Keep informed and up to date here on the Moon Baseball Homepage -- MOON BASEBALL -- Welcome back to The Moon Tiger Tales 2008 Update ..... The 2005 WPIAL Class AAA Silver Medalists ..... You can't hide that TIGER PRIDE ..... We're B-A-A-C-C-K in 2008 to bring you another great and exciting season of Tiger baseball !!! TIGER BASEBALL and TIGER PRIDE Go Hand in Hand: TUESDAY MAY 13th    Keep tuned here for more NEWS about Our Moon Tigers in 2008. You are at the home of The Back-to- Back 2001 and 2002 PIAA Class AAA State Champions.

In the WPIAL Class AAA Consolation game for third place between Moon Area Tigers and the Blackhawk Cougars, our Tigers lost 11-6. The loss ends the season for them as they finished 17-6. Blackhawk advances to the PIAA Class AAA playoffs next week.

MSA Sports Network will be carrying the game live on the internet as MSA's Sam Hall and Jonathan Whaley will have the call from the Washington & Jefferson College Sports Complex of this WPIAL Class AAA Consolation game as the Cougars battle the Tigers. Here is the link to the live broadcast stream :

MSA Sports Network Online broadcast: Moon Area vs. Blackhawk at Washington & Jefferson College Sports Complex in the WPIAL Class AAA Consolation Game on Tuesday May 27 @ 5:00 PM.(5/27/08)

WEDNESDAY MAY 21 - TRINITY ...... 1 - MOON AREA ...... 0 (WPIAL Class AAA SEMIFINAL PLAYOFF)(HOME)

Good morning ! There was no joy in Mudville for the Moon Area nine on Wednesday night. No joy in the fact that their outstanding sophomore pitcher Brian Flannery had just pitched a complete game two-hitter in his WPIAL playoff debut. His defense was flawless, none of his teammates committed an error. He had struck out five and walked only one. He retired 20 of the last 21 batters he faced. However, for only the second time this season his Tigers were unable to score a run. As his coach, Dom Santeufemio, would say to reporters after the game, "That young man deserved a better fate."

On Wednesday night, the Tiger's offense fell silent as they dropped a very heartbreaking, 1-0 loss to the Trinity Hillers. A leadoff double by Graham Cowieson, a bunt, and a run scoring groundout in the first inning was all the offense both teams could muster in this WPIAL Class AAA semifial at Robinson Township's Burkett Field Complex. Moon's only hits off Hiller lefty pitcher Alex Frey were when Phil Bondi singled in the first inning and Scott Liller singled in the sixth inning. Dispite three errors, Frey, was able to get a key lineout double play in the fourth inning, and two great pickoffs (one by him and another by his catcher) to eliminate Tiger threats. Frey's curveball proved too much as the Tigers struckout 12 times.

The Tigers will now wait to see when they will play Blackhawk for the third place and the right to advance to the PIAA Class AAA playoffs. Early word that I have recieved is that the WPIAL Class AAA consolation game will be next Tuesday or Wednesday. But, that is not confirmed. I will try and confirm that later today.

TIGER TRACKS : Tiger sophomore pitchers Brad Schnelle and Brian Flannery have gone to the mound for the first time in the WPIAL playoffs and returned with complete games, allowing one earned run and seven hits in 14 innings. They've struck out 15 and only walked one. ...... This was the seventh time in school history (fifth time in the past 8 years) that the Tigers made it to the WPIAL Semifinals. (1964 - 1986 - 2001 - 2002 -2005 - 2006 - 2008)

Here is the link to another great article written by Bill Utterback of the Beaver/Allegheny County Times on the Trinity game :

Beaver/Allegheny County Times : Great article written by Bill Utterback on the Moon Area/Trinity game (5/22/08)

I just want to wish my mother, Olive Joan Marek, a very Happy Birthday. I love you very much and miss you. God Bless you!!!! If my grandmother, Evelyn Dwire, (my mom's mother) were still alive today, she would have turned 100 today.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
TRINITY	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	3
MOON AREA	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0

Winning Pitcher : Alex Frey (7 IP's) 12 strikeouts, 0 walks. Losing Pitcher : Brian Flannery (7 IP's) 5 strikeouts, 1 walk. 2B's : Graham Cowieson (TR). 3B's : NONE. HR's : NONE. Two or more hits : NONE.

WPIAL Class AAA Semifinal Playoff Action from Wednesday May 21st

WEST ALLEGHENY ...... 5 - BLACKHAWK ....... 3

In the other WPIAL Class AAA semiifinal, West Allegheny (18-3) will have the opportunity to defend their WPIAL Class AAA title after knocking off the Blackhawk Cougars (14-5), 5-3 in a rematch of last year's championship game at Burkett Complex in Robinson. Indian's pitcher Derrik Zeroski got the win striking out 13. Zeroski also helped at the plate, with a two run double. Ryan Verliway hit a home run for Blackhawk, and Austin Wolf went 2 for 2.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
BLACKHAWK	0	0	0	2	0	1	0	3	6	0
WEST ALLEGHENY	2	2	0	0	0	1	X	5	8	1

Winning Pitcher : Derrik Zeroski (7 IP's) 13 strikeouts, 5 walks. Losing Pitcher : Nick McCowin (2 IP's) 3 strikeouts, 3 walks. 2B's : Ricky Devereaux (WA), Mike Visloski (WA), Derrik Zeroski (WA), Matt Royle (BLK). 3B's : NONE. HR's : Ryan Verlihay (BLK). Two or more hits : Austin Wulf (BLK).

Good day everybody !!! It was certainly a great day yeasterday as our Tigers pummeled Greensburg Salem, 10-1 at W&J College's Ross Memorial Field. However, today is a new day and another daunting challenge for our young ball team as they will travel to Robinson's Burkett Field Complex for the first time this year to meet the Trinity Hillers. The Hillers (15-6) were a 2-0 victor on Monday over the Hampton Talbots. Coach Dom Santeufemio will throw another sophomore ace, Brian Flannery today. Flannery is 5-1. The game is set for a 4:30 start, following the West Allegheny/Blackhawk game at 2:00 PM. We hope you can get up to Moon Run and catch this great game and support our boys and cheer them on.

If you can't, MSA Sports Network, the Official Network of the WPIAL Playoffs and WJPA-AM 1450 will be carrying it live. MSA Sports Mark Schaas and John Lee have the call on WJPA-AM 1450 from the Burkett Complex in Robinson Township of this WPIAL Class AAA Semifinals playoff game as the Hillers battle the Tigers. Here is the handy link to the game :

MSA Sports Network Online broadcast: Moon Area vs. Trinity at Burkett Field Complex in the WPIAL Class AAA Semifinals on Wednesday May 21 @ 4:30 PM.(5/21/08)

I also have to send out a very Happy Birthday to my my baby sister, Vera Jean Marek. Hope your big day is a great one. Love you !!!!!

TUESDAY MAY 20 - MOON AREA ....... 10 - GREENSBURG SALEM ...... 1 (WPIAL Class AAA QUARTERFINAL PLAYOFF)(HOME)

It was a great day for the Moon Area Tigers (17-4) as sophomore pitcher Brad Schnelle tamed the Golden Lions of Greensburg Salem, 10-1. Schnelle struckout ten as he went the distance, allowing no walks or earned runs. He also scattered five hits. The win sends the Tigers to the WPIAL Class AAA Semifinals against the Trinity Hillers on Wednesday (TODAY) May 21st at 4:30 PM at Robinson Township's Burkett Field Complex. The Hillers were a 2-0 winner over Hampton on Monday. (See game highlights below).

Nick Berdine hit a three-run home run in the first inning that essentially sealed the deal for Coach Dom Santeufemio's squad. Berdine ended up with two hits, which included the 420 ft. blast he launched over the centerfield fence at W&J College's Memorial Field. Ryan Suess (2B) also added two hits along with Zak Schmidt. The Tigers had ten hits in all off Lion starter, Steve Fagert and reliever Dan Cesare.

In other quarterfinal action from Tuesday, Blackhawk victimized West Mifflin, 10-0 in 5 innings via the 10-run rule. West Allegheny and Zak Sinclair cruised out to an 9-1 lead, but had to hold on as the Mustangs scored five runs in the last inning. Sinclair who worked the first six innings, was pulled and moved to firstbase by Coach Cornell. Sinclair came back to get the last out with another strkeout, his sixteenth

Here is a great article written by Bill Utterback of the Beaver County Times on Tuesday's game against the Golden Lions.

Beaver/Allegheny County Times : Great article written by Bill Utterback on the Moon Area/Greensburg Salem game (5/11/08)

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
GREENSBURG SALEM	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	5	3
MOON AREA	4	2	0	4	0	0	X	10	10	2

Winning Pitcher : Brad Schnelle (7 IP's) 10 strikeouts, 0 walks. Losing Pitcher : Steve Fagert (1 2/3 IP's) 4 strikeouts, 4 walks. 2B's : Ryan Suess (MOON). 3B's : Matt Diehl (GS). HR's : Nick Berdine (MOON) . Two or more hits : Nick Berdine (MA), Zak Schmidt (MA), Matt Diehl (GS).

