Trafford Junior American Legion baseball looking to stay hot, make state playoff run

The Trafford Post 331 Junior American Legion team would love to repeat what the 2021 Penn-Trafford squad did, winning a state title.

That team featured eight starters from this year’s WPIAL Class 5A champion Penn-Trafford high school team.

Trafford reached the finals of the Westmoreland County Junior League by defeating Belle Vernon, 6-5, on a walk-off squeeze bunt by Peyton Mastro.

The inning started with a walk to Cameron King. He moved to second on a passed ball and to third on Anthony Lawson’s bunt single.

Coch Steve Freas wasted no time in reaching into the playbook of former Penn-Trafford baseball coach Orin Bache and called for the squeeze on the first pitch.

Trafford was scheduled to play the championship game July 16 against the winner of a matchup between Woodland Hills and Monroeville.

The Hawks (14-1) have won 14 consecutive games after opening the season with a 1-0 loss in a rain-shortened game. Trafford actually took a 2-1 lead in the top of the seventh inning of that game, but rain forced the cancelation of the game and the score reverted back to the sixth inning.

“We have a good blend of players,” said Freas, who was the coach of the 2021 team. “We preach community and we have a good relationship with the high school staff. We have everyone on the same page.

“Bryce Ruby (first baseman/pitcher) has been our top hitters, Ben Grabowski (pitcher/outfielder) has played well and Jordan White (shortstop/center fielder) has been a solid lead-off hitter. Caleb Kerstetter (catcher/infielder/pitcher) has done a great job and Evan Gigliotti (pitcher/third baseman) has had a strong season.”

Freas said the team has combined solid pitching and good hitting. He described as a good mix.

“I firmly believe more teams should reach out to their high school coaches,” Freas said. “We work well with the Penn-Trafford coach (Lou Cortazzo) because this is like an extended junior varsity season.

“You can’t fight AAU. You just try to work together. We preach family, team and community. We’ve done that for years and it paid off this season with a WPIAL title. You’d rather see your players stick and play together.”

Trafford has already qualified for the Western Regional at Homer City starting July 19.

The state tournament is July 27 at Homer City, and Freas hopes his team will be challenging for the its second state title.

Trafford reached the state semifinals in 2022 and the state finals in 2023.