Despite a late season rush, the Penn State McKeesport baseball team pulled up short in the playoffs.
Riding into the post season holding an impressive 15-10 record and the third seed in the WPCC, the first round went their way as they easily disposed of Butler County Community College. With strong pitching from Brandon DePhillips (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) and good relief from James Hunkele (freshman business) the Lions rolled to a 5-4 victory.
The next rounds told another story all together, as inexperience caught up with them. Nothing seemed to work as the team was bowled over by Westmoreland County Community College and then Community College of Allegheny County in consecutive games.
   Last Saturday was the final game of the year for them. McKeesport traveled to Penn State Beaver in a one game playoffto earn the right to go to University Park to play in the commonwealth championship. During the regular season, the Lions were able to squeeze a game away from Beaver but this time it didn't work. The Lions showed rust from the start and a great season came to an end With a disappointing 7-0 loss to Beaver.
   Despite not advancing in the playoffs, the Lions shocked everybody in the league with an impressive first-year run. Setting out from the beginning with the intent of striving for a .500 winning percentage, the Lions showed poise turning many heads with some big wins against teams like BCCC while giving powerhouses such as CCAC South a run for their money.
   The first-year program spawned season veterans out of this team, and they showed that their dominant play was more than just a fluke. Play will continue in the fall and next season could be a repeat performance with the possible return of nearly the entire starting lineup. With the loss of only a couple of sophomores, next season might be their year to bring home a championship.