Serra Catholic goes hitless in non-section loss to Neshannock

Serra Catholic pitcher Zack Karp allowed just four hits over four innings of work in Wednesday’s loss to Neshannock. Mike Darnay / MVI Sports

By JEREMY TEPPER
MVI Sports

As the WPIAL playoffs approach next month, Serra Catholic has gotten a good taste over their last few games of what they’re going to see in the postseason.
The results haven’t been ideal for the Eagles.
Last week they lost 5-4 to Apollo-Ridge before beating them the next day. After that, Serra Catholic lost to Mercyhurst Prep, 2-0.
Then, on Wednesday, the Eagles saw their roughest result yet as they were no-hit by Neshannock in a 3-0 non-section loss.
The results have left Serra Catholic coach Brian Dzurenda searching for answers and remedies before the playoffs come.
“The message is that these are playoff opponents and if we want to win a championship, we have to be able to execute when the chips are down,” Dzurenda said. “I’m extremely disappointed in the way we’re performing. It’s gonna change because the lineup is gonna change.”
Josh Pallerino pitched the no hitter for the Lancers (10-4), striking out seven batters and walking three over seven innings.
The Eagles (11-3) seldom threatened or hit any pitches hard. Their best opportunity to score came in the bottom of the fourth inning when they had runners on first and second with two outs. But Serra Catholic was unable to capitalize.
“Their pitcher did an outstanding job. He changed speeds and changed locations,” Dzurenda said. “But we need to shorten our swings, and we actually worked on that all week. It’s not translating into plate appearances. We had lazy swings today and we’re going to work on that (today).”