2018 Mercury-Area Baseball Preview

Pope John Paul II

Manager: Josh Hartline, third season.

Last year’s record: 13-3 PAC, 14-5 overall (District 1-4A playoff qualifier).

Players to watch: Seniors: Matt Pinone, 1B; Colt Narciso, SS; Ryan Schwab, 3B/P; Dan Cirino, OF; Mike Kelly, OF; AJ Stento, P; Logan Mabry, P. Junior: John Wagner, OF.

Outlook: Last year, a season that looked so promising came to a skidding finish as the Golden Panthers lost in the opening round of the PAC and District 1-4A playoffs. Now, boasting an experienced roster peppered with seniors, Hartline and PJP look poised to be a serious contender once again. All-PAC/All-Area First Team Pitcher Mabry is coming off a strong junior season where he posted a 6-2 record with a 1.85 earned-run average while Kelly (.391 batting average) was near impossible to keep off the basepaths. Gone is outfielder Christian Wagner (Alvernia University) and a couple other key hitters, but the Golden Panthers should have plenty of bats ready in the ranks. “We are hoping to have a successful season and make the PAC Final Four again,” said Hartline. “Expectations are higher this year, especially in the postseason. Playing in the best league in the state should prepare us for a deep run in the postseason.”