×
X logo

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account.

Charleston Catholic Too Much For Wheeling Central Maroon Knights in W.Va. State Baseball Tournament in Charleston

Photo by Cody Tomer Wheeling Central’s Avery Lee rounds second on his way to a triple during the first inning of Saturday’s Class A state semifinal at Appalachian Power Park.

CHARLESTON — Wheeling Central baseball coach Bo McConnaughy didn’t know exactly what to expect coming into this season.

With a young squad consisting of three seniors and two starters from last year’s team who reached a state final, there was a lot of growing to be done.

Fast forward to Saturday. His Maroon Knights were outmuscled by Charleston Catholic, 10-4, in a W.Va. Class A state semifinal game at Appalachian Power Park, but the fact that they grew together and made it that far is what means the most to McConnaughy.

“We’ve really come a long way,” McConnaughy said. “We never expected to be here. It’s been a learning process the whole year.

“They have a right to be disappointed but I don’t want them to be devastated. It’s just a baseball game. We are where a lot of teams want to be and it just didn’t come out our way.

“But, I’m proud of the guys. We gave it a shot and it just didn’t work out.”

The Irish will take on defending champion Moorefield in a Class A title game today at 10 a.m.

“It’s the ultimate goal,” Charleston Catholic coach Bill Mehle said. “If you get to Power Park and don’t have to pay for your seat, than you have a chance and that’s what we’ve given ourselves.

“Moorefield is a complete team. They are not going to beat themselves.

“We are looking forward to it and it’s going to be a great battle.”

The Knights were done in by nine walks, two balks and a pair of huge RBI knocks from Charleston Catholic catcher Will Strickland.

Back-to-back walks led off the third and both came around to score for the Irish with two balks moving the runners up. Another leadoff walk scored in the fourth on a two-run double off the bat of Strickland, which broke a 4-4 tie.

In a 6-4 contest, Strickland broke it open with a three-run triple off the wall in left field that sealed the deal.

“We preach three things,” McConnaughy said. “Hit with men on base and we left 11 men in scoring position in four innings.

“Our defense didn’t play great and pitching was suspect. Every time we walked somebody, they ended up scoring.

“We had our opportunities but give those guys credit. They got key hits when they needed it and that’s what you have to do to win.”

Strickland finished with a game-high five RBI.

“This was the 37th game Strickland has caught for us this season,” Mehle said. “If you’re able to hit the wall at Power Park, you know you hit the ball on the nose. You can’t say more about Will as a catcher for him being able to do that.”

Until Strickland struck for two back-breaking hits, Wheeling Central was looking hopeful for a spot in the title game.

Leadoff speedster Avery Lee kicked the game off with a triple in the gap in right-center and he raced home on a grounder from Kyle Newmeyer.

Newmeyer was called safe on an error and later touched the plate on a Sonny Peluchette RBI single that gave the Knights an early 2-0 cushion.

The first two batters for the Irish also scored as Marshall Pile led off with a double and Parker Ross followed with a bunt single.

A passed ball plated Pile and JW Armstrong drove in Ross to tie the game.

In the top of the fourth, the Knights rallied to tie the game at 4-4 after Jacob Rine was hit by a pitch to lead off the frame.

Lee showed off his speed, again, with an infield single and both came around to score on an error on a ball put in play by center fielder Angelo Gentile.

Lee darted from second on the grounder and distracted the Irish shortstop just enough to cause the miscue and tie the ballgame.

Lee made several impressive plays on defense, as well, as he made a leaping grab to save a run in the first and tagged out a runner heading to third on a bunt that got passed the entire infield.

“Avery is going to be one heckuva player,” McConnaughy said. “He’s only a sophomore. He just needs a little more experience but he has a lot of talent.”

Adam Murray got the start for Central and went 1 2/3 innings, walking three and fanning one.

Peluchette entered in the second and walked six and struck out one, before Ben Foster finished the contest.

“I went out to talk to (Murray) and he said that he didn’t have it,” McConnaughy said. “That’s baseball. Pitchers have those days when they’re not on but it was just a bad time for that to happen.”

Pile, Thomas Blaydes and Connor Blakley combined to strikeout 11 and walk two, with Pile fanning seven on 110 pitches.

“Marshall did an excellent job,” Mehle said. “He kept his composure after the defense let him down on a couple plays but he kept battling. I can’t say enough about his leadership.

“Then, going to Blaydes was huge. That was not the gameplan but he was able to pound the zone and throw the ball hard.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today