Norwin PAL Junior Legion returning to the field

The boys of summer are already back in action.

The Norwin PAL Junior Legion team has started its season and are looking to build off of last season's historic run that saw the team reach the regional and state tournament.

“It was the first time since 2007 that the team won our league,” said fourth-year coach Kenneth Lindsay. “We lost our last regular-season game but got wins over Kiski, Murrysvlle and East Hempofield to win it.”

The team will have a new look this season as it returns only two players from last season. But the majority of the team can provide innings on the mound and six players can play behind the plate – a necessity for the summer season as many players are involved with multiple teams.

“Last year we only had five or six pitchers,” Lindsay said. “So having more is good. But it there is a downside trying to get all the players playing time.

“Our outfield has a lot of depth, too. Over half the kids can play there.”

Lindsay said the team should be strong offensively.

“We have been working on hitting in practice,” Lindsay said. “We have some kids with speed who can steal and get runners in scoring position.”

PAL opened the season with a 2-1 win over Greensburg. Billy Kerston pitched a complete game giving up just five hits with two strikeouts and a walk. Clay Shelander tied the game with a sacrifice fly and Nick Lagnese hit a god ahead single to put Norwin in front.

The team will look to continue the winning ways with a schedule with tough competition, including Murrysville, Penn-Trafford and Hempfield – now fielding one team after fielding two in the past.

“Our No. 1 goal is to have a winning season,” Lindsay said. “From there, we are shooting for another league title and to do better in regionals and states than we did last year.”

Nathan Smith is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at nsmith@tribweb.com or via Twitter @NSmith_Trib.