Kiski Valley Pony League team celebrates perfect season

The Kiski Valley 14-and-under Pony League baseball team was an example of perfection this summer.

Not only did they finish 19-0 and win the Allegheny River League Championship, but they dominated every aspect of the game.

Kiski Valley outscored opponents 185-21 and recorded a 3-1 victory over Kiski 2 in the championship game last Friday at Northmoreland Park.

“I’ve had most of the boys since they started playing, and I could not be prouder of what they have accomplished along the way,” Kiski Valley coach Brian Matson said. “When the season started, I thought we would do well but never imagined they would pull off a perfect season. These boys don’t just play the game. They play for each other. They are the most respectful group of boys that work hard, and I am proud to be their coach.”

Kiski Valley beat Armstrong and Karns City in its postseason run before the championship.

The pitching staff was a pillar of Kiski Valley’s success. It consisted of Jonathan Walker, Austin Bachar, Dominick Fabrizi, Trey Roberts and Tylar Hanley. Walker struck out 100 batters this season.

They were paired with the steady influence of catcher Noah Matson.

The pitching staff had reliable defense behind them. Connor Jordan and Bachar shared first base. Dominick Fabrizi manned second base. Austin Chara and Bachar split time at third base, while Hanley and Walker played shortstop. The outfield consisted of Joey DinInno, Luke Geltz, Cameron Murphy, Kody Cessna, Ryan Chronick, Landon Fitch and Roberts.

Kiski Valley averaged nearly 10 runs per game. Jordan and Fabrizi each hit multiple home runs.

Kiski Valley has played together at several out-of-state tournaments and has more planned this summer. They’ll also participate in the Freeport International Baseball Invitational on July 27-31.

The majority of the players will be ninth graders at Kiski Area in the fall and play for the Cavaliers’ JV team in the spring.