Pitching is 80% of the game
Mickey Rivers once stated, "Pitching is 80% of the game and the other half is hitting and fielding." For those of you who don't know, Mickey Rivers played major league baseball from 1970 to 1984. He was selected to the all-stars in 1976 and was a two time world series champion with the Yankees in 1977 and 1978. He was not a pitcher, but played center field during his career. He was once called the "fastest Yankee of all time", finishing his career with 267 stolen bases, 1,660 hits, 499 RBI's, and a lifetime batting average of .295.
80% of the game?, well then that explains why both Jeannette teams had the seasons that they did,...to a "T". Pitching problems have been the center of attention for both Jeannette teams the entire season, and most certainly will be addressed prior to the next.
Mickey Rivers was also quoted as saying, "We'll do all right if we can capitalize on our mistakes."
The first round of the WPIAL playoffs begins on Tuesday May 17, and although Jeannette teams won't be participating, here's the AA teams that will be for those die hard fans still out there. The top three teams in each section qualify for the WPIAL playoffs
Section champs, Shady Side Academy with a 13-1, 16-1 record will get a first round bye, runner up Greensburg Central Catholic, will face South Fayette at North Allegheny high school with a 4:00 start, and Steel Valley with the third best record will face Deer Lakes at Highlands high school also with a 4:00 start.
| TEAM | SECTION | OVERALL |
| *Shady Side Academy* | 13-1 | 16-1 |
| *Greensburg CC* | 11-3 | 12-4 |
| *Steel Valley* | 10-4 | 10-7 |
| Riverview | 9-5 | 13-7 |
| Brentwood | 6-7 | 8-7 |
| South Allegheny | 3-10 | 4-11 |
| Jeannette | 3-11 | 4-12 |
| Wilkinsburg (Season Forfeit) | 0-14 | 0-14 |
Over on the softball side, all games start at 2:00 and will be played on May 17. Section champs Mount Pleasant will go up against Freeport at Gateway high school, while runner up Greensburg Central Catholic will face Riverside at Hampton high school, and finishing third in the section, South Allegheny will face Bentworth at Woodland Hills high school.
| TEAM | SECTION | OVERALL |
| *Mount Pleasant* | 11-1 | 13-3 |
| *Greensburg CC* | 10-2 | 11-4 |
| *South Allegheny* | 7-5 | 9-5 |
| Southmoreland | 5-7 | 7-8 |
| Steel Valley | 5-7 | 6-8 |
| Jeannette | 3-9 | 4-10 |
| East Allegheny | 1-11 | 0-1-14 |