Mike Vukovcan The popular theory is that pitching in baseball and defense in football wins you championships.
While that’s true and it’s very hard to argue in theory, it’s true to a certain point and the 2024 Hopewell Baseball team is a perfect example of that.
Hopewell softball and youth baseball is sponsored by Lisa McCoy, your neighborhood State Farm agent.
The Vikings’ pitching staff was strong all season and was a big reason for the success that they were able to achieve. However, the Vikings true barometer for success was being able to score 4+ runs in a game.
While that seems simple, it was true, take a look at these numbers.
In Hopewell’s 10 losses last season, in 9 of those games, they scored 3 runs or less. When the Vikings offense was able to score 4 runs or more, they were 9-1.
With arms such as David Medich, Kingston Krotec, Ben McDonald, Jake Knobloch, Brody McCullough and Payton Korker returning, the Vikings pitching will once again be strong.
The obvious key for long-term success is being able to find a way for more runners to cross home plate.
A big reason for optimism in that department is the in-game reps that these returning players got to experience in 2024. Keep in mind, players such as Krotec, McDonald, Charlie Smetana, Drew Donovan, James Gill and Logan Triscila were just sophomores and despite their past success as hitters, it was their first real chance of facing varsity pitching.
Over the weekend, Vikings Sports Now had the chance to talk with Triscila about this topic and about this 2025 team in general. Logan was candid about the challenges they faced and how they could be a blessing in disguise for this upcoming season.
“Varsity is a lot different than anything else.,” said Triscila. “The fast balls are faster, the curve balls curve more so the more you see that and are able to pick up on that, the more ready you’ll be in the future. “
“I saw a lot of pitches last year as it was my first year of starting throughout the whole year, so this year I’m really looking to be a lot better at the plate. Last year, I thought I was pretty decent defensively, but I want and need to improve at the plate.”
With a year under his belt, Triscilla believes he gained a lot of valuable knowledge last year that will benefit him this spring.
“I learned that the pitchers have more control and can hit more of their spots consistently,” said Triscila. “With all the movement they have, it was hard, but I think I got better as I saw more pitches and had more at-bats. I’m definitely more confident coming into this year than I was last year.”
“I think our defense is going to be very reliable, it was pretty good last year so building upon that and considering we didn’t lose much, I’d say our defense but our offense, I think is going to take a big jump this year. Everyone is looking good in the cage so I wouldn’t be surprised if our offense takes a big jump this year.”
In terms of the defense in 2025, it remains to be seen what combination Coach Singletary will use but Triscila will be a part of it and his head coach believes big things are in store for him this season.
“I think we’re gonna have a couple guys on offense really step up, ” Singletary told VSN. “I think Logan Triscilla’s offense is gonna take a big improvement this year.
“Yeah, I feel really good in the cage, and I feel completely different from last year,” said Triscila. “I feel more confident and to hear Coach say that and have him notice that I’m feeling good and looking good, that means a lot for my confidence too.”
“I’ve grown up playing first base and have played first base my whole life so first would be my main position but honestly, I’ll play anywhere the team needs me to. Whether that’s the outfield or wherever, whatever it takes to help us win games.”
Winning a lot of games will be the goal and considering the roster, that’s a realistic expectation. Last year, Hopewell qualified for the playoffs but lost in the first round to Latrobe, 3-2 in extra innings.
Triscila and his teammates won’t be satisfied with just making the playoffs and instead have the ultimate goal of making a return trip to Wild Things Park and playing in the WPIAL Championship.
“I really believe that if we play to our true potential and keep that going throughout the whole year, we can win states and the possibilities are endless. We have so many players with untapped potential, so if they’re able to tap into it, we’re going to be really good this year.”
“We’re really excited to start playing. We’ve been locked in the gym for these past couple of months so we’re ready to get you and go win some games.”
Hopewell will open the 2025 season on March 11th as they take on Peters Township.
