Pirates’ aggressive mindset results in dominant 10-1 victory over Berkshire in district semifinals – News-Herald

Perry Pirates Dominate Berkshire in District Semifinal Showdown

STRUTHERS — The Perry baseball team made a triumphant return to Cene Park in Struthers, seeking redemption after a tough loss in the district semifinals last year. And they certainly made a statement, crushing Berkshire 10-1 in a Division III semifinal game on May 20.

Led by a stellar offensive performance and a dominant pitching display from Logan Buehner, the Pirates left no doubt in their quest for a district final win. The victory sets up a showdown with LaBrae in the district final on May 22, with a spot in the regional tournament on the line.

Perry’s head coach, Matt Platt, a former player on the team that last made a regional appearance in 2004, expressed his pride in the team’s long-awaited success. The Pirates came out swinging, scoring four runs in the first inning and adding to their lead in the following innings with key hits and Berkshire errors.

Jason Pentek, who had a standout performance at the plate, reflected on the team’s mentality, describing it as a “bulldog mentality” instilled by the coaching staff. Despite a brief rally by Berkshire, Perry’s relentless offense and Buehner’s pitching prowess proved too much for their opponents to handle.

While Berkshire coach Nick Burzanko acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, he commended them for a successful season and expressed hope for the future. As Perry gears up for the district final, the players remain focused on the task at hand, knowing that they will have to bring their A-game to secure a regional berth.

With the district final looming, Perry is determined to continue their winning ways and make a return to the regional tournament, a feat that has eluded them for nearly two decades. As the Pirates prepare for their next challenge, the team’s resilience and determination are sure to be on full display.