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WPIAL Class AAA Quarterfinal Playoff Action from Tuesday May 20th

BLACKHAWK ....... 10 - WEST MIFFLIN ....... 0* (5 INN; 10 RR) (Courtesy MSA Sports Network)

Blackhawk pounded out 8 hits, took advantage of 11 walks and 3 West Mifflin errors to claim a 10-0 win in 5 innings at the Burkett Complex on Tuesday. Blackhawk scored in every inning but the 3rd, 2 in the first, 1 in the 2nd, 4 in the 4th and 3 in the 5th to advance to the semifinals for the second consecutive year and the fifth time since 2002. Tyler Nalesnik drove in 3 runs, Mike Pearson had 2 hits and drove in 2 runs, Kyle Starkey notched 2 rbi's, and Austin Wulf had 2 hits. Ben Rawding was almost perfect on the mound, allowing just one hit and 4 baserunners over his 5 innings. He fanned 8. Blackhawk is now 14-4 and winners of 7 straight, West Mifflin finishes at 15-4.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
WEST MIFFLIN	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	3
BLACKHAWK	2	1	0	4	3	10	9	0

Winning Pitcher : Ben Rawding (5 IP's) 8 strikeouts, 2 walks. Losing Pitcher : Mike Nickerman (1 2/3 IP's) 2 strikeouts, 4 walks. 2B's : Austin Wulf (BL), Mike Pearson (BL). 3B's : NONE. HR's : NONE . Two or more hits : Austin Wulf (BL), Mike Pearson (BL)

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WEST ALLEGHENY ....... 9 - LAUREL HIGHLANDS ...... 6 (Courtesy Beaver County Times and Bill Utterback)

The first pitch Zak Sinclair offered in the 2008 WPIAL Class AAA playoffs was ripped through the gap for a leadoff double by Nick Erminio of Laurel Highlalnds.

Who’s in charge, the champion or the challenger?

Sinclair, without blinking, provided the answer. He struck out the next three batters in succession. He struck out everybody in the Mustangs’ lineup at least once — and got six of them twice — as the Indians began their WPIAL title defense with a 9-6 victory in a quarterfinal game played Tuesday at Washington & Jefferson’s Ross Memorial Field.

After recording 15 strikeouts in six innings, Sinclair moved to first base in the seventh inning. When the Mustangs crafted a five-run rally against the Indians’ bullpen, Sinclair returned to the mound to throw three pitches and end the evening with his 16th strikeout.

Does he get the win and the save?

"I asked him when the inning started if he felt like he could go back in if we needed him, but I didn’t think we would need him,' West Allegheny head coach Bryan Cornell said. West Allegheny will meet Blackhawk in a WPIAL semifinal confrontation at 2 p.m. today at the Burkett Sports Complex. They met in the WPIAL championship game a year ago, and Sinclair finished as the winning pitcher.

Against Laurel Highlands, Sinclair allowed four hits, one walk and an unearned run in six innings. Aside from his pitching, he contributed two hits, including a sizzling run-scoring double that bounced out of the yard. Mike Visloski, a reserve during the championship season, started the 2008 postseason with a single, a two-run double and a two-run triple. Tyler Savisky and Derrik Zeroski each contributed two singles and drove in a run. Ken Cool also had a run-scoring single.

Sinclair knew he had to seize command in the first inning. "He (Erminio) tried to set the tempo for them, and I knew I had to come back and take control," Sinclair said. The Indians are not intimidated by the challenge of playing less than 16 hours after their quarterfinal with Laurel Highlands ended. "We’ve got momentum, so let’s roll right into the next one," Sinclair said.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
WEST ALLEGHENY	0	1	2	1	4	1	0	9	11	3
LAUREL HIGHLANDS	0	0	0	0	1	0	5	6	6	1

Winning Pitcher : Zak Sinclair (6 1/3 IP's) 16 strikeouts, 1 walk. Losing Pitcher : Newhouse (3 IP's) 2 strikeouts, 3 walks. 2B's : Visloski (WA), Sinclair (WA), Erminio (LH). 3B's : Visloski (WA), Krull (WA), Congelio (LH). HR's : NONE . Two or more hits : Visloski (WA) 3, Sinclair (WA) 2, Savisky (WA) 2, Zeroski (WA) 2, Erminio (LH) 2

The Greensburg Salem Golden Lions eliminated New Castle, 9-6 on Saturday afternoon. Now, weather permitting, Moon Area will now play them TODAY (Tuesday) in the WPIAL Class AAA Quarterfinals. The game is set for Washington and Jefferson College at 4:30 PM. Please note the other changes on the revised schedule below.

WPIAL Class AAA Quarterfinal Playoff Action from Monday May 19th

TRINITY ....... 2 - HAMPTON ....... 0 (Courtesy MSA Sports Network)

Tyler Schrader took a no-hitter into the sixth and extended hit shutout streak to 12 innings, leading Trinity to a 2-0 win over Hampton Monday night at the Burkett Complex. After Trinity scored single runs in the fifth and sixth, the Talbots mounted their most serious scoring threats of the game.

Scott Brady walked for the third time in the game, leading off the sixth. Steve Van Atta singled to left, breaking up the no-hit bid, moving Brady to second. Schrader got two strikeouts and a comebacker to end the threat. With one out in the bottom of the seventh, Jason Steen walked, reaching base for the third time. Andrew Bly delivered a pinch-hit single. Schrader struck out Kevin Doerge and coaxed a groundball from Brady to end the game. Buck Gnagey led off the Trinity fifth with a walk. After a lineout, pinch-runner Mike Maloy was sacrificed to second. Schrader hit a slow grounder to short. Doerge throw to first was in the dirt for an error, allowing Maloy to score. With one out in the sixth, Joey Havrilak walked and went to third on an Evan Bukowski single. Gnagey followed with a basehit, scoring Havrilak to make it 2-0.

Schrader picked up his second win of this playoff season, having beaten Chartiers Valley with five shutout innings Friday. The Trinity righthander has allowed just five hits and no runs in 12 playoff innings of work. Cory McGinnis took the loss, despite allowing just two runs, one earned, and three hits over seven innings. The Talbots' rightie walked three, two of them coming around to score. The win is the seventh in the last nine games for Trinity (15-6). Hampton finishes 14-5 after winning nine straight to start the season.

Trinity will now wait for the winner of our game and probably play this on Thursday.

MSA Sports Network will be carrying our game and all the WPIAL baseball and softball playoff games. Just click this link to access the link for the live streaming audio of the game on Tuesday. Don Rebel has the call in this game.

MSA Sports Network Online broadcast: Moon Area vs. Greensburg Salem at W&J College in the WPIAL Class AAA Quarterfinals on Tuesday May 20 @ 5:00 PM.(5/20/08)

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WPIAL Class AAA Quarterfinals:

West Allegheny Indians (16-3) ..... 9 - Laurel Highlands Mustangs (17-5) ..... 6

Blackhawk Cougars (14-4) ..... 10 - West Mifflin Titans (16-4) ..... 0

Trinity Hillers (14-6) ..... 2 - Hampton Talbots (14-5) ..... 0

Moon Area Tigers (17-4) ..... 10 - Greensburg-Salem Golden Lions (15-5) ..... 1

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Here are the WPIAL Class AAA first round pairings and results (REVISED as of 5/18/08, 2:00 AM):

First Round Byes and top four seeds: 1. West Allegheny, 2. Hampton, 3. Moon Area, and 4. West Mifflin,

Laurel Highlands ..... 9 - Steel Valley ..... 1 (Winner plays West Allegheny)

Blackhawk ..... 7 - Derry Area ..... 2 (Winner plays West Mifflin)

Trinity..... 7 - Chartiers Valley ..... 2 (Winner plays Hampton)

Greensburg Salem ..... 9 - New Castle ..... 6 (Winner plays Moon Area)

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WPIAL CLASS AAA FIRST ROUND PLAYOFF ROUND-UP : (Courtesy of Pittsburgh Post Gazette)

Laurel Highlands 9, Steel Valley 1: Laurel Highlands (17-4) jumped to a 9-0 lead after four innings and cruised to the first-round win at the Burkett Complex. Laurel Highlands scored five runs in the first inning as John Boskovich had a two-run single and Kevin Gmiter a two-run double.

Greensburg Salem 9, New Castle 6: Greensburg Salem (15-5) came back from a 5-2 deficit to post the win at North Allegheny. New Castle (9-12) held a three-run lead after four innings before Greensburg Salem had a seven-run fifth, with all the runs scoring with two outs. Steve Zerbini had a run-scoring single and Ross Mularsky an RBI double. Greensburg Salem also scored on a hit batsman and a bases-loaded walk. Then, with a 3-2 count and the runners going, Joe Hixson hit a bloop single that scored three runs.

