Keystone Oaks chalks up big win
Eagles gain notice with Steel Valley conquest
It was a risk Scott Crimone was willing to take.
With only one out in the top of the sixth inning last week against defending WPIAL Class AA champion Steel Valley, the Keystone Oaks baseball coach decided to walk the next batter and load the bases.
“With Brandon Donovan coming to the plate, we had already fed him a steady diet of offspeed stuff and we didn’t want to risk it with him,” Crimone said. “So I called a time out and told our starter, Nick Riggle, the plan. He looked his infielders in the eye and they got out of the jam.
“It was a risk, no doubt, but the guys realized their coach had faith in them.”
Junior third baseman Timmy Ali then scooped up a grounder for the second out before Riggle registered his fourth strike out of the afternoon to end the frame, and the Eagles held on for a 2-1 Section 4-AA victory. Through Tuesday, Keystone Oaks had a 3-1 overall record, 1-0 in section play.
“Going up against one of the best pitchers in Class AA in Donovan, our game plan was to get runs early on him and we were able to do that,” said Crimone, who is back for his ninth season. “We went in hunting fastballs because we knew he would be bringing it.
“We also made some great plays on defense behind Riggle to hold them to one run.”
Riggle, a 5-foot-11 right-handed pitcher and three-year starter, highlights Crimone’s juniorloaded lineup this season. Besides striking out nine batters in the Eagles’ 3-1 non-section win March 23 against Chartiers Valley, Riggle added some offense against Steel Valley by supplying a double and a run scored.
“With Nick, this is really the first time we’ve relied on his arm,” Crimone said. “We’ve been relying on his bat since his freshman year. Against Steel Valley, he battled through seven innings and gave up only two hits and walked three. I really can’t say enough about Nick.”
Junior left-handed pitchers Josh Beck and Stephen Foreman round out the team’s starting rotation. Crimone, however, hopes to boost his pitching staff with senior right-hander Ben Canty, who hadn’t played yet early this spring because of a knee injury he sustained while playing soccer.
“With the addition of Ben, he’s only going to propel us with his bat and arm,” Crimone said. “He’s a three-year starter in our infield, so we’re definitely going to find a spot for him.”
Junior first baseman Michael Wetmiller is expected to pitch in relief as the staff closer. He as well as Ali, senior catcher/designated hitter Ryan Roell, junior shortstop Dylan Porcopio, junior infielder Nick Perella, sophomore outfielder Joe Fawcett and junior catcher/outfielder Stephen Kazalas-Kelly also are regular starters.
“At this point, we’re still trying to find our identity,” Crimone said.
Keystone Oaks finished 9-8 last year after losing to Hampton in the first round of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs. The Eagles are competing in Section 4-AA this season against Steel Valley, Seton-LaSalle, East Allegheny, South Allegheny and Carlynton.
“Steel Valley is as good as advertised and they’re going to be tough beat when we play them at their place [April 22],” Crimone said. “I’ve also heard great things about Seton-LaSalle. The funny thing is they’re right across the street and we’ve never played them in the nine years I’ve been coaching here.”
The Eagles are scheduled to continue section play next week against Carlynton, South Allegheny and Seton-LaSalle.
“We just have to maintain our work ethic,” Crimone said. “We’re learning that it’s going to pay off and it will come through in the end, especially in tight ones like against Steel Valley.
“We have to keep treating the game the right way and see our hard work pay off. The goal is to play the game the right way, learn from your opponent and let the cards fall where they may.”