Latrobe Wildcats Capture Altoona Curve Classic Title

Latrobe stepped away from its intense section title chase last weekend but still came home with another championship trophy.

The Wildcats went 3-0 at the Altoona Curve Classic, defeating Juniata Valley (16-2) in five innings, Forest Hills 5-4, and Mifflin County 5-3. The final two victories came on the same day at Peoples Natural Gas Field, the Double-A home of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ affiliate Curve.

Latrobe improved to 16-2 on the season with the title. Sophomore Cole Short was named the tournament MVP.

“We have been doing this for a very long time, with a gap off for a few years,” Latrobe coach Matt Basciano said. “In the last few years, it has worked out great because it was our off week from section play.

“This year was really encouraging because we saw some really good teams and great pitching. Moving forward, we are going to see great teams and pitching, so that was good to see.”

The Wildcats have thrived in tight games all season, including a 6-5 comeback win at Armstrong immediately after returning from Altoona — their fifth one-run victory of the year.

Basciano appreciated the variety of ways his team found to win in Altoona.

“We talk about having that experience because you are going to be in games like that down the road and now having that experience to fall back on,” he said. “It is a great experience all around. Getting the kids on a little road trip — playoffs can be distanced like that — getting them on an amazing field like that, and also a guaranteed two games.”

Basciano also praised the Curve organization and director Ed Moffett for their hospitality, saying the Wildcats look forward to returning every year.