Penn College Baseball Team Boasts Talent, Depth

Pennsylvania College of Technology baseball coach Mike Stanzione said his team has two ingredients talent and depth that he hopes translate into yet another post-season playoff berth.

"We'll have one of the most talented all-around teams we've ever had. Sometimes, we've been real strong in one area and weak in another, but, right now, early in the season, it looks like we're going to be strong in all departments," said the 12th-year coach.

The Wildcats open with doubleheaders Saturday and Sunday at Bowman Field against Westmoreland Community College. Saturday's action begins at 1 p.m. and play Sunday starts at 11 a.m.

"We have four men coming back from last year's team, which is important, but we also have a good infusion of talented freshmen," Stanzione continued.

Returning starters are sophomores Robert Petrosky, a shortstop from Jersey Shore; Andy Roth, a pitcher from Catasauqua; Ted Kirner, a first baseman from Central Bucks West, and Mike Daciw, a right fielder from Sun Valley. Roth and Daciw earned all Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference honors last fall, when the Wildcats went 9-15 and saw their run of 15 straight post-season playoff appearances snapped. Kirner was similarly honored in the spring, when the team rebounded with a 6-6 overall record and placed second in the conference.

Among the freshmen who are expected to start Saturday are Chad Breminger, center fielder from Jersey Shore; Mark Fischer, second baseman from Bald Eagle Area; Kyle Newberry, designated hitter from Valley View; Shawn Reese, third baseman from Titusville; John Vitosky, left fielder from Western Wayne, and Mike Dickey, a catcher from Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt.

In addition to Roth, starting pitchers include freshmen Jon Augustine (Central Bucks West), Chris Bently (Strath Haven) and Richard Cooper (Brandywine, Del.). Relief pitchers include freshmen Eric Beaver (Mt. Carmel), Andrew Blevalt (Horseheads, N.Y.), Jared Rabell (Northwestern), Josh Rieter (Indiana) and Vitosky.

Rounding out the roster are freshmen outfielders Chris Buck (Danville) and Jason Hall (Huntingdon), catchers Randy Lake (Central Marion, N.Y.) and Aaron Waltz (Littlestown), third baseman Henry Wells (Pottstown) and second baseman Nate Shuey (Cedar Crest).

"I think we're (going to be) a much better hitting club this year and much better defensive club. I think we have the talent to make the playoffs. Now, it's up to coach (Assistant Coach Dave) Cipriani and myself, and the young men, to make that a reality," Stanzione said.

The Wildcats open with four non-league doubleheaders before stepping into EPCC play Sept. 10.