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Keystone minors look to build off D12 title at sectionals

By Jon Gerardi 4 min read

Keystone manager Nick Packech is familiar with Keystone's program. Three years ago, he was the manager of the minor baseball team which won the District 12 title. Last year, he saw his older son play for the Keystone's major baseball team which reached the state tournament after winning the District 12 and Section 3 championships.

And now this year, he's once again a champion as Packech saw his all-star team cruise past East Lycoming in a four-inning rout, 12-0, to win the District 12 title. And even sweeter for his players to win it at the site of the Little League World Series.

Long story short, Packech knows what it takes to win at this level and proved it once again.

"It's awesome. It's great. We live in an area we get to play our game here and its awesome the kids get chance to play on a Little League World Series field," Packech said. "It makes it all the better for them. It's not just another game; you come here and win that District 12 title. You get remembered, it's awesome. It's good for them and I'm proud for them all."

Fans in Clinton County will remember this summer the minor baseball team has put together and now the attention for them turns to the Section 3 tournament where Keystone hopes to keep its successful run going.

Keystone begins the sectional tournament in Snyder County on Saturday against the District 15 champion at 2 p.m. The Section 3 championship game is scheduled for Tuesday, with an if game possibly on Wednesday.

Keystone has been playing superb defensively this year. In three District 12 tournament games, Keystone outscored its opponents 34-1. Its pitchers have shut down opposing offenses and defensively, the infielders and outfielders make plays when needed.

Keystone had just four strikeouts against East Lycoming in Saturday's District 12 championship game, but shortstop Mason Wright had two great first-inning outs with a pop up and a line drive hit right to him, before a routine grounder in the second inning. Catcher Grady Newton had a perfect pop-up catch behind home in the third inning too for an out.

"They worked hard now for the past month or so. We've really stressed defense with them and they showed that," Packech said. "When the ball was in play, they usually make the play. They know where to be, they're down and ready. They're doing everything we asked."

Pitching wise, Keystone has a group who can get the job done as well. In the final, Cooper Robinson threw three brilliant innings to start the game, allowing just one single and one walk with two strikeouts, inducing numerous pop ups and ground outs to keep East Lycoming off the board. And Mason Wright came in during the final inning and struck out two and gave up a hit and walk in his relief appearance. And there's more arms Keystone can throw as the team is deep overall top to bottom at various positions and at the plate.

"Honestly I would say we're a very deep team," Packech said. "We have 12 teams that all contribute. They all can hit; they all can play the field. I feel like we don't have a weakness. That's our biggest thing, we're a very complete team top to bottom."

Packech noted that he wasn't sure yet who the other teams were in the Section 3 tournament and who they would be seeing, but the talent will be tough. Needless to say, Packech is confident in his player's and team's ability to compete with most teams on the field.

"We'll practice … we'll be back at it and keep working on the little things," Packech said. "I'm very anxious to see the boys next weekend. I think they definitely have the capabilities. They have all the tools and abilities; I think they'll do all right. I hope we do all right."

Given the results and performances from the District 12 tournament, it's safe to say Keystone will be playing all right for sure regardless of who lines up opposite of them in the dugout.

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