Blackhawk 7, Derry Area 2: Blackhawk High pitcher Nick McCowin came within one out of throwing a no-hitter in the first round of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs. McCowin, a senior, settled for a one-hitter as Blackhawk rolled past Derry Area, 7-2, yesterday afternoon at the Burkett Complex in Robinson Township. Derry's lone hit came from the bat of Josh Mroskey with two outs in the seventh inning. Derry (11-9) also scored its two runs in the seventh. McCowin finished with seven strikeouts and three walks and lifted his season record to 7-1. Blackhawk (13-4) held a 3-0 lead after three innings and broke the game open with four runs in the fourth. Blackhawk had only six hits, three of which were doubles by Greg Weatherly, Matt Royle and Tim Lipp.

Trinity 7, Chartiers Valley 2: The Hillers (14-6) jumped to a 6-2 early advantage and fought off Chartiers Valley (11-7) in a first-round game at Burkett Complex. Evan Bukowski went 3 for 4 with two singles and two RBIs.

Moon and Beaver scrimmaged on Tuesday afternoon. Both teams threw all of their pitchers about an inning each. Coach Santeufemio used all his players. It was a chance to give the Tigers a controlled workout. They will be practicing the rest of these week in anticipation of next week's WPIAL Class AAA Quarterfinal round where they will play the winner of Friday's First Round playoff game between New Castle and Greensburg Salem. Form what I have seen and heard the weather could possibly play havoc with that schedule.

Hope those of you that participated in or worked the golf outing on Saturday had a great day. I want to thank all of you for your supporting our teams. I will post details (hopefully) of the outing on this site at a later date.

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Here is what the Pittsburgh Post Gazette is saying about the 2008 WPIAL Playoffs. :

Pittsburgh Post Gazette : 2008 WPIAL Baseball playoff preview (5/11/08)

Here is a link to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette's West edition dated May 15th, 2008. It was written by Chris Adamski.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette : Article on Tiger success by Chris Adamski in the PG West (5/15/08)

The ARCHIVED 2008 Moon Area H.S. Baseball Website

As I do every year, I try to downsize my main homepage. By doing this I archive all the scores and other pertinent information onto another page. Here is the link to that page

You can access this page by clicking this link :

Archived 2008 Moon Area and other Section 3-AAA Game results: Here is a link for you to look at previous game results by our Tigers and the other WPIAL Section 3-AAA action

The Lords of the WPIAL must have been looking down on the Moon Area Tigers this morning. The Tigers will be recieving a bae in the WPIAL Class AAA First Round playoff. Having just got off the WPIAL website, Moon will wait for the winner of the Greensburg Salem/New Castle game, which is set to be played at Gateway H.S. on Friday May 16th at 4:00 PM. Moon Area will then play them probably on May 19th or May 20th. Congratulations to Coach Dom Santeufemio and the boys on the great season that gave you the great seeding. You can see the actual bracket board and pairings at the link I have provided to the WPIAL's main website. Click the link below, then click Class AAA on their website.

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To hear the pairings and a preview of the playoffs tune into MSA Sports Network on early Friday (5-9-08) evening. MSA Sports Bob Orkwis, Sam Hall and Jonathan Whaley will preview the 2008 WPIAL Baseball Playoffs as they unveil and analyze the baseball playoff brackets.

Just click this link :

MSA Sports Network Online broadcast: WPIAL Playoff Pairings Preview Show (6:00 PM to 7:00 PM)(5/9/08)

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As a convience to all of you, here is the actual link to the WPIAL's baseball bracket website. You can check this link later today to see the actual pairings. However, don't expect to be posted until very late afternoon.

WPIAL Official Website: WPIAL Playoff Pairings (5/9/08)

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A friendly reminder, this coming Saturday May 10th (TODAY), The MAPHC/Moon Area Baseball Annual Golf Outing is set for the Moon Township Golf Club (formerly Bon Air G.C.). This annual golf scramble is the club's biggest fundraiser to offset the costs of the Florida Spring Training trip, the annual banquet, and road trip lunches, and other needed support for our kids. They are still looking for GOLFERS, hole and tee sponsors, and donations are needed for the ‘goody bags’ each golfer will receive, the raffle and prizes. We will be happy to pick-up any donation, please call Schmidt 412-264-4074 or DeAngelis 412-269-2460 with pick-up information. Monetary gifts are always welcome.

WEDNESDAY MAY 7 - MOON AREA ....... 10 - MONTOUR ...... 8 (LEAGUE)(HOME)

Good morning everyone ! The Tigers (9-3, 16-4) avenged the earlier loss to Montour, with a 10-8 win in thier regular season finale on Wednesday. The loss by the Spartans, combined with Chartiers Valley's 11-1 win over Keystone Oaks, ended their season. Tiger freshman 3B Brett Hoffman had three hits including a two run home run and had four RBIs on the afternoon. Nick Berdine had two hits as well, including a solo homer in the fourth inning. Moon Area will now wait along West Allegheny and CV on Friday to see how they get paired in the 2008 WPIAL Class AAA playoffs.

One other game note, it may have actually been the last high school game ever played on the current Moon Area Middle School Field. Having spent almost forty years on that field as a student, manager, statistician, varsity assistant coach, and a spectator, myself, I will miss the field, but not in the condition it has been in for the past four years. I hope and pray the new complex with bring many new memories and moments to future players, coaches, and fans. God Bless !!!!

In other Section 3-AAA action on the last day of the regular season, WA's Zak Sinclair hit his eighth home run of the season, and Ricky Devereaux added a three-run homer, as the Indians (11-1, 16-3) crushed Hopewell, 8-0. Derrik Zeroski pitched a one-hitter with 12 strikeouts.

A brief note of condolences and prayers to alumni Ken Aiman and his family on the loss of a dear friend of mine, his mother, Rita Aiman. Rita passed away on April 24th. She worked with me at the Holiday Inn Airport for over 20 years. May God Bless her and her family.

MSA Sports Network broadcast the game on the internet today. Jonathan Whaley and Mark Schaas did the play-by-play and color commentary. If you didn't catch the game on Wednesday, you can hear the archived broadcast.

Just click this link :

MSA Sports Network Online broadcast: Montour at Moon Area (4:00 PM)(5/7/08)

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
MONTOUR	0	0	2	1	1	4	0	8	10	4
MOON AREA	5	2	0	3	0	0	0	10	10	2

Winning Pitcher : Brad Schnelle (5 IP's) 5 strikeouts, 0 walks. Losing Pitcher : Paul Indrihovic (0 IP's) 0 strikeouts, 0 walks. 2B's : Phil Peckich (MON). 3B's : NONE. HR's : Brett Hoffman (MA), Nick Berdine (MA) . Two or more hits : . Brett Hoffman (MA) 3, Nick Berdine (MA), Zak Schmidt (MA), Scott Liller (MA), Phil Peckich (MON) 3, Matt Socol (MON), Dan Blumling (MON), Tom Birko (MON).

On Sunday May 4th, Brian Holliday was given a chance for a spot start with the Altoona Curve. He was promoted up from the Pittsburgh Pirate's High-A affiliate, Lynchburg HillCats. He was given a start on Sunday in the second game of a doubleheader against the Erie Seawolves. Unfortunately, the Moon Area 2002 grad ran into a buzzsaw. The Seawolves tagged him up for 4 runs in the first inning on six hits. He managed to go 3 2/3 innings before he was yanked. On Monday, he was returned to Lynchburg. He is 1-0 with a 1.30 ERA with the Hillcats.

A friendly reminder, this coming Saturday May 10th, The MAPHC/Moon Area Baseball Annual Golf Outing is set for the Moon Township Golf Club (formerly Bon Air G.C.). This annual golf scramble is the club's biggest fundraiser to offset the costs of the Florida Spring Training trip, the annual banquet, and road trip lunches, and other needed support for our kids. They are still looking for GOLFERS, hole and tee sponsors, and donations are needed for the ‘goody bags’ each golfer will receive, the raffle and prizes. We will be happy to pick-up any donation, please call Schmidt 412-264-4074 or DeAngelis 412-269-2460 with pick-up information. Monetary gifts are always welcome.

MONDAY MAY 5 - MOON AREA ....... 8 - SOUTH PARK ...... 7 (LEAGUE)(AWAY)

The Tigers (8-3, 15-4) edged the Eagles of South Park, 8-7, and got a playoff spot with a little help from some unlikely friends. West Allegheny corraled the Colts, 10-0, and Hopewell upset Montour, 4-0. With the Tiger win and those two losses, Moon will be heading to the 2008 WPIAL Class AAA playoffs for the ninth time in the last eleven years. Ryan Suess drove in three runs, and Brad Schnelle and Brett Hoffman each added two RBI's. Nico Marocco threw two shutout innings of relief to power the Tigers to victory. Congratulations to Coach Santeufemio and the boys on such a great accomplishment. You guys have really exceeded my and other's expectations.

