Mustangs cruise to 8-1 win over Belle Vernon
Jim Downey | Herald-Standard
Josh Burns crosses the plate to score the first run for Laurel Highlands in the bottom of the first inning in Monday’s non-section game against Belle Vernon at Laurel Highlands.
Laurel Highlands starting pitcher Ian Edenfield tosses a strike in the top of the first inning during Monday's non-section game against visiting Belle Vernon.
Belle Vernon's Joe Sabolek and the Mustangs' Chad Petrush follow the ball hit in the air to right field in the top of the second inning of Monday's non-section game at Laurel Highlands.
Belle Vernon's Logan Seliga (19) hustles down the line as Laurel Highlands shortstop Travis Sankovich makes the throw during Monday's non-section game at Laurel Highlands. Sankovich's throw was in time to get Seliga.
Belle Vernon starting pitcher Joe Sabolek reacts after releasing the ball in the bottom of the first inning of Monday's non-section game at Laurel Highlands.
Belle Vernon's Josh Hoffman reaches for a pitch off the plate as Laurel Highlands catcher Chad Petrush prepares to receive the ball during the first inning of Monday's non-section game at Laurel Highlands.
Laurel Highlands celebrated “Senior Day” Monday afternoon and with the Section 3-AAAAA title already in hand and the WPIAL playoffs in sight next week, the Mustangs added another win to the total with an 8-1 victory against visiting Belle Vernon.
Belle Vernon (11-5, 10-4) is also heading to the playoffs with the Leopards tied for second in Section 3-AAAA.
The Mustangs (13-1, 14-1) collected 10 hits and got a big day at the plate from Mason McManus, who collected three of those hits, including a solo home run in the third inning, while driving in three runs. Ian Edenfield and Chad Petrush had two hits each, and Petrush drove in two runs for the Mustangs.
“Today was a good day to get some guys into the game that haven’t had a lot of opportunity this year. The kids played well today, I’m very happy with that,” LH’s Scott DeBerry said. “We’ve been a little overaggressive at the plate and haven’t hit well recently. Today, I felt we were more patient and made solid contact.”
The Mustangs struck quickly, picking up a pair of runs in the bottom of the first. Josh Burns hit a one-out single. Travis Sankovich was safe on an infield error to give Mustangs runners at first and second. Burns scored on McManus’ single and the Sankovich came in to score on a two-out single from Petrush.
Laurel Highlands picked up three runs in the bottom of the third.
McManus homered with one out. Edenfield followed with a double and Petrush singled Edenfield to third. Both runners scored on Richie Mehall’s triple, making the score 5-0.
The Mustangs added another run in the bottom of the fourth when Tanny Erminio walked, stole second and scored on a two-out single from McManus.
Belle Vernon (10-4, 11-5) broke up the shutout in the top of the fifth. Cole Naylor drew a walk to start the inning and stole second. Nolan Labuda delivered a two-out single to drive in Naylor.
“Today, it was important for us to get outside and get some at-bats,” Belle Vernon’s Darryl Hixenbaugh said.
“We have some bumps and bruises, so today was good for some kids that didn’t get a lot of playing time. We have a couple of days so the most important thing is to a little rest and get ready for the playoffs.”
The Mustangs came back to score two more runs in the bottom half of the fifth inning. Greg Lancaster drew a one-out walk and then stole second. Bernie Yocabet was hit by a pitch, putting two on. Burns stroked a two-out double to drive in both runners.
“Right now, we want to finish up with a couple of non-section games this week and get ready for the playoffs,” DeBerry said. “I just want us to keep doing the little things well. If we hit going into the playoffs, we’ll be okay. I think I have a lineup that can put up some runs.”
The Mustangs wrap up the season playing Uniontown Tuesday evening at Hutchinson, and playing Hempfield Wednesday.