UPJ Defeats Seton Hill University in 13 Innings

Pitt Johnstown lined up for the National Anthem.


Yesterday’s home 9-inning game was moved to Seton Hill University due to poor field conditions. UPJ defeated Seton Hill 7-4 in an over-time, 13-inning game Wednesday, April 18, 2007. Pitt Johnstown’s record improved to 14-16.

I went to school with three of the Seton Hill players, but was disappointed when I saw the roster and they weren’t scheduled to play. Doug Krivda, Eric Nese, and Craig Snopko sat the bench, cheering their team the whole way through the game. When I was a student athletic trainer for Penn Trafford’s baseball team, I used to calm Nese before he would bat by scratching his arms with my acrylic nails. At first Coach Evans thought we were flirting, but then realized it relaxed Nese enough to bomb out a hit almost every time.

Junior right-hander David Huey (Glen Campbell, Pa) pitched four innings, giving up two runs on two hits, and struck out five. Sophomore right-hander Eric Faint (Johnstown, Pa) pitched five scoreless innings in relief for Huey, improving his record to 1-2. Sophomore right-hander Chuck Boring (Dilltown, Pa) earned his first save, striking out all three batters in the bottom of the 13th.

In the eighth inning, the Mountain Cats scored two runs, tying the game 4-4. Three scoreless innings carried on, until junior shortstop Chris Turka (Natrona Heights) hit a two-run triple in the bottom of the 13th inning, claiming victory for the Cats. Sophomore outfielder Matt Hanley (Delmont, Pa) scored his fifth homerun of the year, while also driving in two other runs. Freshman outfielder Dan Mangini (Lower Burrell, Pa) also blasted a homerun, marking it his first collegiate homerun of his career. UPJ totaled 11 hits and seven RBI, while Seton Hill only had eight hits and four RBI.

Today’s game at Davis & Elkin’s College (West Virginia) is cancelled due to weather and will not be rescheduled. The Mountain Cats play their next two doubleheaders this weekend at Concord University (West Virginia). Saturday’s games start at 1:00 and Sunday’s start at noon.

UPJ Senior Day

Due to the weather, four games were rescheduled for later dates and two were cancelled.

On Saturday, April 14, 2007, Mountain Cat seniors were recognized before the game. First baseman Bill Colosimo, out fielder Cody Gallaher, catcher Paul Pentz, and pitchers Justin Ronan and Zach Stere were acknowledged with their academic and athletic achievements, along with plans for the future. I’m not going to lie, I cried. I have grown extremely close with all of these boys, and Cody Gallaher is one of my best friends who I view as an older brother. I baked their favorite cookies for each of them as a “senior gift” even though I bake every week for the team. To make the boys smile proudly, I "rocked out" the shirt I made for Florida (which is actually the background on David Huey's cell phone now).

The team and the fans were pumped for two explosive games, but the Mountain Cats were let down after the first game, losing 2-0 to our rival, West Virginia State University. After an encouraging pep talk from the coaches, UPJ bounced back and won the second game 12-9.

Senior right-hander Zach Stere (Bellwood, Pa) pitched well, but took the loss, dropping his record to 2-4. He gave up two runs on five hits, struck out six, and walked five. The Mountain Cats only had one hit in seven innings. Junior shortstop Chris Turka (Natrona Heights, Pa) hit the lead-off double in the fourth inning.

The cold, snowy weather didn’t keep away fans from attending the double header. The stands and sidelines were packed with students, families, and friends. 75 UPJ supporting fans attended Senior Day wearing their Mountain Cat Baseball gear and wrapped themselves up in fleece blankets trying to stay warm from the bitter cold.

