Boys athlete of the week
// The Post-Gazette’s top male performer from the past seven days
The past week: Pass pitched two shutouts in the WPIAL Class 5A playoffs. He tossed a five-hitter and struck out seven in a 3-0 victory against Bethel Park in Monday’s semifinals. In a 1-0 victory against Fox Chapel May 17, Pass pitched a three-hitter and struck out 10. Check this out: Pass was supposed to be West Allegheny’s No. 3 pitcher this season. But injuries to the Indians’ top two pitchers — Gavin Miller and Devin Zirwas — moved Pass up to the No. 1 spot and he has turned into an ace. A 6 -foot-2, 200-pound senior, Pass is 6-1 with a 2.63 ERA and has struck out 69 in 55⅓ innings. Pass also is a talented golfer and finished 24th at the WPIAL Class 3A championships last fall. Pass will attend Washington & Jefferson for baseball.
You were pretty good in the regular season, but what’s up with these shutouts in the playoffs? I think it’s been a combination of me having the right mindset before the games, just knowing more that I’m the one in control, and our defense has played great behind me. I’m pitching to contact a little more and everyone is making the plays.
But did anything improve in you as a pitcher in the playoffs? Nothing in particular.
You guys have been in 14 games decided by two runs or less. So is pressure now nothing to you guys? We’re used to it. We play in a very good section against very good teams. We’re used to the pressure.
Go back to maybe February. What were your expectations for the season then? Things got dicey even before that when we knew Gavin and Devin weren’t going to be able to pitch. Knowing that early on was a big help for me and my preparation.
Are you surprised at all with the season? I’ve been asked that question a couple times. It’s not a surprise. No one gave us a chance once our pitchers got hurt. But we have a good program, with good coaching and we know how to win. Surprise is a bad word to say how we feel right now. Who cuts the grass at your house? My dad. I offer up sometimes, but he does it.
Why not you? He’s very particular. He likes to do it. It gives him something to do on weekends. I don’t get involved.
It’s Saturday night, Anthony Pass is out and is hungry. Where’s he going? It’s gotta be quick, so Chipotle.
Something you’d like for a graduation gift? Ahhh, probably something to do with golf.
New clubs? Yeah, that’s it. I need new clubs.