Meanwhile, in other Section 3-AAA action Indian senior pitcher Zak Sinclair picked up the victory on the mound, he allowed only three hits and struckout nine in five innings of work via the 10 run rule. He has now pitched three consecutive shutouts over section opponents. West Allegheny wins the Section 3-AAA outright as they improve to 10-1. Sinclair also hit a two run homer offensively. Mark Diskin added three RBIs. The Colts fall to 6-5, (10-6 overall)

At Burkett Field, Hopewell senior pitcher, Max Vogel fired a two-hitter and set down the final 15 Spartan batters he faced as Coach Joe Colella's Vikings (4-7, 9-8) defeated Montour, 4-0. Tyler George, Ty Miller, Brad Kubis and Dillen Schwegler all had RBIs for the Vikings.

The Section 3-AAA playoff picture has pretty much cleared up with the exception of the third and final playoff spot. West Allegheny is the Section 3-AAA champion, Moon Area is the section runner-up. Montour and Chartiers Valley are tied for third place at 6-5 each. They are also tied in the tie-breaker as they split thier regular season games against each other. The Spartans won the first encounter, 22-14, the Colts the last one, 11-1. If they both win, or both both lose, they both get a playoff spot. If one wins, and the other loses, the winner gets the final spot.

The Tigers return home for their Section 3-AAA finale on Wednesday, when they host Montour.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
MOON AREA	0	2	2	0	4	0	0	8	11	2
SOUTH PARK	2	0	3	0	2	0	0	7	5	4

Winning Pitcher : Brian Flannery (5 IP's) 4 strikeouts, 4 walks. SAVE : Nico Morrocco (2 IP). Losing Pitcher : Tarran Senay (7 IP's) 10 strikeouts, 3 walks. 2B's : Phil Bondi (MA), Brett Hoffman (MA), Alex Knox (MA), Doug Smith (SP). 3B's : Ryan Suess (MA). HR's : Tarran Senay (SP). Two or more hits : Phil Bondi (MA), Nico Morrocco (MA), Brad Schnelle (MA), Alex Knox (MA), Ryan Suess (MA), Doug Smith (SP).

MONDAY MAY 5 - MOON AREA ....... 16 - STO-ROX ...... 6* (5 INNINGS/10 RR) (EXHIBITION)(HOME)

Sorry, I was out of town and didn't get a chance to update. The Tigers celebrated a great Senior Recognition with a 16-6 win over the Sto-Rox Vikings. The game was halted after five innings on the 10-run rule. Phil Bondi and Nico Marocco each had three-run home runs and drove in five runs in this exhibition game. The win improved the Tiger's overall record to 14-4.

In other games involving Section 3-AAA teams, Chartiers Valley (6-4, 10-5) beat up Bethel Park, 12-2 and Laurel Highlands rolled past South Park (3-8, 7-12). On Monday, Char. Valley travels to West Allegheny and Hopewell visits Montour. A Tiger victory and a loss by the Colts would

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
STO_ROX	2	0	0	2	2	6	9	4
MOON AREA	8	1	3	1	3	16	13	2

Winning Pitcher : Zach Mangan (4 2/3 IP) 2 strikeouts, 0 walks. Losing Pitcher : Nick Arlotta (0 IP) 0 strikeouts, 1 walks 2B's : Scott Liller (MA), Phil Bondi (MA), Dalton Worms (SR). 3B's : Nico Morrocco (MA). HR's : Nico Morrocco (MA), Phil Bondi (MA). Two or more hits : Nico Morrocco (MA) 3, Phil Bondi (MA), Scott Liller (MA), Dalton Worms (SR), Brian Piett (SR), Jordan Rugh (SR).

The Tigers got a well deserved break on Friday, but return to play Sto-Rox (TODAY) Saturday at 12 NOON. It is our Senior Recognition game. We invite all our families, friends, and fans to come out to the ball field to pay homage to our 2008 Senior players. The 2008 seniors are : Ryan Suess, Zach Mangan, Nick Berdine, Ryan Busch, Scott Rush, and Brandon Counihan. There will a picnic lunch for all the players and families after the game. We hope you can make it. Be there, Aloha !!!!!

In Section 3-AAA action on Friday, Chartiers Valley stampeded Montour, 11-1. Hopewell slowed down a hot South Park, 7-1 and West Allegheny clinched a playoff spot with a 7-0 win over Keystone Oaks, 7-0.

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The Tiger family got some great news on Friday as Moon Area High School 2002 graduate Brian Holliday was promoted to Class AA Altoona from high Class A Lynchburg on Friday by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Holliday, a left-handed pitcher, will make his Eastern League debut tonight when he starts for the Curve in the second game of a doubleheader against Erie at Blair County Ballpark in Altoona. Congratulations to Brian!!!!!

TUESDAY APRIL 29 - PINE RICHLAND ...... 8 - MOON AREA ....... 4 (EXHIBITION)(HOME)

The Tiger's five game winning streak ended at the hands of the Pine Richland Rams (3-6, 9-8) in an exhibition game on Thursday afternoon at Moon Area Middle School Field. The Tigers lost 8-4. Moon Area Senior catcher, Ryan Seuss continued with his hot bat as he hit a home run in the Tiger’s four-run rally in the fifth inning. Mike Jeffreys took the loss. He worked five innings. The game saw Coach Santeufemio get a chance to use all his bench. It was also the first exhibition loss the Tigers suffered this season.

In other Section 3-AAA action, South Park manhandled Keystone, 9-4. In an exhibition game, Beaver Falls upset West Allegheny, 4-3.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
PINE RICHLAND	2	2	1	0	1	1	1	8	12	0
MOON AREA	0	0	0	0	4	0	0	4	8	2

Winning Pitcher : Phil Morrissette (7 IP's) 3 strikeouts, 2 walks. Losing Pitcher : Mike Jeffreys (5 IP's) 3 strikeouts, 5 walks. 2B's : T.J. Kuban (PR) 2, Vinny Nittoli (PR) 2, Mitch Elliott (PR). 3B's : NONE. HR's : Ryan Suess (MA), Steve Freehling (PR). Two or more hits : Mitch Elliott (PR), T.J. Kuban (PR), Vinny Nittoli (PR), Steve Freehling (PR).

The Tigers (7-3, 13-3) were downright unhospitable with their bordering Beaver County rivals, Hopewell, on Wednesday. They beat Coach Joe Colella's Vikings (2-7, 7-8), 7-4. Phil Bondi (3 hits) hit a solo home run, and Ryan Seuss followed with a three-run double, as the Tigers scored four runs in the third inning to wipe out a 3-2 deficit. Brad Schnelle pitched sixings and got the win. Bondi closed the seventh on the mound. Tyler George hit a three-run home run for the Vikings. Max Vogel pitched for Hopewell.

The win keeps the current winning streak alive at five. The Tigers got some help as South Park came up with a big 8-2 win over the Chartiers Valley Colts. The win also helped secure the Tigers back into driver's seat for a playoff spot. In the only other game in the section, Montour beat Keystone Oaks, 8-2.

TUESDAY APRIL 29 - MOON AREA ....... 10 - CHARTIERS VALLEY ....... 3 (LEAGUE)(AWAY)

Moon Area (6-3, 12-3) clawed their way back into the Section 3-AAA race with a big 10-6 win at Chartiers Valley on Tuesday afternoon. The game was a make-up game postponed from Monday. The Tigers avenged the earlier 14-6 loss to these same Colts (5-3, 8-4). Ryan Suess was the Tiger's big weapon on Tuesday as he had two hits (TRIP, HR) and six RBI's. His homer was a grand slam in the top of the fourth inning. He also had a sacrifice fly.

Other big contributors fo Moon's 14 hit assault was Zak Schmidt, Phil Bondi, Nico Morrocco, Alex Knox, and Brad Schnelle.

Ryan Flannery got the win on the mound. He went four innings and K'ed seven.

Also on Wednesday, the Tigers can not rest as they host Coach Joe Colella's Hopewell Vikings at 4:00 PM.

In other Section 3-AAA action on Wednesday, West Allegheny increased their lead and grasp of the Section with a 6-0 win over the Montour Spartans. Zak Sinclair tossed a two-hit shutout. He K'ed eight and walked one. Montour pitcher Paul Indrihovic held the Indians to only three hits, but he walked eight. Derrik Zeroski had two hits (2B, 3B) and 3 RBI's.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
MOON AREA	0	4	3	0	1	0	2	10	14	0
CHARTIERS VALLEY	0	3	0	3	0	0	0	6	8	1

Winning Pitcher : Brian Flannery (4 IP's) 7 strikeouts, 4 walks. Losing Pitcher : Mike Palmer (5 IP's) 3 strikeouts, 3 walks. 2B's : Ken Terpack (CV), Morris (CV). 3B's : Ryan Suess (MA). HR's : Ryan Suess (MA). Two or more hits : Ryan Suess (MA), Zak Schmidt (MA), Phil Bondi (MA), Nico Morrocco (MA), Alex Knox (MA).

