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BERGSTROM NAMED TO
PG NORTH ALL-STARS

Senior shortstop Dave Bergstrom was selected to the PG North All-Stars as chosen by the Post-Gazette scholastic sports staff.  Bergstrom batted .429 on the season including 11 doubles, 15 RBIs, and 13 runs scored.  The NA senior was one of just a few Tiger players to start all four years.

CONGRATULATIONS, DAVE!!!

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE
PG NORTH ALL-STARS

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Photo Courtesy of Rich Doyle

PLUM RALLY DOWNS TIGERS, 4-3

To listen to a replay of the entire game, click here!

The Plum Mustangs rallied from a 3-2 deficit to defeat the Tigers, 4-3, at Matulevic Field in Shaler on Tuesday afternoon.  In the completion of the game that was started on Monday night, NA held a 3-2 lead after five innings, but the Mustangs picked up unearned runs in the bottom of the sixth and seventh innings to knock the Tigers from the playoffs.  Senior LF Rich Doyle had a pair of hits and an RBI to pace NA.

In the top of the sixth inning, junior 3B Dave Duffett led off with a line single to right field by Plum reliever Scott McGough got the next three outs.  In the bottom of the inning, NA reliever Rick Raraigh walked Clint White, the leadoff hitter.  With Antonio Soprano pinch running, the next batter, Troy Bisterci, lined a shot to left field that Doyle dove and caught for the first out.  Right fielder James Carr then dropped down a bunt that got past a diving Raraigh for an infield hit.  With two on and one out, pinch hitter Dan McDade grounded a ball that went through the legs of Duffett at third.  The relay throw was cut off and thrown wild at home allowing Soprano to score and both runners to advance.  Raraigh then got a strike out and an infield pop fly that he caught to end the inning.  The teams went to the seventh tied at 3-3.

The Tigers went in order in the top of the seventh.  In the bottom of the inning, McGough beat out an infield single to lead off the inning.  2B Tom Bergamasco rolled a bunt along the first base line that Raraigh could not handle.  With runners on at first and second with no outs, DH Anthony DeFabio sacrificed both runners up a base.  White was then intentionally walked.  Raraigh needed a strike out and got it on Besterci but NA catcher Ian Overbaugh could not hold on the pitch.  As the ball rolled toward the NA dugout, McGough raced home with the winning run.

It was a tough loss for the Tigers who had the top-ranked Mustangs down after five innings.  The usually steady NA defense failed in the final two innings allowing the tying and winning runs to score.  For his efforts at the plate and in the field, the North Allegheny Sports Network named Rich Doyle as the Player of the Game.

The quarterfinal loss knocked the Tigers from the Class AAAA playoffs.  Overall, NA finished the season with a second-place finish in Section 1 and a final record of 16-6 for the season.

MONDAY'S RECAP

On Monday night, the Tigers held a 3-2 lead over the top-seeded Plum Mustangs in the top of the sixth inning in a game that was suspended by darkness at Matulevic Field in Shaler.  NA scored three runs in the top of the third inning after Plum had opened a 1-0 lead after one.

Plum scored in the bottom of the first against junior starter Sam O'Neill when Scott McGough led off with a single and went to third on a base hit by Tom Bergamasco.  McGough scored when Bergamasco was caught in a rundown.  The Tigers took the lead in the top of the third inning.  Senior second baseman Justin Napper led off with a single and went to third on a double by senior CF Andy Trettel.  Senior LF Rich Doyle and senior 1B Marek Lapinski hit back to back singles to make it a 2-1 game.  Junior third baseman Dave Duffett followed with a sacrifice fly to extend the margin to 3-1 going into the bottom of the third.

The Mustangs cut the deficit to one with a run in the bottom of the fifth.  After Charlie Prokopik doubled, Bergamasco singled as Plum made it a 3-2 game after five innings.  After a conference among the coaches, umpires, and WPIAL officials, it was agreed to suspend the game because of darkness.

The game will be resumed this afternoon at 4:00 pm at Matulevic Field.  The North Allegheny Sports Network will broadcast the conclusion of the suspended game beginning with the pre-game show at 3:45 pm.  Game time is scheduled for 4:00 pm.  The game will resume in the top of the sixth inning with NA leading, 3-2.

