Ellwood City Fall Baseball Teams Both Earn Playoff Appearances; JV Defeated In Championship

The Ellwood City High School baseball teams wrapped up their respective fall campaigns with a combined 23-7 record between varsity and junior varsity with playoff appearances obtained by each squad.

The teams were compromised of 36 players ranging from 7th grade to 12th grade.

Varsity finished 10-4 (2-1 in playoffs) and missed the championship game by one run tie-breaker while the Junior Varsity finished an impressive 13-3 regular season campaign (3-1 in playoffs) and reach the championship game, falling 12-8 to the Blackhawk Cougars.

For the varsity, pitching was a strength behind hurlers Nick Magnifico and Will Nardone. Magnifico struck out nearly two batters an inning – 26 Ks across 14 innings — with a 0.58 ERA while Nardone struck out 25 batters in his 21 innings on the mound, finishing with a 1.38 ERA on the season.

“We wanted to see how we could compete against some of the top schools in the WPIAL,” says Head coach Chris Weisz. “When you put Ellwood across your chest in baseball the expectation is to compete and win, end of story.”

Weisz says leaders stepped up this fall and led the young players in the program that could pay dividends come spring.

“When you watch our team you will see a family, kids putting individualized success away for whatever makes the team better,” says Weisz. “That is what will win you games in the spring!”

Now, looking forward to the spring 2023 season, Weisz will use this fall campaign as a way to evaluate personal plans for each player on ways they need to improve for the spring.

“We know to compete in this section this spring we must get better and stronger,” says Weisz. “We’re taking two weeks off then plan on getting on a long toss program and hitting the weight room 3 to 4 days a week until March.”

According to Weisz, Isaiah Lutz showed great growth this fall.

“I know hes a kid that in the weight room five days a week all year and working on his craft.”

Lutz batted .522 with 14 stolen bases this fall for the Wolverines.

“As a lead off batter he sets the tone for the whole game,” says Weisz. “With his speed if he gets on good things happen for us.”

“Overall, the future is very bright for Ellwood City Baseball,” concluded Weisz.

Weisz would like to thank the coaching staff that showed up and put the time in for our program and our kids. The staff includes Brad Welsh, Rich Ryan, Gino Ceriani, Joe Nardone, and Bill Baker.

Ellwood City shares a WPIAL Class-3A section with the likes of Riverside, Mohawk, Shenango, Beaver Falls, Neshannock, and Quaker Valley.