SATURDAY APRIL 26 - MOON AREA ....... 4 - SENECA VALLEY ....... 3 (EXHIBITION) (HOME)

The Tigers, playing their fourth game in six days, came away with an outstanding, 4-3 win over Seneca Valley (13-2). Zach Mangan went the distance on the mound and a two run home run by Nick Berdine in the sixth inning helped Moon Area to its eleventh win of the seaon. Zak Schmidt had added two hits. SV's pre-season All-American, Cory Mazzoni had a double and pitched two innings. The Raiders came into the exhibition game ranked by the Post Gazette, Trib Review and MSA Sports as the No. 1 team in Quad-A. It was Moon Area's (11-3) third straight win.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
MOON AREA	0	0	0	1	2	1	0	4	7	2
SENECA VALLEY	0	1	0	2	0	0	0	3	9	0

Winning Pitcher : Zach Mangan (7 IP's) 1 strikeouts, 1 walk. Losing Pitcher : Kyle Helisek (1 1/3 IP's) 1 strikeouts, 0 walks. 2B's : Cory Mazzoni (SV), Ryan Turner (SV). 3B's : Brett Hoffman (MA). HR's : Nick Berdine (MA). Two or more hits : Dan Jergel (SV) 3, Ryan Turner (SV), Zak Schmidt (MA).

FRIDAY APRIL 25 - MOON AREA ....... 12 - BLACKHAWK ....... 6 (EXHIBITION) (HOME)

The Tigers roared to a 12-6 win over Coach Bob Amalia's Blackhawk Cougars in an exhibition game on Friday. Zack Schmidt (2 DOUB) and Brett Hoffman had three hits and each drove in three runs as Moon Area improved to 10-3 overall. Michael Jeffreys got the win, going three innings, striking out four

In other Section 3-AAA games scheduled on Friday saw Montour outscore Chartiers Valley, 22-14. Today, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette's No. 1 ranked, Quad A team, Seneca Valley (13-1) will land in Moon Township for a 12 NOON exhibition game. BTW, Seneca Valley routed the Post Gazette's No. 1 ranked AAA team, Hampton (11-2) on Friday, 8-1 in an exhibition game.

In other exhibition action involving Section 3-AAA teams, Hopewell's Max Vogel hit two home runs, however the Center Trojans prevailed 11-9. Vogel also had four RBIs. Brad Kubis had four hits and Garrett Cobalt hit a home run.

West A's Zak Sinclair pacd the Indians to an 8-1 victory over West Mifflin. It was his fifth home run of the year. Derrik Zeroski also had a homerun, an inside-the-park one. Ethan Thompson pitched three innings and struck out four to earn the victory. West Allegheny improved to 10-2 overall.

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TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
BLACKHAWK	1	3	2	0	0	0	0	6	10	4
MOON AREA	3	5	3	0	0	1	X	12	14	2

Winning Pitcher : Michael Jeffreys (3 IP's) 4 strikeouts, 3 walks. Losing Pitcher : Michael Pearson (2 1/3 IP's) 1 strikeout, 3 walks. 2B's : Zak Schmidt (MA) 2, Austin Wulf (BL) 2, Nick Berdine (MA), Greg Weatherly (BL), Kyle Starkey (BL). 3B's : NONE. HR's : NONE. Two or more hits : Zak Schmidt (MA) 3, Brett Hoffman (MA) 3, Austin Wulf (BL) 3, Nick Berdine (MA), Ryan Busch (MA), Greg Weatherly (BL), Kyle Starkey (BL).

THURSDAY APRIL 24 - MOON AREA ....... 11 - KEYSTONE OAKS ...... 1 (5 innings/10 RR) (LEAGUE)

The Tigers roared back after two devastating losses in less than a week. On Thursday, Moon rolled to an 11-1 victory over Keystone Oaks. Brian Flannery continued to show his prowess on the mound as he pitched four solid innings and allowed one hit, he K'ed three and walked two. At the plate Nico Morrocco had three hits and three RBI's. Nick Berdine had two hits including a two run homer. Phil Bondi (2B) also added two hits as Moon improved to 5-3 in the league and 9-3 overall.

The Tigers will host Coach Bob Amalia's Blackhawk Cougars in an exhibition game on Friday at 3:30 PM. In other Section 3-AAA action on Thursday, Chartiers Valley beat Hopewell, 9-2

Section 3-AAA games scheduled for today is an important game as Chartiers Valley travels to Montour. In exhibition games involving league teams, South Park hosts Ringgold, Center visits Hopewell. Tomorrow, Saturday, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette's No. 1 ranked, Quad A team, Seneca Valley (12-1) will land in Moon Township for a 12 NOON exhibition game.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	R	H	E
KEYSTONE OAKS	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	2
MOON AREA	3	0	2	5	1	11	13	2

Winning Pitcher : Brian Flannery (4 IP) 3 strikeouts, 2 walks. Losing Pitcher : Nick Stawowcyzk (3 IP) 2 strikeouts, 2 walks 2B's : Brett Hoffman (MA), Phil Bondi (MA), Alex Knox (MA). 3B's : Phil Bondi. HR's : Nick Berdine (MA). Two or more hits : Nico Morrocco (MA) 3, Phil Bondi (MA), Nick Berdine (MA).

MONDAY APRIL 21 - WEST ALLEGHENY ....... 10 - MOON AREA ....... 0 (6 innings/10 RR) (LEAGUE)

On Monday afternoon, the Tigers travelled to Donaldson Field to meet the West Allegheny Indians (6-1, 8-2). Unfortunately, the Tigers ran in to a buzz saw in Indian pitcher, Zak Sinclair who fired a one-hit shutout as West A won 10-0 in six innings. Sinclair struck out 12 and allowed only one walk. Sinclair also dominated at the plate with a double and 3-run home run in the fifth inning. Mike Visloski also hit a two-run home run. Brad Schnelle pitched a great game until basically the fifth inning and took the loss for the Tigers. Brett Hoffman had the Tiger's only hit, it was a lead-off single in the fourth.

In other Section 3-AAA action on Monday, winless South Park surprised Montour, 5-1 and Hopewell pummeled Keystone Oaks, 12-5.

The game was broadcast on the internet at msasports.net Monday afternoon. MSA Sports Sam Hall and Joe Sager had the call

MSA Sports Network: Internet broadcast of the Moon Area at West Allegheny game (4-21-08)

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H	E
MOON AREA	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1
WEST ALLEGHENY	0	0	0	2	3	5	10	10	0

Winning Pitcher : Zak Sinclair (6 IP) 12 strikeouts, 1 walks. Losing Pitcher : Brad Schnelle (5 IP) 0 strikeouts, 0 walks 2B's : Zak Sinclair (WA), Tyler Savisky (WA), Nick Dymkowski (WA), Derrik Zeroski (WA). 3B's : NONE. HR's : Mike Visloski (WA), Zak Sinclair (WA). Two or more hits : Zak Sinclair (WA), Mike Visloski (WA), Tyler Savisky (WA).

Sorry for no new updates today. My internet was down most of the day. In Section 3-AAA action on Thursday April 17, Montour continued to roll along with a 11-7 win over South Park. West Allegheny beat Hopwewell, 8-3 as Zak Sinclair hit a game-tying two-run homer in the third inning, and Tyler Savisky led off the fourth inning with the go-ahead homer as the Indians improved to 7-1 overall, 5-1 in Section 3-AAA. Ricky Devereaux added two doubles and a single.

The Tigers got hammered on the road tonight by the Montour Spartans, 11-1. I have not recieved any more information other than the score. Hopefully, I will have more details later. In other Section 3-AAA action on Wednesday, West Allegheny rolled by Hopewell, 8-3 and Chartiers Valley eased by Keystone Oaks, 7-3.

MONDAY APRIL 7 - MONTOUR ....... 11 - MOON AREA ....... 1 (6 innings/10 RR) (LEAGUE)

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H	E
MOON AREA	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	5	2
MONTOUR	0	1	1	3	5	1	11	12	5

Winning Pitcher : Ryan Traurig (6 IP) 3 strikeouts, 0 walks. Losing Pitcher : Brian Flannery ( IP) 0 strikeouts, 0 walks 2B's : Paul Tutino (MON), Dan Blumling (MON). 3B's : NONE. HR's : Paul Tutino (MON). Two or more hits : Paul Tutino (MON) 3, Frank Matarazzo (MON), Tim Picard (MON), Alex Clements (MON), Dan Blumling (MON).

Good morning! The Tigers head over to Montour High School this afternoon to meet the Spartans (2-1, 5-3) in another great Section 3-AAA matchup. Both teams are rebuilding and have had some great early successes. Coach Vietmeier's squad is led offensively by juniors Tim Picard and Tom Birko (grandson of the late outstanding former Montour head Coach Tom Birko). On the mound, he has two fine pitchers in seniors Ryan Traurig and Brian Odorisio. The game is set for 3:45 PM. Hope you all can make it out to Montour to support our Tigers.