Box Score
Photo Gallery

GAME SUMMARY
PLUM - 4  NORTH ALLEGHENY - 3

WP - Scott McGough  LP - Rick Raraigh (4-3)

WPIAL QUAD AAAA PLAYOFFS

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RARAIGH CONTROLS NORWIN AS TIGERS
TAKE 4-2 WIN

To listen to a replay of the game, click here!

Senior lefthander Rick Raraigh held Norwin to just six hits as the Tigers topped the Knights, 4-2, in the first round of the WPIAL Playoffs at Matulevic Field on Friday.  Senior shortstop Dave Bergstrom and senior DH Jack Connolly had a pair of hits and an RBI each as NA advanced to the quarterfinals.

Neither team could score in the first three innings as pitching dominated.  Raraigh got a 5-4-3 double play to end the top of the first while Norwin LHP Matt Whiteman got out of the second when junior 3B Dave Duffett lined into a 4-3 double play.

The Tigers finally broke through in the top of the fourth.  After senior CF Andy Trettel led off with a line drive single to left center field, senior left fielder Rich Doyle then dropped a bunt along the first base line.  When Whiteman slipped and could not play the ball, the Tigers had first and second with no outs.  With senior 1B Marek Lapinski batting, NA Coach Tim Banner sent the runners on a double steal.  The throw to third caromed along the left field line allowing Trettel to score and Doyle to advance to third.  Bergstrom followed with a line drive single to center, his second of the game, to score Doyle and make it a 2-0 game.  Shortstop Adam Thomas came in to pitch for Norwin and got a strike out for the second out.  After Bergstrom stole second, Connolly drilled a single down the left field line to score Bergstrom although Connolly was thrown out at second to end the inning.  The Tigers took a 3-0 lead into the bottom of the fourth. 

In the top of the fifth, catcher Ian Overbaugh sent a long drive into the right center field gap for a double to lead off the inning.  Sophomore Jon Wilson went to run and was sacrificed to third on a well-placed bunt by Raraigh.  Senior RF Mike O'Neill then came through with a sacrifice fly to center field to score Wilson and make it 4-0.

Norwin rallied in the bottom of the fifth.  After Raraigh had allowed only two hits through the first four innings, Whiteman doubled to lead off the inning and left fielder Nick Miller reached on an error.  Shortstop Shane Flowers singled to left to score the first Norwin run and move Miller to second.  Raraigh then got a pair of fly balls to short right field with the runners unable to advance.  With two on and two out, Thomas popped up to Bergstrom in short center field to end the inning with the Tigers still on top, 4-1.

The Knights added an unearned run in the bottom of the sixth.  After Griffith singled to center field, 3B J.T. Redshaw reached on an error.  With one out, Whiteman sent a long fly to deep left field that Doyle caught while falling to the turf.  The sac fly scored Griffith to cut the Tiger lead to 4-2.  Raraigh then struck out Miller to end the inning.

Connolly drove a long double into the left center field gap with one out in the seventh but the Tigers could not score again.  In the bottom of the inning, second baseman Nate Babyak singled to center with two outs.  Raraigh got the final out on a ground ball to senior 2B Justin Napper who threw to Bergstrom at second to end the game.

It was a good win for the Tigers as they used good pitching and strong defense to advance.  Although Norwin's top pitcher, Tom Shirley was unable to pitch because of illness, Raraigh was able to contain the Knights for his fourth win of the season against two losses.  For his efforts on the mound, the North Allegheny Sports Network named Rick Raraigh as the Player of the Game.

With the win, the Tigers moved on to the quarterfinals where they will play the top-seeded Plum Mustangs.  The game will be played on Monday at Matulevic Field at Shaler.  Game time is scheduled for 5:30 pm.  The game will be broadcast by the MSA Sports Network.

Photo Gallery

GAME SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 4  NORWIN - 2

WP - Rick Raraigh (4-2)  LP - Matt Whiteman

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TIGERS FINISH SECOND IN SECTION WITH 5-2 WIN OVER NORTH HILLS

Senior lefthander Rick Raraigh went the distance as the Tigers gained a measure of revenge for an earlier loss with a 5-2 victory at Herb Field on Wednesday afternoon.  Senior DH Jack Connolly had a pair of RBIs on a double and a triple and also stole home to pace NA. 

