From player to coach, Somerset's Mayer going back to district title game

SOMERSET — Somerset first-year coach Jimmy Mayer played in two district championship games for the Golden Eagles.

On Tuesday, he will coach in his first title contest after Somerset took down Obama Academy 8-1 in the District 5-8-9 Class 4A semifinals.

Now he hopes to experience his first district title along with this Eagles squad.

"It means everything for this group of guys," Mayer said of the opportunity to play in a district championship game. "It all started last October when we got together for fall workouts. I just told the guys, 'We just have to try to get better every day.'"

Finding its strideMayer has Somerset baseball trending in right direction

What it means

Somerset will play in its second straight district championship game. They Golden Eagles will be seeking their ninth district crown, and their first since 2014.

Key plays

With Somerset leading 2-0 in the bottom of the third inning, Spencer Marteeny and Callen Miller hit back-to-back singles to lead off the inning. Owen Miller and Aiden VanLenten walked, which plated a run. No. 9 hitter Nolan Riggs then hit a two-out, two-run single to give Somerset a 5-0 lead.

VanLenten took a no-hitter into the fifth inning before Obama Academy recorded two hits and plated a run. The Pittsburgh City League top seed managed only three hits in the game against the junior hurler, who walked only two batters and struck out seven.

"I was getting ahead of hitters and my pitch count was low," VanLenten said. "I struggled with that (pitch count) all year. My two-seam was really working for me. The fielders ... Brad (Bruner) played great at shortstop and Spencer (Marteeny at third). We were all connecting today as a team."

At the helmFresh start for Somerset baseball program as Jimmy Mayer takes over as coach

By the numbers

Somerset had 10 hits on the day. VanLenten had two RBIs via a walk and a sacrifice fly. Riggs and Owen Miller each had two hits. Miller also drove in a run and scored twice. Marteeny tallied an RBI and scored two runs. The Golden Eagles swiped eight bases.

The Golden Eagles played error-free baseball behind VanLenten. He will likely get the ball in the title game, and VanLenten is looking forward to it.

"Coach Mayer always says he trusts me, and he wants me to pitch these big games like I have all year," VanLenten said. "We have a different mindset going into the title game this year. Obviously, we've had a great program in the past. We haven't won one in a couple years. I really like all of these seniors, and I want to see them bring home a banner and win a district championship."

Receiving quality starts from VanLenten is something Mayer has relied on all season.

"I've thrown Aiden in all our big games this year, more or less" Mayer said. "I told him before the game, 'We need him to step up today.' He did that in a big way."

Unsung heroes

Bruner and Marteeny combined for eight putouts in the game. The left side of the Somerset defense is tough to get balls past.

Senior Ethan Hemminger reached base three times while fellow senior Bryce Mulhollen was on twice. They set the tone at the top of the lineup with their speed.

What's next

Somerset (14-7) will meet District 9 representative Clearfield (10-11), a 9-5 winner over St. Marys, in the championship game at noon on Tuesday at Showers Field in DuBois. Clearfield bested Somerset 7-4 in the title game a year ago on the Golden Eagles' home turf. Mayer, who was 0-2 in his district title game appearances as a player, and his ball club will be seeking a different result this year.

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"We are playing our best ball heading into the championship game," Mayer said. "We are going to have a good shot. We won 11 of our last 13 games. I like they way we are playing now, and I'm real excited for this group of guys to experience a championship game at that venue. I'm just hoping we can bring home another title, hang a banner and then this group will be remembered forever."

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on Twitter @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.