Just a heads up in Section 3-AAA action on Tuesday in a big game for the early control of the league, West Allegheny knocked Chartiers Valley out of the ranks of the unbeaten with a 7-1 win. WA's Zak Sinclair got the win going 6 strong innings allowing only three hits, while striking out ten. He also added two hits and drove in a run. Mike Visloski also added two hits. The win also left the Tigers and Indians in a first place tie. In other action involving Section 3-AAA teams, Keystone Oaks defeated Langley, 13-9, in an exhibition game.

In other Section 3-AAA action Wednesday (today), Chartiers Valley visits Keystone Oaks, and West Allegheny hosts Hopewell.

Sorry for the delay on updates everyone. I was in the Altoona Area all weekend due to the passing of Kelley's grandmother, Gladys Royer. The Tigers were rather busy in my absence. But I will update the recent game first. On Monday, Moon Area (4-1, 8-1), outlasted the Eagles of South Park, 10-9, in nine innings. With South Park on the field and the Tigers with runners at first and third, they decided to pitch to Phil Bondi who was already 4-4 at the plate. The result was Moon's fourth Section 3-AAA win as Bondi singled home the game winning run.

Bondi, was also the winning pitcher of record in relief. However, he did face some trouble, with the bases loaded and nobody out in the top of the ninth, it took an outstanding defensive play by catcher Ryan Seuss who turned a double play on a ball chopped out in front of home plate. I will have more details on this game and the exhibition game at Ambridge on Saturday. The Tigers return to action on Wednesday when they travel to Montour High School for another big section matchup.

On another sad note, I would like to take the time in paying my respects to Donna Santeufemio, Dom's wife, who lost her mother last week. Dorothy DePace passed away last Wednesday and was laid to rest on Saturday. Dorothy was 88. My prayers and condolences go out to the Santeufemio family

I also want to pay my respects to my wife, Kelley and her father's family. They lost the matriarch of the Royer family last Tuesday. Gladys Royer, of Williamsburg, was 88. She was truly a great woman. The mother of seven was also laid to rest on Saturday.

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In other Section 3-AAA action from the past several days. In games from Monday night, Montour (2-1, 5-3) edged Hopewell. The Spartans rallied from a from a 5-run deficit. Tied 6-6 after six innings, Montour scored twice in the ninth inning for the win. Pinch hitter Matt Socol led off the ninth with a home run. Later in the inning, Greg Clarke, who started the game with a home run, added some insurance with an RBI double. Greg Napierski homered for Hopewell (5-4, 1-4).

In games from Saturday, West Allegheny (3-1, 5-1) looks like they may be back on track as they recorded a 15-0 win over Keystone Oaks (2-3, 3-5) in three innings. Every player in the starting lineup batted twice in the inning as West Allegheny sent 18 batters to the plate and scored ten runs after two outs in the first inning. Five WA players had two hits — Tyler Savisky, Derrik Zeroski, Zak Sinclair, Andrew Krull and Nick Bynkowsky. A quick game note, the Indians travel to Chartiers Valley to meet the unbeaten Colts (3-0, 5-0).

Also from Saturday, Hopewell managed to pick up their first Section 3-AAA win. They defeated South Park, 4-1. Viking's Kevin Welsh and Alex Haas used back-to-back RBI doubles in the fifth inning to spark the win.

Here is a nice article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette on our Tigers by Colin Dunlap. I just read it this morning, but it was in last Thursday's PG West :

Pittsburgh Post Gazette : West Edition: Article written by PG H.S. Sports writer, Colin Dunlap on our Moon Area Tiger varsity baseball team (4/10/08)

The Tigers traveled to Hopewell on Wednesday for another tough WPIAL Section 3-AAA game. The Vikings (0-3, 4-3) were looking to looking to get on the right side of the win-loss column. However, Moon Area (3-1, 6-1) pitching shutdown their hopes in a big 1-0 victory. I will have more details later.

In other section 3-AAA games scheduled for today, Montour downed Keystone Oaks for their first section win, 12-6. South Park just fell short by an extra point to Chartiers Valley, 14-13. In an exhibition game today, West Allegheny hammered Fort Cherry, 15-0.

Some sad news from my family, my wife's (Kelley) grandmother passed away in the early morning today. Gladys Royer was 88. Please keep Kelley and her father and family in your prayers.

MONDAY APRIL 7 - CHARTIERS VALLEY ....... 14 - MOON AREA ....... 6 (LEAGUE)

The Tigers turned out to be great hosts Monday afternoon as the Colts galloped to a 14-6 victory at Moon Area High School field. Brett Hoffman continued to hit well with two hits. Alex Knox and Nico Morrocco also added two hits each. Char. Valley's Junior first baseman Brian Rodavich went 5 for 5 with two RBIs for the Colts.

Brad Schnelle suffered his first loss of the season, only going 1 2/3 innings. Zach Mangan was great in relief until late in the seventh inning.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
CHARTIERS VALLEY	0	9	1	0	0	0	4	14	19	4
MOON AREA	3	0	0	0	0	0	3	6	9	3

Winning Pitcher : Dan Colavincenzo (7 IP) 9 strikeouts, 3 walks. Losing Pitcher : Brad Schnelle (1 2/3 IP) 4 strikeouts, 1 walks 2B's : Brett Hoffman (MA), Nico Morrocco (MA), Bodnar (CV), Poletti (CV), Terpak (CV), Berda (CV). 3B's : NONE. HR's : Reed Tomlinson (CV). Two or more hits : Rodavich (CV) 5, Terpak (CV) 3, Poletti (CV), Bodnar (CV), Berda (CV), Nico Morrocco (MA), Brett Hoffman (MA), Alex Knox (MA).

The Tigers will try to rebound from Monday's loss when they travel to Hopewell on Wednesday April 9th at 4:00 PM.

I have the 2008 Freshmen/JV page up now with the Freshmen roster posted. If anyone has the complete rosters (with uniform numbers and positions) for both teams, I would be glad to post them. See below for a link to access the new page.

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In other Section 3-AAA action from Monday, West Allegheny rebounded big with a 12-4 win over Montour. Zak Sinclair got the win. He allowed no hits in the 4 1/3 innings he worked, striking out six and walking five. Tim Marshall and Derrik Zeroski (2B, 2 RBI's) each had three hits. Sinclair added two hits including a home run. Keystone Oaks recovered from the loss to Moon on Friday with a 6-4 win over South Park.

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MONDAY APRIL 7 - WEST ALLEGHENY ....... 12 - MONTOUR ....... 4 (LEAGUE)

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
WEST ALLEGHENY	1	1	3	2	1	3	1	12	13	4
MONTOUR	2	0	0	0	1	0	1	4	2	5

Winning Pitcher : Zak Sinclair (4 1/3 IP) 6 strikeouts, 5 walks. Losing Pitcher : ( IP) 0 strikeouts, 0 walks 2B's : Andrew Krull (WA), Derrik Zeroski (WA). 3B's : NONE. HR's : Zak Sincair (WA). Two or more hits : Tim Marshall (WA) 3, Derrik Zeroski (WA) 3, Zak Sinclair (WA), Ricky Devereaux (WA).

The Tigers return to action then, when they host the Colts of Chartiers Valley (1-0, 3-0) in a Section 3-AAA matchup. The game will be broadcast on the MSA Sports Network. Mike Azadian and Lee Mohn will call the action starting at 4:00 PM at Moon Area H.S. Field. Thank you Don Rebel for the heads up. The link is posted right here :

MSA Sports Network Online broadcast: Chartiers Valley at Moon Area (4:00 PM)(4/7/08)

On Saturday, only one game involving other Section 3-AAA teams was played. Hopewell (4-2)defeated New Brighton, 7-3 at New Brighton. The Vikings rebounded after dropping both of it's Section 3-AAA games this past week. Max Vogel pitched six innings. Kevin Welsh and Tommy Lewis hit homers in the Hopewell six-run first inning. Welsh’s homer was a three-run blast.

FRIDAY APRIL 5 - MOON AREA ....... 11 - KEYSTONE OAKS ....... 1* (* - 6 Innings/10 Run Rule) (LEAGUE)

The Tigers returned to action on Friday when they travel to Greentree's Aiken Field for a game against the Keystone Oaks. Moon's offense turned up the heat and cooked the Eagles, 11-1 in six innings via the 10 run rule. Brett Hoffman remained hot at the plate with three hits (2B) and three RBI's. Brett's last two games have yielded six hits. Phil Bondi added two hits. Alex Knox doubled. Sophomore Brian Flannery went the distance to get the win. Alex Knox and Zach Schmidt each added two RBI's. Moon is now 2-0 in the section and 5-0 overall. K.O. fell to 1-1, 1-3 overall. .

In other non-Section 3-AAA action on Friday, Montour beat Medina, Ohio, 8-1 in an exhibition game. The South Park at West Allegheny was postponed due to field conditions.

A quick note, please keep Dom's wife, Donna Santeufemio's mother and my wife's (Kelley's) grandmother, Gladys Royer in Williamsburg, PA. in your prayers. Both this great women are not doing too well.