The Tigers took the lead in the second inning.  After shortstop Dave Bergstrom singled, Connolly drove him home with a double.  Senior catcher Ian Overbaugh  followed with a base hit to score Connolly as NA took a 2-0 lead after an inning and a half.  NA added another run in the fourth.  After Overbaugh singled again, sophomore Jon Wilson went in as a courtesy runner.  Senior center fielder Andy Trettel then singled to drive in Wilson and make it a 3-0 NA lead.

In the top of the fifth, Bergstrom led off with a double.  Connolly followed with a long triple to deep right center field to score Bergstrom to make it 4-0.  Connolly was then able to steal home as the Tigers took a 5-0 lead into the bottom of the fifth.  North Hills was able to add single runs in the fifth and sixth, but Raraigh closed the door in the seventh to secure the victory.

It was a good win for the Tigers that gave them second place and a playoff berth.  Raraigh allowed only seven hits and struck out three in earning his third victory of the season.  North Hills also made the playoffs when Shaler was defeated by Pine-Richland.

With the win, the Tigers finish the section season with a record of 7-5 and an overall record of 14-5.  NA will be in the WPIAL Quad A playoffs that will begin next week.  The playoff pairings meeting will be held tomorrow night. 

Photo Gallery

GAME SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 5  NORTH HILLS - 2

WP - Rick Raraigh (3-2)  LP - Andrew Wyskoski

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TIGERS RALLY TO DOWN KISKI AREA, 7-6

Photo Gallery

After allowing Kiski Area to score five runs in the first inning, the Tigers rallied to defeat the Cavaliers , 7-6, at Kiski on Monday afternoon.  Senior Jack Connolly drove in the winning run in the top of the 9th inning to give NA their fourth victory in their last five games.  Senior shortstop Dave Bergstrom had four hits, including a double, while senior LF Rich Doyle had a home run and double for the winning Tigers.

After the Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Bergstrom drove in senior CF Andy Trettel with a double.  Kiski came back with five in the bottom of the first to take a 5-1 lead after one inning.

In the top of the third, the Tigers scored three times to cut the lead to 5-4.  After Doyle opened with a solo home run, junior 3B Dave Duffett singled home Bergstrom.  Later in the inning, Connolly doubled and scored on a balk.  Jake Schaffer hit his second home run of the game for Kiski in the bottom of the fifth to extend the lead to 6-4.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, senior pinch hitter Mike O'Neill singled home senior RF Rick Raraigh to make it a 6-5 game.  Later in the inning, O'Neill scored on a passed ball to tie the game at 6-6.  Neither team could score in the seventh as the game went to extra innings.

In the top of the ninth, Connolly singled to drive in Bergstrom with the winning run. Senior Don Cook came in to pitch for the Tigers in the second and went the distance to earn the victory  allowing only four hits and striking out four over eight innings of pitching.

With the win, the Tigers improved their section record to 6-5, the overall mark to 13-5.  NA will travel to North Hills tomorrow afternoon for the section finale.  With a win, the Tigers will qualify for the WPIAL playoffs.  Game time is scheduled for 4:00 pm.

GAME SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 7  KISKI AREA - 6

WP - Don Cook (3-0)  LP - Eric Gadola

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TIGERS TAKE TWO ON SENIOR DAY

To listen to a replay of the McDowell game, click here!

Senior shortstop Dave Bergstrom doubled home the winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning as the Tigers defeated McDowell, 7-6, at the Senior High field on Saturday afternoon on Senior Day.  Bergstrom had two hits good for three RBIs.  In an earlier contest at PNC Park, NA downed Class A Springdale, 11-3, as senior Nick Merolillo blasted a grand slam into the right field seats.

McDowell threatened in the top of the first with two outs.  A double by pitcher Chad Oberaker and two walks loaded the bases but senior right hander Isaac Marx got a ground out to end the inning.  In the bottom of the second inning, NA got singles from senior 3B Jack Connolly and Marx but could not score.

The Tigers finally broke through in the bottom of the third.  After senior LF Rich Doyle doubled down the right field line, senior 1B Marek Lapinski singled to right field moving Doyle to third.  Lapinski took second on the throw to the plate.  Bergstrom followed with a base hit up the middle scoring both runners as NA took a 2-0 lead after three innings.

