Greensburg Salem baseball ready for all situations

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, May 12, 2018 | 6:03 PM

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Greensburg Salem has won tight games and lost them, blown out teams and lost by double-digit runs. But what stands out more than this baseball team's diverse results is the variety of ways in which it has attacked each game, each situation.

Constant readiness on offense and a stop-gap defense has given the Golden Lions a chance every time out. And it could be what gives them a chance to move ahead in the WPIAL playoffs.

“We're not going to overpower you, but we know we're going to find ways to score,” coach Bill Wisniewski said. “The key is being able to minimize what the other teams do, minimize that big inning.”

Throughout the season, a sacrifice bunt was just as common as a free-swinging green light, a fielder's choice as good as a double — as long as it produced runs.

No situation is beneath the Golden Lions (11-5). Small ball or gappers, work-the-count at-bats or drive-and-go's — it's all fair game.

The mashup has produced the team's greatest win total since 2012, which happens to be the last time they won a playoff game.

“In every single game throughout the years playing together, we've been in so many situations that we know what it takes to pull through and get a win,” junior infielder Matt Wicker said. “We don't want to stop playing together yet. I think were gonna come out hot (in the playoffs).”

Or stay hot.

The team takes a five-game winning streak into the WPIAL playoffs. The Golden Lions are seeded No. 8 in Class 4A and will open the tournament against No. 9 South Park (14-6) at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Gateway.

The Golden Lions, who finished third in Section 1-4A behind Knoch and Freeport, have been part of five one-run decisions. They lost to Freeport twice by scores of 5-4 and 7-6; beat Mt. Pleasant, 1-0; and defeated Deer Lakes and Derry, 9-8.

They will take a pitcher's duel, but if it takes a slugfest, bring it on.

“Everyone understands their role on the field,” said junior infielder Jack Oberdorf. “Combine that with a great coaching staff and you get the solid regular season we had. But it's not over yet. We now are playing for what we worked for all those practices in the gym.”

A bummer of a bad-weather season has only afforded the Golden Lions three outdoor practices. One was on Wednesday in 80-degree sunshine. But Wisniewski isn't complaining.

“We're one of those teams that actually benefited from (not practicing),” Wisniewski said. “We were better when we had the game reps. We could play a game and talk about it the next day before we'd play another one.”

The team recently played four days in a row and went 4-0.

Wicker is having an all-star season. He is hitting .520 (26 for 50) with two home runs, 17 RBIs and 15 runs scored.

Senior Andrew Rosenberg has a .367 average with 20 runs. Senior Jonathan Borbonus is hitting .377 with 10 RBIs, and Oberdorf has a .377 average with nine doubles and also has driven in 17.

“We kind of knew what we had with our returning guys and seniors,” Wisniewski said. “But we have had other guys slip into their roles, and they have pulled their weight.”

Wicker, Rosenberg and Borbonus have been the top pitchers. Wicker is 2-1 with a 2.57 ERA and a team-best 43 strikeouts. Rosenberg is 3-2, has a 2.41 ERA and has struck out 30. Borbonus is 2-1 with a 2.66 ERA, 23 Ks and a save.

Spot-starter Aaren Putt is quietly 3-0 with a 1.95 ERA in 14 ¹⁄₃ innings.

The team's ERA is 2.89. It's enthusiasm is much higher.

“We have a big group chat together, and before every game everyone's constantly messaging each other asking if we are ready to go,” Wicker said. “So I can only imagine what it'll be like before a playoff game.”

Greensburg Salem made the WPIAL playoffs last year but lost in the first round to New Castle, 3-1, so the experience won't be new to the upperclassmen.

“Now they understand the tempo and the pace (of the playoffs),” Wisniewski said. “We want them to amp up the energy and the focus, not the anxiety.

“You don't make the playoffs if you self-implode. That's what some of our teams in the past did. We're not doing that now. Good things are contagious.”

Wisniewski was an assistant to the late Jim Stewart, for whom the Golden Lions' scoreboard is dedicated. The well-respected Stewart also was known for finding ways to win, but also for having respect for the game and quietly passing it on to his players.

Wisniewski thinks “Stu” would enjoy watching this group play.

“If a kid worked hard and did what you asked of him, Stu recognized that,” Wisniewski said. “He said some kids just want to be coached. Stu was the best thing that happened to me as a young coach. He taught me more about the game of baseball than anyone else. He would appreciate this team.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at bbeckner@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BillBeckner.

Tags: Greensburg Salem