Sewickley Academy has advanced to the WPIAL baseball playoffs in seven of the past nine years.
The Panthers qualified for the first round in 2024, 2025 and this season after advancing to the quarterfinals in 2023.
Sewickley lost to Carmichaels, 7-4, in this year’s first round to finish 8-10 overall after compiling a 3-5 record in Section 3A, tied for third place with Bishop Canevin.
“It was a tough loss (to Carmichaels) because I thought we hit the ball hard throughout the game, but there were multiple plays that just did not go our way,” Sewickley coach Andrew Petruska said. “In playoff baseball, a few moments can change everything. Unfortunately, we came up just short of advancing to the second round.”
The Panthers’ starting lineup against Carmichaels consisted of Charlie Scally (C), Austin Fritz (P), Billy Pietragallo (3B), Logan Bereznay (SS), Jacob Stanislaw (CF), Carter Jackson (1B), Caden Hawkins (DH), David Young (2B) and Justin Mull (LF). Hawkins batted for Grand Karlik, the starter in right field.
“Austin Fritz was our No. 1 starter and led the team with eight starts and 36 innings pitched,” Petruska said. “Logan Bereznay was our No. 2 starter and Jacob Stanislaw contributed significantly on the mound with 17 innings pitched.”
The pitching corps also included Jackson, Pietragallo, Karlik and Young.
“The encouraging part for us is that the only pitcher we are losing from that group is Billy Pietragallo,” Petruska said. “We also expect a couple current eighth graders to compete for innings and continue strengthening our pitching staff moving forward.”
Pietragallo was a versatile four-year starter who saw time in the infield and outfield during his career.
“Billy is not planning to continue his baseball career in college, but he was a huge part of the program throughout his four years at Sewickley Academy,” Petruska said. “Billy was one of the team’s most versatile players during his career. He spent time all over the field, including left field, center field, second base, third base and even caught at times when needed. On senior day this season, he also got the opportunity to pitch a few innings, which was a great moment for him and the team.
“His versatility, leadership and willingness to do whatever the team needed made him an important piece of the program over the years. Whether he was in the infield or outfield, Billy consistently brought energy, experience and reliability to the lineup.
Pietragallo and outfielder Niko Frazzini were the only seniors on the club. Frazzini was in his first season with the program in 2026.
“Niko provided good energy and effort for our team,” Petruska said. “He finished with a .400 batting average in limited opportunities. While his playing time was limited, he continued to improve throughout the season and gave us added speed defensively when called upon.
“Niko primarily saw time in the outfield. He started a few games defensively and gave us speed and athleticism late in games, as well. Over the course of the season, he continued improving on fly balls and becoming more comfortable defensively. Even in a limited role, he stayed positive and worked hard every day, which our staff appreciated.”