Trib HSSN Baseball Player of the Week: Ryan Piekutoski
School: Seneca Valley
Class: Senior
Position: Pitcher, third baseman, first baseman
#Earned: Coming into the final Section 1-6A series of the regular season, Seneca Valley needed help to catch North Allegheny but also had to win the series against rival Butler to secure second place. The Raiders did not get the help needed to force a tie for first place, but mission accomplished on the second goal as SV swept the Golden Tornado thanks to some clutch pitching and clutch hitting. The offense, as it has been all season, was led by senior Ryan Piekutoski, who was 6 for 9 for the three games despite going 0 for 1 in the third game and not pitching when scheduled because of a hamstring injury that was acting up. Piekutoski started the week hot, going 4 for 5 on Monday with two doubles, the second two-bagger coming in the top of the eighth inning to score Danny Drennan and break a 1-1 tie. He would later score, as did four other teammates in a six-run eighth to win the opener 7-1. In the second game, the senior used his bat and his glove to secure a victory. At the plate, he was 2 for 3 with a double and a home run, while in the field, he robbed a Butler hitter of a base hit, then quickly got to his feet and threw out the baserunner at first base for a 5-to-3 double play. The victory in that game on Tuesday at home clinched second place for the Raiders.
Background: Piekutoski will be continuing his academic and baseball career next year when he attends South Carolina-Sumter. This season, he is batting .447 (21 for 47) with 16 runs scored, 15 RBIs, a .557 on-base percentage, .830 slugging percentage, a 1.387 OPS with eight doubles, two triples and two home runs. On the mound, Piekutoski has pitched seven innings in three games this spring and has allowed two earned runs on two hits with nine walks, eight strikeouts and a 2.57 ERA. Ryan’s older brother Brendan is studying engineering at Tennessee, and his younger brother Aiden is a freshman at Seneca Valley and plays hockey. Piekutoski played soccer and basketball when he was younger. He played hoops through his freshman year at Seneca Valley but walked away to focus more on his baseball year-round. Whenever he gets a chance, he likes to golf, although he admits he was better when he was able to hit the links more than he has in recent years. He has held three summer jobs in high school, including working at the local Jersey Mike’s last summer. It was his favorite because the benefits were tasty.
What coach says: “Ryan’s performance at the plate was exceptional in the three wins against Butler,” Seneca Valley head coach Eric Semega said. “He consistently hit the ball hard, showcasing his confidence and ability to make solid contact. His offense was evident as he drove in crucial runs, helping us beat Butler. Ryan’s aggressive approach and timely hitting were key factors in the team’s success.
“This year, Ryan has shown remarkable improvement both at the plate and on defense. Offensively, his confidence has soared, allowing him to hit the ball hard and often. He’s become a more reliable hitter, contributing significantly to the team’s scoring. On defense, Ryan’s skills have sharpened, making him a formidable presence. His ability to anticipate plays and execute, has strengthened the team’s overall defense.
“Ryan’s senior leadership has been invaluable to a team filled with talented underclassmen. He leads by example, demonstrating confidence in both offense and defense. His positive attitude and encouragement have helped younger players develop their skills and confidence. Ryan’s ability to mentor and support his teammates has fostered a cohesive and motivated team environment, ensuring everyone plays to their full potential.”
2025 Trib HSSN Baseball Players of the Week
Week 4: Brock Budacki, New Brighton
Week 3: Ryan Lafferty, Plum
Week 2: Mason Metz, Avonworth
Week 1: Eli Graff, Thomas Jefferson