Seniors help Brentwood baseball to another successful campaign

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, June 2, 2018 | 10:00 AM

Previous Next

Previous Next

Brentwood's baseball team has advanced to the WPIAL quarterfinals in each of the last three years.

During that time, the Spartans have won 33 of 47 regular-season games, and were section runners-up once.

Five players instrumental to the team's recent success on the diamond were the seniors on this year's club — SS/P Easton Klein, OF/P Austin Veatch, OF/P Kevin Brown, OF Brendan Donnelly and 1B Stephanos Mavroides.

“We had an amazing season (in 2018),” Klein said. “We had a great group of guys who always gave their all and never quit. No matter what the score was or how late in the game, we never gave up. We showed great drive and determination to win every game.

“Overall, I am very happy with the season we had. We exceeded everyone's expectations by making the playoffs and winning the first-round game. It really hit my heart realizing after we were eliminated in the second round that I will never have the privilege to wear a Brentwood baseball jersey.”

Brentwood ended up 10-4 in section play and 11-7 overall this season, which included a 1-1 record in the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs.

The Spartans strung together a seven-game winning streak midway through the year, defeating Riverview, Northgate, Apollo-Ridge, Bishop Canevin, Carlynton, Sto-Rox and Apollo-Ridge in succession.

In the playoffs, Brentwood socked Chartiers-Houston, 8-2, and lost to Neshannock, 6-2.

“In my coaching career, every time you have a good season the common denominator has always been a strong senior class,” coach Greg Perdziola said. “This year's group is no exception. All five seniors were starters and had an impact on our team's success. Also, all five were very hard-working, very coachable and very humble.”

Klein, Veatch, Donnelly and Mavroides were four-year varsity members. Brown played for three years.

Klein was a three-year starter for the Spartans. He led the team with a .463 batting average this season, to go along with one home run, eight doubles, 16 runs and 15 RBIs.

Klein's career batting average was .433. He also finished with four home runs and 35 RBIs.

“Easton was one of our hardest workers, and just loves playing the game of baseball,” Perdziola said. “He played all the infield positions during his four years at Brentwood. He hit a ball to the 370-foot mark versus Char-Houston.”

Pitching-wise, Klein posted a 2-3 record with a 3.03 ERA this year, striking out 39 in 30 innings.

In 2017, he was 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA during the regular season. He also racked up a .404 batting average and led the club in home runs with three and in runs with 23.

“My four years playing for Brentwood have been remarkable,” Klein said. “I've shared so many great memories with my teammates that I'll never forget. Most of all, being able to play side by side with my older brother Tanner for three years, while my father was coaching, was truly a blessing.

“My favorite memories were definitely our two first-round playoff victories — our first, defeating California in my sophomore season, and the second, defeating Chartiers-Houston this season. These games meant so much to me in the fact that I had the privilege to share them with my brother and father.”

Veatch also was three-year starter. This season, he hit .455 with three doubles, one triple, two home runs and nine RBIs from the Spartans' leadoff spot in the lineup. He also lead the team in runs with 24.

Veatch batted .375 as a junior, and was a career .410 hitter.

“At 5-9, 140 pounds, Austin showed some impressive power,” Perdziola said. “His speed made him a very good center fielder and base runner.”

On the mound, Veatch, a three-sport athlete, was 2-1 with 11 strikeouts in 11 innings.

“I thought my baseball career, overall, was a success,” Veatch said. “Getting thrown into the varsity lineup as a sophomore really helped me develop as a player. I personally think my best year was my sophomore year.

“The best memories came in my sophomore year, as well, playing against OLSH and beating California in the playoffs. Also, in my senior year when we beat Char-Houston.”

Klein and Veatch tied in the voting for most outstanding team member on the baseball squad.

Brown was a first-year starter in 2018. He hit .325 with six doubles, one triple and 12 RBIs; and finished with a 2-0 record and 1.87 ERA, fanning 21 batters in 15 innings.

“Kevin got better as the year went on,” Perdziola said. “His big game was the playoff win versus Char-Houston. He was the winning pitcher and went 2 for 4 with three RBIs.”

Donnelly was a starter for the past two seasons. He hit .291 with one home run and 12 RBIs this spring.

“His big hit was a home versus Northgate on senior rec day,” Perdziola said.

Donnelly batted .357 in 2017.

Mavroides, like Brown, was a first-year starter, hitting .250, with five doubles and eight RBIs.

“He played a solid first base for us,” Perdziola said.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Brentwood