Mikaila Ditty
School: Apollo-Ridge
Class: Sophomore
Sport: Softball
Claim to fame: Ditty went 4 for 4 with a pair of doubles, two triples and three RBIs as Apollo-Ridge (4-4, 3-2) defeated Shady Side Academy, 11-5, in Section 2-2A on Monday. She followed that three more RBIs and a home run in another dominating section win, a 14-2 drubbing of Northgate on Wednesday. Ditty also hit a home run and walked in a 10-4 loss against Brentwood on Thursday.
Can you describe the two doubles against Shady Side Academy?
The first one I hit … I overthink a lot, and I was swinging for the fences. I fouled the ball off a few times. Took some time to calm myself down and remind myself that we didn’t need a home run, we needed line drives. Because, in my mind, they’re better than home runs. I hit a line drive towards left center. The second double, I was trying to swing for the fences again, fouled off some pitches and hit a line drive between third and shortstop.
Can you describetthe home run you hit on Wednesday?
Last year, I was hitting a lot of home runs and in the groove of things, but this year my mechanics have been a little off, in my opinion, and I’m hitting more line drives. We haven’t been playing many games because of the inclement weather. So, on the weekends, my dad and I would go and hit off a tee somewhere or throw soft toss. My first at-bat is when I hit the home run. It was off the first pitch I saw. I love hitting first pitches because they’re the best pitch.
What about the home run against Brentwood?
Same situation as the home run against Shady Side. I jumped on the first pitch, and it was another two-run home run.
How many homers have you hit this season?
I’ve only hit three so far this year.
Are you discouraged that you’re not hitting as many home runs this year or do you feel better knowing you’ve been producing in other ways?
I don’t think it’s a bad thing. I feel like my hitting is a lot better this year than last. My average is up form last year, the hits I’m having are better as well this year. I’m hitting fewer popups than I did last year.
How have you done pitching this year?
This year, I’ve pitched really well. Recapping from this week, I had three strikeouts against Shady Side, I struck out eight in the Northgate game and I fanned two against Brentwood.
Do you know how many strikeouts you have this year?
I don’t know off hand. I would say maybe 20-30.
Coach Ashtin Kirkwood mentioned before the season that you also would see time in the outfield. Is that where you have always played when not pitching?
I play a lot of outfield in travel ball, but I can play anywhere. I’ll sometimes play in the outfield for school, but I can play first base, third and shortstop. Anywhere they need me.
What was it like to advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in program history last year?
It felt awesome to do with the girls. It was a close game in the first round, and I think we won by one run. Yeah, 9-8 against OLSH. It made us feel strong and powerful to be able to get that win.
The team is sitting comfortably in a playoff spot right now. What do you think the team needs to shore up before the postseason?
I think we need to work on some communication, situational baseball and remember to remain positive. At some points when we’re losing or the energy is low, no one is cheering for each other, we need to continue to hype each other up and help one another play to our best potential.
What did you focus on improving during the offseason?
I always like working on my hitting because there’s always something that needs worked on there. I was a little rusty on fielding. Playing a lot of outfield in travel ball didn’t allow me to get enough reps in the infield, so I wanted to get more practice getting ground balls to be ready for the school season.
What did you learn playing varsity as a freshman that you’ve brought into your second year?
It’s a different pace. There’s a lot of stuff going on, so you have to be aware and focused.
What individual goals did you set for yourself this season?
Not to get down on myself, always be positive. Try to get my teammates up. I was looking to have a better batting average this year than last year. I also wanted to try and become a team leader.
Favorite pregame meal?
Probably Chipotle or tacos. Sometimes I’ll just grab a protein bar before a game.
Do you play any other sports at Apollo-Ridge?
I play volleyball and basketball.
What position do you play in basketball, and how did that season go for you?
I’m a guard. We made the playoffs with a 12-11 overall record and a 6-4 section record but lost 48-40 to Rochester in the first round.
If you could be any animal in the world, what would it be and why?
I would be a cheetah because they’re super-fast and cool looking.
Dylan Whitlinger
School: Leechburg
Class: Sophomore
Sport: Baseball
Claim to fame: Whitlinger went 3 for 4 with a triple and three RBIs to lead Leechburg (5-4, 4-2) to an 8-0 victory against Aquinas Academy in Section 2-A on Monday. He then had a hit and another RBI in a 3-1 win against Aquinas Academy on Wednesday.
Can you describe the at-bat when you hit the triple?
First pitch I’m hunting fastball, anything close, I’m going to swing. We’re hunting, waiting on that one specific pitch. See ball, hit ball.
How many runs scored off that hit?
I’m pretty sure it was two.
How did you get your other two hits?
I had a bunt single, and I hit a single to right center, which drove in my third run.
What position(s) do you play?
I’m more of a utility player right now. I play shortstop, second base and third base.
Do you like one more than the other?
Shortstop. I’ve been playing that position since I started playing baseball, and it’s where I’m most comfortable.
Where do you typically hit in the batting order?
Second.
The team split its first six games, so what worked in the wins, and what adversity did you guys go through in the losses?
The first three games, we were playing as a team, keeping each other up and that felt good. After, we started to play tougher teams, faced better pitching and we started to get down on each other, weren’t keeping that positive vibe we had while we were winning.
What was one of the better wins this season?
When we played against Aquinas on April 15, we battled, brought each other up and won a close 3-1 game.
Last year you guys went undefeated in section play, had a first-round bye then lost to Carmichaels 6-3 in the WPIAL Class A playoffs. What did you guys learn from that loss, and how eager are you to get back in the playoffs and try to make a run?
We learned that we have to be more prepared next time. Not every team is going to lay down for us, that we’re going to have to fight to get wins. It definitely makes us more eager to get back to the playoffs and get a win this year.
What were you, individually, looking to improve on coming into this season?
My batting. I made a change to my grip, changed how I hold the bat. It’s not such a death grip this year. I hold it more with my second knuckles, line them up and keep the grip pretty loose.
What were the team’s goals at the start of the year?
Get back to the postseason, get past the first round and win the section title.
What goals did you set for yourself?
I’m trying to hit a .500 batting average and minimize my errors in the field.
Do you have a specific pregame routine you adhere to?
Not really. I stretch, throw with the same guy every game, and I pray.
Favorite baseball team and/or player?
Pittsburgh Pirates because they’re the hometown team and Konnor Griffin.
Do you play any other sports at Leechburg?
I play basketball, and I might go out for football in the fall.
What position would you play in football?
I’m told I would be a receiver and cornerback.
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
My parents. They’ve driven me everywhere, have given me the opportunity I have today to play all these sports.
Do you have a favorite subject in school?
Math. I’m really good at it.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Like to hang with my friends. During the winter time I ski a lot with my friends. I also do karate and I have a dog.
How long have you been doing karate?
Since I was 7, so about eight years now.
What’s the breed of your dog?
He’s a Spanish Mastiff.
If you could be any animal in the world, what would it be and why?
Maybe a dog because they’re loyal and willing to be protective.