Marx continued to keep the Trojans off the board in the top of the fourth allowing only three base hits in the first four innings.  NA added another run in the bottom of the inning.  with one out, senior 2B Justin Napper walked, stole second and went to third when the throw went into center field.  Senior center fielder Andy Trettel followed with a line drive single to left field to score Napper and make it a 3-0 lead after four innings.

McDowell tied the game in the top of the fifth.  After a lead off double by CF Kyle Harpster, an error on a pickoff throw moved him to third.  A ground out by LF Matt Rensel scored the first Trojan run.  After a walk to Oberaker and a single by 1B Dan Luthringer, right fielder Anthony Pribonic bounced a ball that took a bad hop over the head of SS Bergstrom and rolled into left center field for a double to score Oberaker.  DH Ryan Skellie followed with a sacrifice fly to center field to score Luthringer and tie the game at 3-3.

In the bottom of the inning, the Tigers regained the lead.  Lapinski led off with a base hit to right field and sophomore pinch runner Jon Wilson stole second.  After a walk to Bergstrom, relief pitcher Chris LaRocco got the next two outs.  Senior RF Rick Raraigh then drove a long home run over the right center field fence scoring Wilson and Bergstrom as the Tigers took a 6-3 lead after five innings.

The Trojans came back again to tie the game in the top of the sixth inning.  Senior lefthander Nick Merolillo came in to pitch for the Tigers. With one out, 2B Ben Raley singled to center field.  Catcher Jeff Robson hit a ground ball to third but the throw to second was wide allowing both runners to arrive safely.  Harpster followed with a slow ground ball near second base that was bobbled loading the bases with only one out.  Rensel hit a slow ground ball to second and the throw to second for the force out was late allowing another run to score.  Oberaker followed with a base hit to right field scoring two runs and tying the game.  With the Trojans attempting a squeeze play, Dan Lutrhinger was called out for bunting the ball while out of the batters' box.  With two outs, Pribonic grounded to short to end the inning.

In the bottom of the sixth with Skellie pitching, Doyle singled to left field with one out.  A ground out moved Doyle to second.  With two down, Bergstrom lined a double to left center field to put the Tigers ahead, 7-6, going into the seventh inning.

After Skellie singled to open the inning, junior right hander Ryan McCombs came in to pitch.  McCombs got the final three outs on a ground out, a foul pop fly and a fly ball to Doyle in left.  McCombs picked up the save as the Tigers captured a hard-earned 7-6 victory.

It was a good win for the Tigers on Senior Day as they wrapped up their second win of the day.  For his efforts at the plate, the North Allegheny Sports Network named Dave Bergstrom as the Player of the Game.

In the first game, the Tigers took a 5-1 lead early with two runs in the first, one in the third, and two more in the fifth.  Overbaugh had a key hit with a long double to left center field that hit the fence on one hop.  After Springdale had cut the lead to 5-3 in the top of the sixth, the Tigers put the game away with six in the bottom of the inning keyed by Merolillo's long home run.  According to PNC sources, the home run was only the second home run to ever be hit by an amateur player as the big league park.  Overbaugh was strong on the mound and picked up his third victory of the year against no losses.

With the two wins, the Tigers improved their overall record to 12-5 on the season.  NA will play at Kiski Area on Monday and at North Hills on Wednesday.  With wins in both games, the Tigers would clinch a playoff spot.  Game times for both games will be 4:00 pm.

Box Score (McDowell)
Photo Gallery (Both games)

GAME SUMMARIES
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 7  McDOWELL - 6

WP - Nick Merolillo (1-0)   LP - Ryan Skellie (2-2)

NORTH ALLEGHENY - 11  SPRINGDALE - 3

WP - Ian Overbaugh (3-0)  LP - Andy Weber

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BUTLER RALLY DENIES TIGERS, 14-10

Photo Gallery

After building an 8-0 lead after one inning, the Tigers were unable to hold off Butler as the Tornado rallied for a 14-10 victory at Butler on Tuesday.  Seniors Marek Lapinski, Jack Connolly, and Dave Bergstrom all doubled for NA but it was not enough as Butler came back in the bottom of the sixth to win.

The Tigers added another run in the second to take a 9-0 lead after an inning an a half, but the Tornado came back with four in the bottom of the second.  NA led 10-5 going into the bottom of the sixth inning.  Butler erupted for nine runs to take the lead and held off NA in the top of the seventh.  Andy Onufrak went three for four good for four RBIs, Dustin Uhlman knocked in four runs, and Jordan Roycroft three more as Butler upset the Tigers.

