JACKSON TWP - To its credit, the Seneca Valley baseball team didn't quit and managed an inspired comeback attempt.

But it was the way his team fell behind to North Hills in the first place that bothered Raiders coach Eric Semega.

Seneca Valley trailed 11-2 after four and a half innings before scoring five runs in the bottom of the fifth in an 11-7 loss to the Indians Monday at Raider Field.

It was North Hills' first Section 1-AAAA win while the Raiders are still winless in section play.

"We gave another one away," he said. "We give up too many base runners and that puts us in a position where, unless we make great plays in the field, teams get the big inning on us."

In the bottom of the fifth frame, the Raiders received a run-scoring triple from Jason Davis and a two-run triple from Zach Duggan to aid in their comeback attempt, during which North Hills starter Brian Long was relieved by P.J. Castellano.

Though Long ended up with the win, it was Castellano who silenced SV's bats.

After the junior entered the game with two outs in the fifth inning, he surrendered just two hits and was charged with one unearned run in the final 2

innings.

"He will also start for us throughout the season," North Hills coach Tim McDowell said. "It was good for him to get out there and perform well because he got knocked around a bit in his last outing."

In the first five innings, North Hills' offense consistently put itself in position to break the game open.

During that span, the Indians (6-2, 1-1) collected at least two hits in every inning and scored at least two runs in every frame but the second.

The Raiders first victim was Seneca Valley starting pitcher Gabe Grinder, who lasted 3

innings and gave up seven runs on seven hits.

Dave Monteleone came on in relief and, while striking out three in 1

innings, also allowed four runs on five hits.

Leading the charge for North Hills was left fielder Alan Senatore, who singled, doubled and collected five RBI.

Sophomore second baseman Brian Wisniewski added three singles, two runs scored and three RBI.

The Raiders' defense didn't help its pitchers, committing three errors leading to four unearned runs.

Nick Hull collected three hits for Seneca Valley (2-5, 0-3) while Kyle Petrucci doubled twice and scored twice.

"There were a few bright spots in the game, but we just aren't hitting on all cylinders right now," said Semega. "We still have not played a game in which our offense and defense have both played well."

Freshman pitcher Cory Mazzoni pitched the final two innings for Seneca Valley, setting the Indians down 1-2-3 in both frames while striking out four.

It was Mazzoni's first action in a varsity game.

"We brought him up to see if he is ready to compete at this level … and I think he answered that question today," said Semega.

"We're looking for him to provide a spark for us. We plan on getting him some starts."

North Hills 203 420 0 -11 12 2

Seneca Valley 101 050 0 - 7 11 3

WP:

Brian Long (4

IP) 6 strikeouts, 3 walks.

LP:

Gabe Grinder (3

IP) 4 strikeouts, 1 walk

North Hills (6-2, 1-1):

Justin Assisi 1B 3R, Brian Wisniewski 3-1B 2R 3RBI, Andy Heck 2-1B 2R RBI, Alan Senatore 1B 2B 5RBI, Ryan Lehmeier 1B, Marc Morris 1B, John Bearer 1B, Evan Euler 2B 2R, Evan Banner 2R

Seneca Valley (2-5, 0-3):

Nick Hull 2-1B 2B R RBI, Kyle Petrucci 2-2B 2R RBI, Jason Davis 1B 3B R 2RBI, Mike Eonta R SB, Kevan Smith 1B, Derek Andrekovich R, John Sklarsky 1B SB, Zach Duggan 3B R 2RBI, Mike Koska 1B

Wednesday:

Seneca Valley @ Woodland Hills