The team did not disappoint the seniors or the crowd in the second game stealing the win away from the Yellow Jackets. Sophomore right-hander Chuck Boring (Dilltown, Pa) improved his record 4-1, giving up eight runs on seven hits and striking out seven. Senior Justin Ronan (Portage, Pa) earned his second save by throwing a scoreless seventh inning. By the third inning, the Mountain Cats were leading 6-4, but the Yellow Jackets battled back, scoring five runs in the top of the fifth inning, highlighted by WV State’s Jeff Miller’s three-run homerun. Not letting the inning discourage them, the Cats scored six more runs in the sixth inning, locking in the win 12-9. Sophomore first baseman Matt Hanley (Delmont, Pa) was the star of the Pitt Johnstown team with statistics scoring three runs, going 4-for-4 at bat, and having two RBI.

Another Successful Day at George R. Walter Field

On Tuesday, April 3, 2007, Pitt Johnstown beat Wheeling Jesuit University (West Virginia) at another home double-header. Head Coach Todd Williams’ record improved to 12-13 Tuesday afternoon with a win of 10-9 in the first game and a win of 17-8 in the second.

What could be better than 77-degree weather, sunshine, and a baseball game?! I totally loved this weather, sporting a skirt and a UPJ Baseball T-Shirt I bought off Scott Parnell. It’s sad to say that about 90% of my sweats, are Mountain Cat Baseball. This year alone I spent over $200 on clothing; my money paid for a lot of that Florida trip to Fort Pierce.

"UPJ Mountain Cat Baseball The Cats are back!!!" T-shirt design

It wasn’t looking good for the Mountain Cats until the bottom of the sixth inning when sophomore outfielder Matt Hanley (Delmont, Pa) hit a grand slam to right field, bringing in the last four runs to bring the final score to 10-9. UPJ had 14 hits out of 32 at bats and nine RBI. Freshman right-hander Tyler Zaremski (Bethel Park, Pa) earned his second win of the season with giving up only one run and three hits. He pitched two innings in relief for sophomore right-handed pitcher Mike Jewart (Natrona Heights, Pa).

The boys must have been feeling “gangster” this afternoon because a new CD was played in between games. Instead of the usual 80s, rock, and alternative music, almost every song was rap. Campanella, Farabaugh, and Mangini finally were able to convince the others to play some hip-hop for a day.

Garrett Pampiks (Gibsonia, Pa) earned the win in the second game after pitching the last 1.1 innings, surrendering two runs on four hits and striking out three. The Mountain Cats went through four pitchers during the second game: Zach Toth, Banner Mann, Eric Faint, and Pampiks. Although the pitching was a bit of a struggle, UPJ hammered out 18 hits in the nightcap, and after the third inning, the Cats were in the lead 17-5. Junior second baseman Dan Delsignore (Johnstown, Pa) went 4-for-5 with two singles, a double, and a triple, and senior Cody Gallaher (Sidman, Pa) had three hits and three RBI. Junior shortstop Chris Turka (Natrona Heights, Pa) also had three hits and three RBI along with two hits, while freshman third baseman Josh Campanella (Allison Park, Pa), freshman catcher Justin Demek (Cabot, Pa), and sophomore outfielder Josh Farabaugh (Altoona, Pa) all had two hits.

UPJ Sweeps Both Wins Against Ohio Valley

The Mountain Cats brought their overall record to 10-12 after the home doubleheader on Saturday, March 31, 2007 against Ohio Valley University (West Virginia). I was surprised as to how well the team played, considering the spectacular performance from the night before with drinking games and dancing. I remember thinking to myself, "Maybe they should play with hangovers more often." It was another beautiful mid 60 degree day with the sun shining bright and, like always, a cool breeze that calls for blankets in the stands.

UPJ started off great, earning four runs in the bottom of the first inning and adding three more runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, resulting in the 10-3 win. Junior second baseman Dan Delsignore (Johnstown, Pa) had three runs, junior shortstop Chris Turka (Natrona Heights, Pa) and sophomore right fielder Matt Hanley (Delmont, Pa) both scored two runs, and senior catcher Paul Pentz (Johnstown, Pa), freshman left fielder Dan Mangini (Lower Burrel, Pa), and freshman center fielder Brad Dale (Windber, Pa) all scored one run. Hanley had two doubles and three RBI, while Turka and Pentz also had two RBI each. Sophomore right handed pitcher Chuck Boring (Dilltown, Pa) advanced his record to 3-0, only giving up three runs in six innings and striking out eight.

