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Game Recap: Latrobe at Penn-Trafford

May 8, 2014

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

Penn-Trafford 6, Latrobe 0

Tyler SmithWith the final playoff spot in WPIAL Class AAAA on the line Penn-Trafford senior RHP Tyler Smith took matters into his own hands to propel the Cougars into the postseason. The Canisius recruit used an overpowering fastball and a power slider to limit Latrobe to four hits on the evening. The Wildcats did not advance a runner into scoring position until the 7th inning when back-to-back singles led to their only scoring threat of the night. Smith ended that threat in similar fashion as many of the innings with two consecutive strikeouts. The 6-foot, 220-pound righty finished the night with 12 strikeouts and no walks, while hitting one batter.

The Cougars jumped on Latrobe starter Josh Keefe, a Coastal Carolina recruit, for two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Luke Smeltz walked and later scored when a throw attempting to cut him down stealing third base sailed into left field. Mark Merlino, who went 3-for-4 on the night, singled and scored later in the inning on a single by sophomore Josh Brammel.

The Cougars added single runs in the 3rd and 6th and two runs in the 5th to give Smith all the runs support he would need. Smith helped his own cause on the evening with two hits and two RBI in four trips to the plate. Catcher Scott Koscho picked up the game's only extra base hit when he lined a double to the right-center field wall.

+ See the Pennsylvania Scout Blog for measureables and scouting notes on Koscho, Smeltz and Smith.


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