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TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H	E
MOON AREA	0	4	1	1	5	1	11	12	1
KEYSTONE OAKS	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	5	2

Winning Pitcher : Brian Flannery (6 IP) 4 strikeouts, 0 walks. Losing Pitcher : Dylan Hoover (4 IP) 3 strikeouts, 3 walks 2B's : Brett Hoffman (MA), Alex Knox (MA). 3B's : NONE. HR's : NONE. Two or more hits : Brett Hoffman (MA) 3, Phil Bondi (MA), Lee Shearn (KO).

Here is a link to a great article written by John Perrotto of the Allegheny/Beaver County Times. The article is about the whereabouts of some of the area's players who are in the minors. The article features Moon alumni, Brian Holliday and Nathan Nery

Allegheny/Beaver County Times: Article by John Perrotto on local players including Brian Holliday and Nathan Nery in the minors (4/5/08)

The Tigers knew they would find out early in the season how good they are when the Section 3-AAA schedule started them out with the defending 2007 WPIAL Class AAA Champion, West Allegheny Indians. WA Head Coach Bryan Cornell's squad was returning pretty much intact from last year's 23-1 season. On the other hand, Moon Area Head Dom Santeufemio knew he had his work cut for him. He had lost the majority of his team including the team's top offensive weapon, Tommy DeAngelis and ace pitchers Bryce Goldbach and Ryan Orlovsky.

However, he did have some outstanding underclassmen in Paul Pitaro, Phil Bondi, Zach Schmidt and his. But off-season ending injuries to Pitaro and Grace had cast some very dark shadows on the 2008 forecast. But apparently on Wednesday, the spring training trip to Florida and the influx of youth, bolstered the Tigers to 5-4 upset win over the Indians.

The win ended West A's 24 game winning streak over WPIAL opponents and have given the Tigers, hopefully, a springboard boost for a great season.

In other Section 3-AAA openers, Keystone Oaks upset Hopewell, 9-7. In a non-section exhibition game, Chartiers Valley crushed Mars, 12-1

The Tigers will return to action on Friday April 4 when they travel to Greentree to meet the Keystone Oaks Golden Eagles at 4:00 PM at Aiken Field or Duquesne University Field. In other upcoming Section 3-AAA action ..... On Thursday, Hopewell travels to Chartiers Valley at 4:00 PM. On Friday, South Park visits West Allegheny at 4:15 PM.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 2 - MOON AREA ....... 5 - WEST ALLEGHENY ....... 4 (LEAGUE)

The Moon Area Tigers (1-0, 4-0) got their Section 3-AAA season opener off to absolutely a great start with a 5-4 win over the PG and MSA's No. 1 ranked West Allegheny Indians. Walks, intentional walks and singles by Zak Schmidt and Brett Hoffman led to a bottom of the seventh inning comeback for the Tigers.

Indian starter, Zak Sinclair, had the game pretty much in control until the seventh inning when he walked Alex Knox to lead off the inning. With one out, Schmidt then singled on a great hit and run play. Hoffman then singled to score Knox. WA Coach Bryan Cornell then pulled his ace and replaced him with WA's next go-to-man, Derrik Zeroski. Zeroski then intentionally walked Phil Bondi to get to Rick Berdine with bases loaded and hope for the double-play. Zeroski, apparently not warmed up enough, threw a wild pitch to allow Schmidt to score. He then intentionally walked Berdine to load the bases again. The winning run scored when he walked Nico Morrocco on four pitches.

Sophomore Brad Schnelle got the start on the mound for the Tigers and pitched 5 1/3 innings. With one out and runners on second and third in the sixth, Coach Santeufemio brought in Nico Morrocco to relieve him. Morrocco walked his first batter to load the bases. Then the next WA batter popped up into foul territory. The ball looked like it was going out of play, but Moon 3rd baseman, Freshman Brett Hoffman made an outstanding catch and made a great throw to 3rd base to catch the WA runner at third straying away from the base for a double play..

Morrocco finished the game for Moon and got the win in relief. Brett Hoffman had three hits for the Tigers. Bondi and Schmidt had the only other hits.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
WEST ALLEGHENY	0	1	0	2	0	0	1	4	10	4
MOON AREA	0	0	1	0	1	0	3	5	5	2

Winning Pitcher : Nico Morrocco (1 2/3 IP) 0 strikeouts, 2 walks. Losing Pitcher : Zak Sinclair (6 1/3 IP) 8 strikeouts, 4 walks 2B's : Ricky Devereaux (WA), Tyler Savisky (WA). 3B's : NONE. HR's : NONE. Two or more hits : Brett Hoffman (MA) 3, Andrew Krull (WA) 3, Tyler Savisky (WA), Mike Visloski (WA).

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In the other Section 3-AAA opener, Keystone Oaks (1-0, 1-2) upset Hopewell (0-1, 3-1), 9-7. Golden Eagle's Dylan Hoover hit a walkoff two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to give them the win. Viking's Tyler George had three hits and Max Vogel added two, including an RBI triple during Hopewell's four-run seventh inning.

In a non-section exhibition game, Chartiers Valley (2-0) crushed Mars Area (2-2), 12-1

There were some Section 3-AAA related exhibition games played on Monday. Montour beat Ambridge, 8-2. Hopewell beat Beaver, 9-8 and South Park edged Bishop Canevin, 7-5. More details later today.

On Saturday, in Section 3-AAA related exhibition games. As reported in the Beaver County Times, "Joe Colella notched his 600th career win Saturday as coach of the Hopewell High School baseball program. Now in his 44th season, Colella improved to 600-288 lifetime when Hopewell defeated New Brighton, 12-6, in an exhibition game. As coach of Hopewell’s American Legion program, Colella’s teams have gone 916-290.

In Hopewell’s victory on Saturday, Brad Kubis got the win on the mound and Matt Vogel led Hopewell’s 12-hit attack with two doubles and a single."

Congratulations Coach Colella from former Moon Area HS Head Baseball Coach Ray Bosetti and myself !!!!

In the only other game involving the section, Seneca Valley rolled Montour, 10-4

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THURSDAY MARCH 27 - SENECA VALLEY ....... 10 - MONTOUR ....... 4 (EXHIBITION)

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
MONTOUR	0	0	0	1	3	0	0	4	5	3
SENECA VALLEY	3	0	1	6	0	0	0	10	9	3

Losing Pitcher : Greg Clarke (1/3 IP) 0 strikeouts, 4 walks. 2B's : Paul Indrihovic (MON). 3B's : NONE. HR's : NONE. Two or more hits : NONE.

On Friday, weather pretty much wiped out the local slate of games including the JV's game at Northgate. One game of note that did get played. Mars Area defeated Keystone Oaks, 11-1 in a Section 3-AAA related exhibition game.

In Section 3-AAA related exhibition games scheduled for today (Saturday March 29), Montour travels to Seneca Valley (11:00 AM) and New Brighton visits Hopewell (12 Noon)

The Moon Area Tigers (3-0) opened their closer to home exhibition season with a 4-3 win over Steel Valley (3-1). Looking ahead, the VARSITY's next game will have them hosting PINE RICHLAND (H) on MONDAY (March 31) . The JUNIOR VARSITY's next game is scheduled for FRIDAY (TODAY)(March 28) (3:45 PM) against NORTHGATE (A) at Bellevue Memorial Park. The FRESHMEN host HOPEWELL (H) on TUESDAY (April 1) (4:00 PM).

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THURSDAY MARCH 27 - MOON AREA ....... 4 - STEEL VALLEY ....... 3 (EXHIBITION) (AWAY)

Phil Bondi, who's bat was a somewhat quiet in Florida, came out of that silence going went 3-4 and driving in three runs. With the Tigers behind 3-0 in the fifth inning, Bondi knocked in two runs with a single. In the sixth, Ryan Suess, singled and then scored on some errant throws by the Ironmen. Then in the seventh, Bondi broke a 3-3 tie with a game-winning RBI double. Ryan Sabo had two doubles for Steel Valley, which scored three runs in the second inning.

Brad Schnelle got the start on the mound for Moon Area and went three innings. Brian Flannery came in to relief Schnelle. He ended up getting the win, going four innings while striking out five and walking one. The Ironmen started their D-1 Delaware University recruit, senior lefty, Kyle Thomas. The Tigers chased Thomas after the fifth inning when the Tigers scored twice. He had struck out 10 Moon batters. Dan Laird came in to relieve him and took the loss allowing Bondi's RBI double.

Nico Morrocco, Zak Schmidt, Mike Jeffreys, and Alex Knox (2B) all added to Moon's nine hit attack.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
MOON AREA	0	0	0	0	2	1	1	4	9	1
STEEL VALLEY	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	3	5	2

Winning Pitcher : Brian Flannery (4 IP's) 5 strikeouts, 1 walk. Losing Pitcher : Dan Laird (2 IP's) 3 strikeouts, 0 walks. 2B's : Phil Bondi (MA), Ryan Sabo (SV) 2, Alex Knox (MA). 3B's : NONE. HR's : NONE. Two or more hits : Phil Bondi (MA) 3, Ryan Sabo (MA).

