NTL BASEBALL: WYALUSING SHOWS PROMISE WITH STRONG 2021 CAMPAIGN (2021-06-18)

Northern Tier Sports Report
It was the beginning of a new era for Wyalusing baseball, as they welcomed a new coaching staff and several fresh faces on the field, and it showed a lot of promise. 

The Rams broke a nearly decade long playoff drought, was in competition for the NTL Division-I title for much of the season, and picked up quality wins that showcased the talent of their underclassmen.

“As I reflect on my first season as the varsity coach for Wyalusing it was definitely a memorable year for a plethora of reasons,” said Nick Vanderpool. “But mainly for what a great group of young men I was blessed with the opportunity to coach. I wish I had more time with the seniors, but I believe they helped the program take a step in the right direction. I will certainly miss their leadership.”

This doesn’t take into account their Covid-19 disruptions. The virus forced them into a late start, pushed back-ups into the starting line-up on numerous occasions, and stacked their games up late in the season.

Nevertheless, they found ways to win, beginning with their season opener at home against Wellsboro. It was a walk-off winner over the eventual division champions, the perfect microcosm for the exciting season that was to come for the Rams.

“The boys put a bunch of preseason work in, and because of that we got off to a hot start, including big wins over Wellsboro and Athens,” said Vanderpool. “We hit a skid in the middle part of the season, and suddenly found ourselves with two must win games to get into the playoffs. Which we were able to do with a huge win against South Williamsport to finish the regular season, and punch our ticket to the post season. (It) was Wyalusing’s first postseason appearance in 8-or-9 years.”

The win against Athens came without four starters, and their ace, possibly their finest victory of the season, outside of the South win to end the year. They fell to league unbeatens Sayre just 2-1, as well. 

They also had their stumbles - a shorthanded loss to CV right after beating Athens took the wind out of their sails, along with falling to NP-Mansfield in a double-header that pretty much ended their division title run - but the good out weighed the bad by the end of the year.

“I think we gained valuable experience for next year,” said Vanderpool. “We will be returning 7-lettermen, along with a solid core coming up from junior high. With plenty of depth, adding all those factors together, I feel we should be a perennial playoff contender with the ability to make some noise when we get there.”

Hunter Moss led the way at the plate with a .400 average. He hit his way up to the top of the line-up, with 9-RBI, and 11 runs scored.

Spencer Krewson hit .385 with a .520 on base percentage, 7-RBI, and 11 runs scored. While freshman Trehnon Hugo hit .357 with 15-RBI. He showed off his athleticism with eight doubles, and 17 steals.

Senior Mitchell Burke returned to baseball for the first time since Little League, and didn’t miss a beat, hitting .300 with no errors in centerfield. 

Sophomore Blake Morningstar proved the wait was worth it, going 5-1 with 74 strikeouts as the team’s ace.

It’s been a long time in the dark for the Rams, but it appears the dawn has finally come.

“We proved we can hang with the best teams in the league and district,” said Vanderpool. “Especially when we limit our walks, and play solid D. We got out of purgatory, and are returning a group of talented players. It should be only up from here.”