With the loss, the Tigers dropped to 5-5 in section play and into fourth place.  The overall NA record fell to 10-5.  The Tigers will host Erie McDowell on Saturday afternoon in a non-section contest at the Senior High field.  It will be Senior Day with the recognition ceremony getting under way at 3:45 pm.  The North Allegheny Sports Network will be there to broadcast the game LIVE on the internet.  Game time is scheduled for 4:00 pm.

GAME SUMMARY
BUTLER - 14  NORTH ALLEGHENY - 10

WP - Tim Geibel     LP - Mike Zelik (1-1)

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BERGSTROM'S HIT BEATS PINE-RICHLAND IN BOTTOM OF SEVENTH, 7-6

To listen to a replay of the game, click here!

The Tigers rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh to down the Pine-Richland Rams, 7-6, at the Senior High field on Monday afternoon.  Senior shortstop Dave Bergstrom lined a base hit to right center field to drive in the winning run.  Senior LF Rich Doyle had three hits while senior center fielder Andy Trettel blasted a two-run homer to pace NA to the victory.

The Tigers started quickly with a little help from the Rams.  After Tiger senior starter Jack Connolly got out of a two-on, one-out jam in the top of the first, Trettel led off with a walk followed by another walk to Doyle.  Senior 1B Marek Lapinski bounced a single to left field to score Trettel and give NA a 1-0 lead.  After Connolly walked, a wild pitch scored Doyle to make it 2-0.  Junior 3B Dave Duffett grounded out to shortstop scoring Lapinski with the third NA run as the Tigers took a 3-0 lead after one inning.

In the bottom of the second, senior RF Rick Raraigh lined a single to center field to lead off.  After a force out, Trettel hit a long home run over the left center field fence to give the Tigers a 5-0 lead after two innings. 

 The Tigers got a double by senior catcher Ian Overbaugh with two outs in the third but could not score.   The Rams came back in the top of the fourth on back to back home runs by third baseman Dave Angle and DH T.J. Kuban to cut the lead to 5-2.  Once again in the bottom of the fourth, Doyle singled with two outs but was stranded.

In the top of the fifth, the Rams rallied to tie the game.  After a leadoff double by CF Steve Freehlling, Nittoli walked.  Right fielder Ryan Nussbaum followed with a single to drive in Freehling and also end the day for Connolly.  Senior right hander Don Cook came in to pitch and got a ground ball to short by P-R shortstop Brett Mollenhauer.  The ball was bobbled allowing the Rams to load the bases with no outs.  First baseman Brendan Scioscia then grounded to Bergstrom at short who stepped on second and threw to first for the double play with a run scoring.  With two outs, Angle lined a single to left field to score the tying run.  At the end of four and one half innings, the score was tied at 5-5.

The Tigers went down in order in the fifth and sixth innings.  Senior RHP Sam O'Neill came in to pitch for NA in the sixth and gave up a lead off double to 2B Cono Passione.  O'Neill then struck out two of the next three batters to retire the side.  In the top of the seventh, O'Neill walked the first two batters.  After a strike out, the Tiger righthander walked the next two to force in a run and give the Rams a 6-5 lead.  Sophomore righthander Mike Zelik came to pitch.  On the first pitch, Dan Passione hit a line drive to short right field where senior Mike O'Neill made a diving catch to retire the side.

In the bottom of the seventh, Trettel worked a walk to lead off.  Doyle followed with a line single to left center field.  Lapinski then hit a soft ground ball to first where Scioscia threw the ball into left field trying to get a force play at second.  Trettel raced home with the tying run, and the Tigers had runners on first and second with no outs.  Angle then came in to pitch for the Rams.  With Mike O'Neill at the plate, Doyle and junior pinch runner Jon Wilson executive a double steal.  On the next pitch, Doyle was tagged out trying to steal home.  After O'Neill walked, Bergstrom ended the day for the Rams with a base hit to right center field scoring Wilson with the winning run.

It was an interesting game with the Tigers taking the 5-0 lead only to see the Rams rally to go ahead by one going into the bottom of the seventh.  For his efforts at the plate, the North Allegheny Sports Network named Rich Doyle as the Player of the Game.

