This past spring, Norwin baseball generated an immense amount of noise with its run to the WPIAL Class 6A Championship game.

The catalysts in getting the Knights to the title showdown were their defense and pitching. They limited opponents to four runs or fewer in the final 15 games of the season.

Leading that charge on the mound was Caden Sivrich. The rising senior provided quite the boost in the rotation, compiling a 2-1 record to go along with a 0.83 ERA and 26 strikeouts.

His pitching ability caught the attention of numerous college coaches, but it wasn’t until one particular school approached him that he knew where he’d be continuing his career. Sivrich made his commitment in late July to play baseball for the University of Pittsburgh.

“Growing up a Pitt fan, it’s a place I felt really comfortable at,” said the future Panther. “I love the coaching staff. My mom works there and I really love how I’ve been on campus for so long and I’m so comfortable there.”

Sivrich began to make a name for himself on the college circuit during his sophomore year. But it wasn’t until this past spring that things really ramped up in his recruiting.

In addition to the Panthers, Georgia State, UMBC, George Mason, Winthrop, and Campbell were trying to court the Knights hurler.

The success he had on the field not only helped himself, but his team as a whole. The Knights made a memorable run during the WPIAL playoffs last season.

After defeating Butler in the quarterfinals on a dramatic walk-off, they turned their attention to the Spartans of Hempfield, who were coming off a big win themselves against North Allegheny.

Norwin’s offense came to life in the sixth inning against Hempfield, which ultimately propelled them to the championship game against Seneca Valley.

In what was a defensive grind of a game, the Raiders came away with a narrow 1-0 victory, leaving the Knights as the runners-up of 6A.

“We were such a tightly-knit group, we always had each other’s backs,” he added. “We stuck with it the entire year, and I think that’s what ultimately helped us get to that point of the season.”

With his final year approaching, he feels the confidence is at an all-time high for him and the Knights. But it’s not just baseball that Sivrich is eager for as he enters his last year before heading off to Pitt.

“Making memories with your friends is the most important thing, so I’m looking forward to spending time with them,” he shared.