Neumann Goretti wins PIAA-AA title
STATE COLLEGE >> Ethan Pritchett gave Neumann-Goretti everything it needed on Thursday afternoon at Penn State’s Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
The starting pitcher threw all seven innings – with a one-hour and 49-minute rain delay in between – during the Knights’ 3-0 win over Bishop McCort in the PIAA-AA Championship.
Pritchett was dominant, The senior right-hander scattered three hits and struck out eight while giving way to five walks to improve to 6-2 on the season.
He had some help right from the start.
Lead-off center fielder Brian Verratti walked to open the affair and eventually came around to score after a fielder’s choice, a stolen bag and an error. Verratti also knocked a two-run triple in the top of the fifth inning to open it up.
Left fielder RJ McGettigan finished 2-for-3, with pinch runner Anthony Pierandozzi scoring for him along with Steve Pizza on Verratti’s three-bagger.
Billy Wilson took the loss for McCort, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks across 4-1/3 innings of work. Nick Beblar went the final 2-2/3 innings, limiting the Saints to just one hit.
In addition to the PIAA-AA title, Neumann-Goretti captured the District 12 title to claim the top seed. McCort was the No. 1 seed from District 6.
