Pirates eliminate Predators, 14-4 | News, Sports, Jobs

Sentinel photo by YUSHENG HE Foxpro third baseman Xavier Smith throws to first baseman Hayden Snook during the fourth inning.

LEWISTOWN — The Philipsburg Spike Island Pirates ousted Lewistown Foxpro from the Centre County Baseball League playoffs with a 14-4, six-inning victory Tuesday at Rec Park.

After allowing 19 hits against the Pirates, the Predators suffered their third straight loss in the second round of the CCBL best-of-five series, ending their 2024 season.

Pirate Michael Kitko went 4-4 and hit two home runs.

Kitko, a sophomore pitcher this past 2024 season at Slippery Rock University, came up with a two-run homer in the first inning. With two outs and no one on base in the second inning, he hit the ball high enough to clear the fence.

In the fifth inning, Kitko singled, went to second on a walk and returned to home plate on Derek Fravel’s two-run single. His teammates added six more runs in the same inning.

“We were able to keep doing what we always do, have good at-bats and take advantage of scoring opportunities,” said Pirates manager Brandon Myers. “We put ourselves in a good position and have been successful.”

On the mound, Kitko struck out seven Predators in the first four innings.

Smith answered with a run in the first inning. He led off with a walk and went to third on a double. Designated hitter Rylan Bailey’s three-run homer generated some positive buzz for Foxpro.

“He’s an unbelievable pitcher. Every time you face him, you’re there for a tough game,” said Hayden Snook, assistant coach and Predators first baseman. “We couldn’t get any hits today. The whole pitching rotation didn’t really work either. We had a plan and it just didn’t work.”

With two outs in the sixth inning, Smith forced another walk, but a subsequent pop-out ended Foxpro’s season.

Smith, a freshman at Millersville University, concluded his 2024 Mifflin County baseball season with a District 6 championship and his Foxpro season in the CCBL semifinals. He was grateful for all the people he met throughout his baseball career.

“I’m really thankful for all the people I’ve met. Without the coaches I’ve met, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I wouldn’t be going to Millersville,” Smith noted.

He wants to play baseball as long as possible, win baseball championships for Millersville University and become an athletic director.

“You’re going to make mistakes in baseball,” said Smith. “There are highs and lows in sports. I think that will help prepare me for the future.”