4A.

And while the Cougars (7-3, 5-1) were expected to challenge for a WPIAL playoff berth, especially behind the left arm of senior Pitt recruit Jarett Bach, they are off to a great start with wins over section favorites Knoch (7-1, 3-1) and Greensburg Salem (7-1, 3-1).

Bach was the winning pitcher in both games. Yough also has wins over Mt. Pleasant (4-4, 3-2) and Indiana (0-10, 0-5). After defeating Greensburg Salem, the Cougars dropped an 8-6 decision at Highlands (6-4, 2-3).

“Our section is very good. We work hard, and I think every team wants to be at the top,” coach Craig Spisak said. “It’s a very competitive section. We realized that before we lost to Highlands. There are no easy games left.”

Bach (4-0) had been impressive, especially in the 3-1 win against Greensburg Salem where he struck out 16 and allowed two hits. He also fanned 16 in a nonsection win over Albert Gallatin.

The senior likes to mix his fastball, curveball and changeup. His fastball has been clocked in the low 90s.

“I’m pitching pretty well. The team is playing well as a whole,” Bach said. “To beat two good teams like that says we can play with anyone. I’ve gotten stronger, and I’ve added velocity on my fastball. I’m progressing as a pitcher.”

Bach said he relies on three pitches but mainly his fastball and curveball.

“I like our pitching staff in addition to Jarett,” Spisak said. “We have an experienced and confident pitching staff. With Jarett, we have someone who can go against the top teams. We were able to match him up against Knoch and Greensburg Salem.

“Going into the season, we thought that’s the two teams that would be at the top of the section. It worked out for us the first time around. Hopefully, we’ll see how the second half goes with pitching matchups and the weather.”

Yough concluded the first half of the season Tuesday with a 12-2 win over Derry. The second half begins April 23 against Indiana. The Cougars face Knoch on April 25.

Spisak said Bach epitomizes the team.

“The whole team works like he does,” Spisak said. “He’s worked hard all four years that he’s been in the program, especially in the weight room. He’s done anything we’ve asked.

“He leads from the front. He doesn’t lead from the back. He’s pitching with more poise, and he doesn’t let things bother him.”

But Bach said the team needs to stay grounded and focused. Yough has a nonsection game against Keystone Oaks on Thursday. Then it’s back to section action.

“It’s been a good start to the year,” Bach said. “We want to keep this momentum going and, hopefully, win the section and keep the momentum going into the playoffs. We’ll see what we can do when we get there.

“We believe we can win whoever is on the hill. We can’t get too high. We have to stay humble. We have to go out and play our best every game.”

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.

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