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In other exhibition games on Thursday involving our section opponents, West Allegheny opened their season with a 2-1 win over Bishop Canevin. Zak Sinclair and Derrik Zeroski combined for a one-hitter. South Park (1-2) got hammered by Seton LaSalle, 12-0.

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THURSDAY MARCH 27 - WEST ALLEGHENY ....... 2 - BISHOP CANEVIN ....... 1 (EXHIBITION) (HOME)

Zak Sinclair and Derrik Zeroski combined forces on the mound for the Indians. Sinclair got the win. He went 5 innings, striking out eight and walking one. Zeroski got the save, going the last two innings. He K'ed five and walked one.

Zeroski also led Coach Bryan Cornell's offense with two hits. Ricky Devereaux and Mike Visloski each had RBI singles in the WA fifth inning. Rob Cool, Zak Sinclair, Tyler Savisky, Tim Marshall and Andy Krull each added hits in WA's season and home opener.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
BISHOP CANEVIN	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	1	3
WEST ALLEGHENY	0	0	0	0	2	0	X	2	9	2

Winning Pitcher : Zak Sinclair (5 IP's) 8 strikeouts, 1 walk. Losing Pitcher : (2 IP's) 2 strikeouts, 0 walks.

On Wednesday, Hopewell pounded Freedom, 13-6. Brad Kubis, winning pitcher Tyler George and Max Vogel each had two runs batted in as Hopewell won its exhibition opener. Josh Allego hit a three-run homer for Freedom. Also on Wednesday, Chartiers Valley crushed Ringgold in their opener, 12-2. South Park lost to former North Allegheny Head Coach Tim Banner's Woodland Hills, 6-5. Banner was also Moon Area's Asst. Varsity Coach back in the early 90's.

On Tuesday, Seton LaSalle beat Montour, 8-7 in the Spartan's home opener. South Park opened their season with a 4-3 win over Brentwood.

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SETON LaSALLE ....... 8 - MONTOUR ....... 7

Seton LaSalle pitching limited Montour to only four hits and came back from a 6-2 deficit to beat Glen Vietmeier's Spartans, 8-7. Tom Birko, Greg Clarke (2B), Paul Tutino, and Nathan Buick (2B) had the four hits.

TEAM	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
SETON LaSALLE	0	2	0	6	0	0	0	8	8	3
MONTOUR	3	2	1	0	1	0	0	7	4	3

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Dedicated to the memory of a friend and someone who inspired me

On March 22nd, 2008, someone I could call a friend and a Pittsburgh radio icon passed away in High Point, North Carolina. His name was Jackson "Jack" Armstrong. He was a DJ for a great radio station in Pittsburgh back in the 1970's called "WKTQ-AM 1320". The station was better known as "13Q". I got to know Jackson (aka, John Larsh) in 1973 when I had the chance to have met him at Kennywood Park when he set a Guinness World Book record for the most revolutions on a rollercoaster. I know myself and my classmates and friends listened and enjoyed him on the radio. We all loved answering our phones by say "I listen to the new sound of 13Q". I would only get to see Jackson a few more times before he left 13Q and then KDKA-AM and Pittsburgh a few years later. I never forgot him, but time moved on.

In 2002, I managed to locate him working at a radio station in North Carolina. Over the last few years, we had corresponded occasionly by email and we talked about him writing his autobiography and some of his radio days throughout the country.

Last Saturday, we lost a radio legend. On Friday, in a small town called High Point, North Carolina, his family and close friends laid him to rest. May God Bless you my friend. You were an inspiration to me and many others. You entertained us. We will miss you and never forget you, you will always be my LEEEEEEAAAAAAAADDDDEEEERRR !!!! God Bless his family !!!

The Moon Area Tigers returned from a very successful Florida Spring Training trip to Disney's Wide World Of Sports Complex last week. Moon Area posted great scrimmages against teams from Friend's Seminary (New York, N.Y.) and Blake School (Minnesota). Last Thursday, (3-20), they played a doubleheader and came away with two exhibition wins. In the first game, Sophomore Brian Flannery posted his first varsity victory with an 11-1 pasting of TMI (Texas Military Institute) Episcopal (San Antonio, Texas). Junior Nico Morrocco had three hits and five RBI's. Freshman Brett Hoffman had two hits.

In the second game, the Tiger's Sophomore Brad Schnelle threw a complete game, one hit shutout against Union Christian Academy, 2-0 (Fort Smith, Arkansas). The Tigers only managed three hits themselves. Morrocco again was the big hitter for Moon win the winning RBI hit.

The Tigers return to action on Thursday (March 27) (TODAY) against Steel Valley. The exhibition game is a make-up of Wdnesday's postponement. However, weather will be an issue as storms and heavy rain are in Thursday's forecast.

2008 MOON AREA Varsity Schedule as of: 5/28/2008

Date	Day	Time	EX-LEAG	Location	Opponent	H/A	W/L	Score	Record
3/16/2008	Sun	6:00 PM	SCRIMMAGE	DISNEY DWW Field #5	Friends Seminary, NY	H	WIN	---	0-0
3/18/2008	Tue	11:00 AM	SCRIMMAGE	DISNEY DWW Field #6	Blake School, MN	A	WIN	---	0-0
3/20/2008	Thu	10:30 AM	EXHIBITION	DISNEY DWW Field #5	TMI Episcopal, TX	H	WIN	11-1* (6)	1-0
3/20/2008	Thu	1:30 PM	EXHIBITION	DISNEY DWW Field #5	Union Christian Academy, ARK	H	WIN	2-0	2-0
3/27/2008	Thu	3:30 PM	EXHIBITION	Munhall's Apdale Field	Steel Valley	A	WIN	4-3	3-0
4/2/2008	Wed	4:00 PM	LEAGUE	Moon Area H.S. Field	West Allegheny	H	WIN	5-4	1-0, 4-0
4/4/2008	Fri	4:00 PM	LEAGUE	Aiken Field	Keystone Oaks	A	WIN	11-1* (6)	2-0, 5-0
4/7/2008	Mon	4:00 PM	LEAGUE	Moon Area H.S.Field	Chartiers Valley	H	LOSS	14-6	2-1, 5-1
4/9/2008	Wed	4:00 PM	LEAGUE	Colella Field	Hopewell	A	WIN	1-0	3-1, 6-1
4/11/2008	Sat	12:00 NOON	EXHIBITION	Ambridge H.S. Field	Ambridge	A	WIN	6-1	7-1
4/14/2008	Mon	4:00 PM	LEAGUE	Moon Area H.S. Field	South Park	H	WIN	10-9^	4-1, 8-1
4/16/2008	Wed	3:45 PM	LEAGUE	Montour H.S. Field	Montour	A	LOSS	11-1 x	4-2, 8-2
4/21/2008	Mon	4:00 PM	LEAGUE	Donaldson Field	West Allegheny	A	LOSS	10-0 x	4-3, 8-3
4/24/2008	Thu	4:00 PM	LEAGUE	Moon Area H.S. Field	Keystone Oaks	H	WIN	11-1	5-3, 9-3
4/25/2008	Fri	3:30 PM	EXHIBITION	Moon Area H.S. Field	Blackhawk	H	WIN	12-6	5-3, 10-3
4/26/2008	Sat	12:00 NOON	EXHIBITION	Moon Area H.S. Field	Seneca Valley	H	WIN	4-3	5-3, 11-3
4/29/2008	Tue	4:00 PM	LEAGUE	Chartiers Valley H.S. Field	Chartiers Valley	A	WIN	10-6	6-3, 12-3
4/30/2008	Wed	4:00 PM	LEAGUE	Moon Area H.S. Field	Hopewell	H	WIN	7-4	7-3, 13-3
5/1/2008	Thu	4:00 PM	EXHIBITION	Moon Area H.S.Field	Pine Richland	H	LOSS	8-4	7-3, 13-4
5/3/2008	Sat	12:00 NOON	EXHIBITION	Moon Area H.S. Field	Sto-Rox (#)	H	WIN	16-6	7-3, 14-4
5/5/2008	Mon	4:30 PM	LEAGUE	South Park H.S. Field	South Park	A	WIN	8-7	8-3, 15-4
5/7/2008	Wed	4:00 PM	LEAGUE	Moon Area H.S. Field	Montour	H	WIN	10-8	9-3, 16-4
5/20/2008	Tue	5:00 PM	WPIAL Class AAA Quarterfinals	Washington & Jefferson College	Greensburg Salem	H	WIN	10-1	1-0, 9-3, 17-4
5/21/2008	Wed	4:30 PM	WPIAL Class AAA Semifinals	Burkett Field Complex	Trinity	H	LOSS	1-0	1-1, 9-3, 17-5
5/27/2008	Tue	5:00 AM	WPIAL Class AAA Consolation Game	Washington & Jefferson College	Blackhawk	H	LOSS	11-6	1-2, 9-3, 17-6