Like usual, I brought the boys snacks (BBQ sunflower seeds and Skittles for the bench), but I drank the blue Gatorade I brought for Cody Gallaher because of my horrible hangover. The blaring 80s and rock and roll music did not help the pounding in my head either, but I'm "UPJ Baseball's Number One Fan" according to the boys and I stuck it out through my pain.

Senior right hander Zach Stere (Bellwood, Pa) earned the win in the second game, pitching a complete game, only surrendering two runs on seven hits, and striking out six. This evened Stere's record to 2-2. In the fourth inning, Lore and Balderson from Ohio Valley both had homeruns, tallying the first runs on the score board of the game. Senior first basemen Bill Colosimo (Summerhill, Pa) hit a three-run homer to left field in the fifth inning, bringing the score to 5-2. After the sixth inning, the final score was 6-2 UPJ.

Freshman third baseman Josh Campanella being congratulated at home plate by teammates Good, Colosimo, and Mangini.

Alderson-Broaddus College Takes Both Wins Against UPJ

The sunny, 60-degree weather brought many fans to the home game on Thursday, March 29, 2007 at George R. Walter Field, but were disappointed when Alderson-Broaddus College (West Virginia) beat the Mountain Cats 5-3 in the first game and 8-2 in the second. This brought the team's record to 8-12.

The Mountain Cats started out promising, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning, but the Battlers scored once in the third inning and two runs in both the fourth and fifth innings. Sophomore outfielder Matt Hanley (Delmont, Pa) hit a homerun and drove in the other two runs scored by junior second baseman Dan Delsingnore (Johnstown, Pa) and junior shortstop Chris Turka (Natrona Heights, Pa). Sophomore right-hander Mike Jewart (Natrona Heights, Pa) gave up five runs on seven hits in five innings giving him a record of 0-1.

Even though the UPJ fans were bummed from the loss of the first game, the music blaring over the loud speaker pumped the audience up for another game. Songs like "Livin' On A Prayer," "Until The Day I Die," and "Lose Yourself" excited the crowd to sing and dance in the stands, which also kept us warm from the chilly wind blowing in our faces.

After two innings in the second game, Alderson-Broaddus scored four runs off of junior right hander Zach Toth (Sarver, Pa) dropping his record to 2-1. In the four innings Toth pitched, he surrendered ten hits and four runs. Senior first basemen Bill Colosimo (Summerhill, Pa) and freshman catcher Justin Demek (Cabot, Pa) both had an RBI allowing Delsignore and sophomore first baseman Tyler Good (Philipsburg, Pa) to score two runs.

The pitcher for Alderson-Broaddus, Paul Day, only gave up six hits and struck out five in the second game, an impressive performance after playing second base for the first game. The Battlers also blasted out fifteen hits, while the Mountain Cats only had six.

Home Opener at George R. Walter Field

Pitt Johnstown preparing themselves for another game against West Liberty.


George R. Walter Field was packed with supporting fans for the Mountain Cat's double-header home-opener on Wednesday afternoon, March 28, 2007 against West Liberty State College (West Virginia). Head Coach Todd Williams couldn't have asked for a better day: the field was dry, the sun was shining bright, and a spring breeze to keep his players cool from the low 70-degree weather. UPJ defeated West Liberty with scores of 10-5 and 4-3.

Junior right-hander David Huey (Glen Campbell, Pa) got the win of the first game with giving up one run and seven hits in five innings, while also striking out three and walking none. Josh Farabaugh (Altoona, Pa), sophomore outfielder, hit a homerun and sophomore outfielder, Matt Hanley (Delmont, Pa), drove in two runs. Junior shortstop Chris Turka (Natrona Heights, Pa) had three RBI while junior second basemen Dan Delsignore (Johnstown, Pa) and freshman third basemen Josh Campanella (Allison Park, Pa) both collected two hits.

