Eight-Run Second Inning Powers NA To 9-5 Win Over Mt. Lebanon
By Randy Gore
In a battle of perennial Class 6A powers, the North Allegheny baseball team earned a 9-5 home win over Mt. Lebanon on Tuesday afternoon. A day after being two-hit by the Plum Mustangs, the Tigers’ lineup scored early and often against the Blue Devils to secure the non-section victory.
In the bottom of the first, senior Grant Huskey delivered a two-out RBI single to score junior J.J. Mancuso for an early 1-0 lead. The floodgates opened for the NA offense in the second inning as the Tigers chased Mt. Lebanon starter Cole Kappeler from the mound and tacked on a few more runs against reliever Michael Zappone. The big inning started with a leadoff double by Mason Dratfinsky, who was immediately singled home by Ryan Evanish for a 2-0 lead. The hit parade continued as the Tigers plated seven runs before an out was recorded. Contributing to the eight-run frame were Jake Fritz with a two-run single, Mancuso with an RBI base hit, Huskey with a two-run single, Gavin Ust with an RBI single and Carter Shearon with a fielder’s choice RBI. When the dust settled, NA held a 9-0 lead after two innings.
North Allegheny starting pitcher Lucas Manczka picked up the victory with four solid innings on the bump, permitting three runs with one walk and three strikeouts.
Mt. Lebanon wouldn’t go away quietly, however, but the Blue Devils’ rally was too little, too late. Mt. Lebanon was led offensively by Chase Smith, who went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and two RBIs.
For North Allegheny, Huskey was named the Wright Automotive Player of the Game with a 2-for-3 effort, including a run scored and a game-high three RBIs.
With the win, North Allegheny improves to 2-2 overall, while Mt. Lebanon suffers its first loss at 4-1. The Tigers will look to continue their momentum on Thursday afternoon with a visit to Penn-Trafford for another non-section contest.
Baseball Summary vs. Mt. Lebanon, 3-31-26
| Score By Innings | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Lebanon | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 0 |
| North Allegheny | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | 9 | 13 | 3 |
LP - Cole Kappeler