With the win, the Tigers improved their section record to 5-4 to remain in a tie for the third place and the final playoff spot in Section 1.  The overall NA record went to 10-4.  NA will travel to Butler tomorrow afternoon for another important section contest.  Game time is scheduled for 4:00 pm.

Photo Gallery

GAME SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 7  PINE-RICHLAND -  6

WP - Mike Zelik (1-0)  LP - Jim Nittoli

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SHALER NIPS TIGERS, 4-3, WITH RUN IN
BOTTOM OF SEVENTH

The Shaler Titans scored a run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning to break a 3-3 tie and defeat NA in the rain at Matulevic Field on Saturday afternoon.  The Tigers had taken a 3-2 lead in the top of the sixth before Shaler rallied.  Junior 3B Dave Duffett led NA with a pair of hits while senior shortstop David Bergstrom added an RBI double.

The Titans took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second on a double steal.  After the Titans added another run in the fourth, the Tigers rallied to cut the lead to one on a ground ball RBI by senior RF Rich Doyle.  In the top of the sixth, Duffett and Bergstrom gave the Tigers two more runs and a 3-2 advantage.  In the bottom of the sixth, Shaler executed the double steal again with Dan Ludwig sliding in safely at home to tie the game at 3-3.  In the top of the seventh, the Tigers threatened and had runners on first and third but could not score.  In the bottom of the seventh, first baseman Jon Grubic dropped a single down the right field line to drive in the winning run.

It was a tough loss for the Tigers who had defeated Shaler eight straight times.  With just four section games remaining, NA is now tied with Shaler for the third and final playoff slot.  As Coach Tim Banner said, however, "We still control our own destiny".  Wins in the four section games would give the Tigers a playoff spot.

With the loss, the NA section record dropped to 4-4, the overall mark to 9-4, with four section games remaining.  The Tigers are currently tied with Shaler for the third and final playoff spot.  NA will host Pine-Richland tomorrow afternoon at the Senior High field.  The North Allegheny Sports Network will be there to broadcast the game LIVE on the internet beginning with the pre-game show at 3:45 pm.  Game time is scheduled for 4:00 pm.

GAME SUMMARY
SHALER - 4  NORTH ALLEGHENY - 3

WP - Joe Lombardo  LP - Rick Raraigh (2-2)

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SENECA VALLEY TOPS TIGERS, 6-1

Photo Gallery

The Tigers and Raiders finished action before the rains came on Thursday evening with Seneca Valley defeating NA, 6-1, at the Senior High field.  The Tigers managed only four hits off Raider junior right hander Cory Mazzoni.  Senior 2B Phil Greenblatt drove in the only NA run.

The Raiders took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning.  Senior RHP Sam O'Neill held the Raiders in check until the sixth when they added four more runs to take control of the contest.  The Tigers were able to score in the bottom of the sixth when Greenblatt drove in pinch runner Jon Wilson to make it a 6-1 game.  NA came close to scoring a second run but senior LF Rich Doyle was thrown out at the plate.  NA got singles from junior 3B Dave Duffett, Doyle, Greenblatt, and senior 1B Marek Lapinski.

The loss dropped the NA section record to 4-3 and into third place in Section 1-AAAA.  The overall NA mark fell to 9-3 on the year.   The Tigers will travel to Shaler tomorrow afternoon for a 1:00 pm section contest.  The MSA Sports Network will broadcast the game beginning with the pre-game show at 12:45 pm.

GAME SUMMARY
SENECA VALLEY - 6  NORTH ALLEGHENY - 1

WP - Cory Mazzoni  LP - Sam O'Neill (3-1)

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DOYLE'S HIT BEATS BLACKHAWK, 6-5,
IN EIGHT INNINGS

Photo Gallery

Senior LF Rich Doyle doubled to score senior CF Andy Trettel with the winning run in the bottom of the 8th inning as the Tigers downed Blackhawk, 6-5, in a non-section game at the Senior High field on Monday afternoon.  Senior RHP Ian Overbaugh pitched the last five innings allowing over two runs and two hits to earn the victory in relief.

The Cougars jumped on top with a run in the first and three more in the fourth before NA rallied.  In the bottom of the fourth, the Tigers tied the game.  A double by senior Nick Merolillo and a single by junior 3B Dave Duffett drove in runs while a bases loaded walk accounted for another.  Senior Mike O'Neill also doubled during the rally. Trettel scored on a passed ball as NA tied the game at 4-4 after four innings. 

