The prospect of superior pitching, both at the top of the rotation and in terms of staff depth, has Wyoming Area taking aim at a third straight Wyoming Valley Conference Division 2 baseball title.
“I do believe that one of our strengths is our pitching depth,” said Warriors coach Ron Musto, who recently informed the school district he will step down at the end of this, the third season of his second stint as head coach. “Unfortunately, we’ve only played one (non-league) game, so it’s really hard to evaluate any type of pitching talent.
“In the gym, everybody throws a no-hitter. There’s no scoreboard on, there’s no runners on base, there’s no temperature factor. It’s really hard to get an evaluation, but on paper, coming back this year …”
The list of pitching options is lengthy.
Right-handed pitcher Josh Kopcza, who, along with leadoff-hitting center fielder Mikey Bonita, are the returning all-stars from last year’s championship team, leads the rotation.
“Josh is also one of our top hitters,” Musto said. “He’s gotten stronger, working on his arm strength and his overall physique.
“When he’s not pitching, he’ll fill the (designated hitter) spot.”
The pitching staff got a boost with the return of Lucas Jurchak, who has had success pitching on other levels, to high school baseball for his senior season.
“He’s the type of kid who’s capable of striking out 14,” Musto said. “He’s a big, strong, right-handed pitcher. We’re really excited to have him back.”
The staff has variety and depth.
Lefty Matt Wright and righty Dylan Melberger, who mixes a variety of curves and sinkers, will pitch.
Sophomore Toby Hallman has looked good in the gymn.
Brandon Charney, who earned the Andy Ashby Award for his pitching effort in last year’s win over rival Pittston Area, gets a lot of groundballs with his ability to locate pitches low in the strike zone.
Cole Keating has the type of curveball-fastball combination that Musto says would make him a number-one or -two pitcher on most high school teams.
Senior lefty Tanner Williams and junior Brad Barletta could be additional options.
Bonita leads the batting order and the defense. He had the most hits on the team last season.
“Mike runs to the ball very well in the gaps,” Musto said. “ … He just makes anything look real smooth.
“Anything hit from left-center to right-center, we’re already concentrating on the next batter.”
Seniors Aaron Lee, Keating, Steve Homza and Charney all return and give the lineup a lot of versatility. Lee is a catcher, Keating has experience in the outfield. Homza plays outfield and third base. Charney plays third base.
Wright, a junior, is back as a first baseman/outfielder.
Senior Anthony Nardell and junior Marc Minichello also made several starts. Nardell, who played in the outfield, looks like the key at shortstop as the Warriors try to rebuild their strong double-play combination after graduating Cory Lescavage and Tyler Dougherty. Minichello plays third base, outfield and catcher.
Junior Dylan Melberger faces some competition, but could be ready to take over at second base.
Musto hopes to use many players from a deep roster.
Seniors Colin Barletta and Ryan Webb made some starts in the outfield last year. Barletta could also play second base.
Senior outfielder Kyle Musto, senior outfielder/first baseman Tanner Williams, junior third baseman Brad Barletta, junior outfielder Jake Hogan and junior first baseman C.J. Rome are among the others fighting for playing time.
