Baseball playoffs set to start

Regular season games are one thing, but the "second season" is the one that really counts.

That's why the varsity baseball team at Coudersport High School reflects a spirit of determination that trumps even the excitement of an unblemished record.

Coach Doug McClintic's "cardiac kids" pulled out a couple more close wins over a quality opponent - the Kane Wolves - on Friday and Monday afternoons to improve to 10-0 as they head down the stretch and prepare for the PIAA District 9 playoffs.

Friday's victory was bittersweet, as the Falcons lost the services of junior pitcher and third baseman Bret Metzger to a knee injury suffered in pregame drills.

"It was a freak thing, really," McClintic said. "Buddy just stepped backwards while fielding a ground ball and it gave out on him."

Metzger's teammates will have to step up in his absence and their performances against Kane suggest that they're prepared to do just that.

On Monday, senior Adam Foust continued to swing a hot bat in Coudersport's 13-8 win at Kane. Foust had three hits, including a double, and drove in four runs. Derek Burdick delivered a pair of hits and plated three runs. Steady catcher Zach Buckler added two hits, including a double.

Brian Wetzel pitched a complete game, striking out 11 and weathering some late inning thunder by the potent Kane bats.

Last Friday, sophomore Andrew Mickle and junior Brett Whitman had two hits apiece in a tough 7-6 win over Kane at CARP Field.

Whitman, Mickle and Derek Burdick each took a stint on the mound in Metzger's absence.