In the bottom of the sixth, senior 1B Marek Lapinski doubled to drive in Merolillo to give the Tigers a 5-4 lead going into the seventh.  Blackhawk scored in the top of the seventh to send the game into extra innings.  After Overbaugh got the side in order in the top  of the eighth, Trettel walked.  Doyle then came through with the winning hit as the Tigers won their third straight game.

With the win, the Tigers improved their overall record to 9-2 on the year.  With a loss by North Hils on Monday afternoon, the Tigers are now tied for second place in Section 1 with a 4-2 record.  NA will host first place Seneca Valley tomorrow afternoon at the Senior High field. 

GAME SUMMARY
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 6  BLACKHAWK - 5

WP - Ian Overbaugh (2-0)  LP - Nick McCowin

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TIGERS REBOUND TO WIN TWO

To listen to a replay of the Butler game, click here!
To listen to a replay of the Kiski game, click here!

The Tigers came back after a tough loss to North Hills on Friday to win two games on Saturday afternoon at the Senior High field.  In the first game, senior SS Dave Bergstrom banged out three hits, including a double, to drive in four runs and lead the Tigers to a 12-6 victory over Butler.  In the second game, the Tigers held on to edge Kiski Area, 5-4, behind the strong pitching of senior RHP Sam O'Neill.

In the first game, Butler scored a run on three walks and a base hit by 3B Andrew Onufrak.  Senior right hander Don Cook got out of the inning on a 4-6-3 double play.  NA answered with three runs in the bottom of the inning.  After senior CF Andy Trettel doubled to lead off, he stole third.  After a walk, a ground out senior 1B Marek Lapinski drove in Trettel to tie the game.  With two outs, senior DH Jack Connolly drove in a run with a single.  Connolly later scored on a wild pitch to give NA a 3-1 lead after one.

The Tigers added another run in the third.  After Lapinski reached on an error, a wild pitch moved him to second.  With two outs, Bergstrom singled to center to make it a 4-1 game.  NA added four more runs in the fifth.  With one out, sophomore 3B Mike Zelik walked and senior 2B Phil Greenblatt sacrificed him to second.  After a walk to Trettel, lefthander Matt McCormick came in to pitch for Butler.  Senior LF Nick Merolillo greeted him with a base hit to drive in a run.  Lapinski followed with an infield single to make it 6-1.  A wild pitch scored another run and a sac fly by Connolly completed the inning with the Tigers taking an 8-1 lead into the fifth. 

Butler rallied for three runs in the fifth with the big hits coming on a triple by RF Dustin Uhlman and a double by Onufrak.  Senior RHP Isaac Marx came in and struck out a pair of batters to end the inning.  NA answered with four runs in the bottom of the sixth.  A walk to Lapinski and a base hit by senior RF Rick Raraigh started the inning.  After a ground out moved the runners up a base, Bergstrom singled them home.  After Bergstrom stole third, junior catcher Dylan Songer singled to left for another run as the Tigers took a 12-4 lead into the seventh.

After a walk and an error, Onufrak doubled home two runs to make it 12-6.  Marx was then able to get three ground outs to end the game.  The Tigers controlled the contest throughout pounding out eleven hits in earning the victory.  For his efforts, the North Allegheny Sports Network named Dave Bergstrom the Player of the Game.

Photo Gallery
Box Score

In game two, the Tigers picked up a pair of unearned runs in the bottom of the first to take a 2-0 lead against Kiski Area.  After Trettel was hit by a pitch to lead off, senior LF Rich Doyle reached on an error.  After Lapinski hit into a fielder's choice, Raraigh doubled to deep left center field to score Trettel.  A ground out by Bergstrom scored Doyle as the Tiger took a two-run lead into the second.

Kiski came back in the top of the second to tie the game.  After a lead off walk, pitcher Jon Moore singled to left.  After a wild pitch, a ground out by catcher Ed Lynch scored the first run.  Another wild pitch scored a second run to tie the game.

