PARKLAND, NORTH PENN SET FOR ALL-AREA STATE FINAL
Parkland has pounded out 13 runs in its last two state playoff games. North Penn cranked out 12 runs in the semifinal round alone. But when the two area teams meet for the PIAA 4A Championship this Friday, don't expect a slugfest.
On the heels of Andrew Kulp's near-no-hitter against St. Joe's Prep on Monday, Parkland will likely send junior Casey Cooperman to the mound in the title game. All he's done is scatter seven hits and one run during his last two starts. They also have the option of starting Kulp on three days rest. Either way, they'll be confident in their pitching.
North Penn will counter with a sterling stopper of its own. Senior Eric Ruth has been dominant all season, and struck out a whopping 23 batters in his two state playoff starts. He's been the catalyst in the Knights' surprising playoff run (they were the 5th and final seed to make the playoffs from District One).
So while the offenses have been potent, expect pitching to steal the show on Friday. It should be a whale of a state final out in Altoona.
And note the time change - the originally scheduled 7:00pm start has been bumped up to 4:30pm. Be sure to tune into to 69 News at 10:00 Friday night, for a complete recap of the state championship game.