Behind a team effort at the plate and a strong performance by sophomore pitcher Ben Visnesky, No. 2 Serra Catholic outlasted No. 6 Vincentian Academy, 4-1, in the WPIAL Class A semifinals Tuesday at Upper St. Clair's Boyce-Mayview Park.
The Eagles (21-2) employed a pesky approach at the plate, totaling eight singles and five walks. Eight of Serra Catholic's nine starters reached base, which speaks in part to the homework coach Brian Dzurenda has been doing.
“The pitchers for Vincentian were living on outside pitches in the dirt. I spent some time scouting them, and it looked like other teams were willing to chase,” Dzurenda said. “I told the kids that if we don't dive out on those outside pitches, then we'll have good, quality at-bats.
“Still, Vincentian is a great team. They have hitters, and they have pitchers. We had to earn it.”
Almost every one of the Serra Catholic batters played a role in the victory. Jason Cerniglia, hitting out of the sixth spot, went 2 for 3 with a pair of RBIs. No. 8 batter Ben Bowen collected a pair of singles, a walk and one RBI.
“I just think the preparation for these kids is second to none, and that includes the teams we've had that have won state championships. Every kid is ready to contribute,” Dzurenda said.
Visnesky displayed masterful command of the strike zone in his complete-game victory, striking out five and walking two while scattering five hits.
“We did a scouting report on them and saw what they hit well, what they were able to adjust to and what they didn't hit well,. and we stuck to it,” Visnesky said. “My curveball was working mostly, and the slider was working well for me, too.”
For Vincentian Academy (16-7), Christian and Kyler Fedko singled. Mark Yakim had the lone extra-base hit of the game when he doubled in the seventh inning.
“We're obviously pretty disappointed,” Vincentian coach Paul Quarantillo said. “We think we're a pretty good team. Now we're looking forward to the consolation game, and hopefully, we can get ourselves into the state tournament.”
Serra Catholic has a chance to avenge its only two losses when it takes on top-seeded Greensburg Central Catholic (15-3) in the championship game Tuesday or June 1 at Consol Energy Field.
“We have 21 wins on the year. The only team that we handed a win to this year was Greensburg Central Catholic, in the first meeting. They are the class of Single-A right now; they're the best team,” Dzurenda said. “We're just happy that we get another chance at them.”
Kevin Lohman is a freelance writer.