I was thankful for that win because the boys were pumped for the next game and cheerful during their half hour break in between games. Like usual, I was prepared with bags full of goodies for the boys (Skittles, lolli pops, Starbursts, and Jolly Ranchers) along with a few bottles of Fruit Punch Gatorade for Cody and Parnell (my "6th and 7th roomies"). After the half hour "lunch" break, the boys were ready to play again at 4:00.

Billy Wasko (Bethel Park, Pa), pitched the first five innings, giving up three runs and seven hits. Freshman Andrew deBethune (St. Albeans, Maine) earned his first collegiate win with three scoreless innings and only surrendering three hits. Senior first basemen, Bill Colosimo (Summerhill, Pa), had two hits, while Turka and Delsignore both brought in a run. Thanks to Campanella's two-out walk-off double to centerfield, freshman Brad Dale (Windber, Pa) scored allowing the Mountain Cats to sweep the win away from West Liberty in the bottom of the eighth inning. Campy went 4-for-4 overall with three doubles and two RBI. UPJ has won three straight games and is now 8-10.

Click to view the WJACTV news story on this game.

Spring Training in Fort Pierce, Florida

Fort Pierce Beach, Florida

Instead of lying on the beach all day with my feet dipped into the water and the waves crashing against my legs...I spent my Spring Break with the UPJ Mountain Cats for their Spring Training in Fort Pierce, Florida! I'm not complaining though. I love these boys and wouldn't have had my Spring Break any other way! What can be better than spending a week in FLORIDA, the sunshine state, with my best friends and watching them play one of my favorite sports?! Driving 14 hours down there and back, now that's a different story, although it should have taken me 16 hours.

Mid 70 to low 80 degree weather, the sun shining bright, a light breeze to keep cool, sunflower seeds and Gatorade, cute boys on and off the field, and plenty of dedicated fans (grandparents, parents, siblings, girl friends, and me). Unfortunately, the team didn't play as well as expected and they came back bummed and stressed. They went 2 and 6 in Florida where last year they went 8 and 2.

The Mountain Cat team opened the season with a 17-7 win over Felican College (in New Jersey) on March 4, 2007 at 6 p.m. This was the first game of the season for UPJ because of three post-poned games due to cold weather conditions. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Chuck Boring (Dilltown, Pa) struck out 10 batters in five innings earning the win. Junior shortstop Chris Turka (Natrona Heights, Pa) went 4-for-6 with three doubles and five runs and senior outfielder Adam Plummer (Bellwood, Pa) went 3-for-6 with two runs scored. Senior first basemen Bill Colosimo (Summerhill, Pa) and sophomore outfielder Matt Hanley (Delmont, Pa) both had three hits with three and four runs scored respectively. Senior catcher Paul Pentz (Johnstown, Pa) batted a three-run homerun to add to the total offense statistics.
Click to view the box scores and line scores of this game.

The other win the Mountain Cats pulled out of the trip was on March 7, 2007 against C.W. Post University (New York) resulting in a score of 9-6. Junior right-handed pitcher Zach Toth (Sarver, Pa) took the win giving up six runs and only seven hits and striking out eight hitters. Adam Plummer (Bellwood, Pa), senior outfielder, went 4-for-4 with four doubles with senior first basemen Bill Colosimo (Summerhill, Pa) going 3-for-4 and freshman infielder Dan Mangini (Lower Burrell, Pa) following right behind them with three hits and two RBI. Junior second basemen Dan Delsignore (Johnstown, Pa) also tallied up two hits and two runs scored.

Faint, Jewart, Boring, Mangini, Good, Gallaher, Parnell, and Campanella by the pool in Florida.

Turka, Stere, Huey, deBethune, and Ronan in their hotel room in Florida.