Neither team could score again until the bottom of the fourth inning.  After a walk to Connolly, senior catcher Ian Overbaugh hit a pop fly between the mound and second base.  The ball fell in and was then thrown wild at second base.  Connolly then stole third base.  On the next pitch, courtesy runner Jon Wilson broke for second.  When the throw was made to second, Connolly broke for the plate and scored.  The double steal gave the Tigers a 3-2 lead.  With two outs, Doyle hit a ground ball to third that was misplayed allowing the second run to score as the Tigers took a 4-2 lead after four inning.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Tigers added another run that would become crucial later.  After Overbaugh led off with a drive to deep center field for a double, Wilson came in as a courtesy runner.  Junior 3B Dave Duffett lined a drive to center field that bounced away from the fielder for another double as the Tigers took a 5-2 lead into the final inning.

O'Neill controlled Kiski throughout most of the game allowing only two hits through six innings.  In the top of the seventh with one out, PH John Russell reached on an error.  after SS Tyler Beitel singled to left field, Coach Banner went to his bullpen.  Sophomore RHP Mike Zelik came in to pitch the remainder of the inning.  After LF Shawn Vogel singled to load the bases, Zelik walked RF Blake Pavlik to force in a run as the NA lead was cut to 5-3.  CF Jake Shaffer then lifted a fly ball to right center field where Trettel and Raraigh collided.  Trettel came away with the ball for the out but Beitel scored and Vogel went to third.  With the tying run at third, cleanup hitter 2B Eric Gadola lifted a fly ball to Raraigh in right to end the game.

It was a tough win for the Tigers in the second game as they posted only three base hits.  The Kiski defense helped out with four errors as NA held on for the 5-4 victory.  For his efforts on the mound, the North Allegheny Sports Network named Sam O'Neill as the Player of the Game.

With the wins, the Tigers improved their section record to 4-2, the overall mark to 8-2.  NA will host Blackhawk tomorrow afternoon in a 4:00 pm non-section game.  On Wednesday, first place Seneca Valley will be at the Senior High field.  The North Allegheny Sports Network will be there to broadcast the game LIVE on the internet beginning with the pre-game show at 3:45 pm.

Photo Gallery
Box Score

GAME SUMMARIES
NORTH ALLEGHENY - 12  BUTLER - 6

WP - Don Cook (2-0)    LP - Zach Cuffman

NORTH ALLEGHENY - 5  KISKI AREA - 4

WP - Sam O'Neill (3-0)  LP - Jon Moore

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WPIAL BASEBALL - 2007

The Tigers will compete in Class AAAA again in 2007 along with 26 other teams.  The top three teams will enter the WPIAL tournament.  All playoff entries will be determined by section record only and will be determined by best section record.  Teams that tie for first place will not have the tie broken and will be declared shared section champions.  All section champions will receive a section winner's plaque.  In the case where two teams share a section championship then the next section team with the best section record will enter as the third place team.  If there are three or more teams that tie for a section championship then only those teams will enter WPIAL tournament play.

In the event of a tie for second and third place, the tiebreaker system will be employed.  If the tie persists, head-to-head competition will determine the qualifier.  In the event of multiple second and third place ties, the following tiebreaker will be employed:

a.  Section won-lost records of the tied teams will be compiled.
b.  The team(s) with the best numerical section record among the tied teams will enter post-season play.
c.  If the tie cannot clearly be broken, all tied teams will enter post-season play.

 In class AAAA, three teams will enter the PIAA tournament.  The third place team will be determined on the field between the two non finalists.

 Postponed games must be played in order of postponement and scheduled on the first common open date.  Make up section games must have preference over exhibition game, JV games, and Junior High games EVEN IF A CANCELLATION OF A NON SECTION GAME IS REQUIRED TO MEET THIS DIRECTIVE.  ALL GAMES POSTPONED DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THE SEASON MUST BE RESCHEDULED AND PLAYED PRIOR TO THE BEGINNING OF THE SECOND HALF.

During all WPIAL competition, any game that is interrupted by bad weather prior to becoming a legal game will be resumed at that point and completed on the next available playing date.

The Ten Run Rule, ending a game after 4 1/2 or 5 innings will be in effect for all regular and post season play.  Additionally, the fifteen run rule, ending a game after 3 innings will be in effect also.

WPIAL Championship play is scheduled to begin the week of May 14, 2007.  The finals will be divided between two date, Tuesday, May 29 and Wednesday, May 30, 2007.  The site will be Falconi Field in Washington, PA. 

CLASS AAAA - 27 TEAMS

Any questions or comments should be directed to Athletic Director Bob Bozzuto at:  bbozzuto@northallegheny.org