Two years ago, Frontier Club endured a winless season in the Latrobe-Derry Area Teener League. This July, though, Frontier Club capped off its incredible turnaround, as the Wagoneers defeated Bardine’s to capture the LDATL Championship at Rosa-Oglietti Park.

After winning the opening game in the best-of-three series in a slugfest 14-12, the Wagoneers prevailed 5-1 in the clincher. As a result of their sweep, the Wagoneers claimed their first title since 2016.

In the deciding game, the fourth-seeded Wagoneers once again produced plenty of late offense. After scoring five times in the seventh inning in the Game One victory, Frontier Club scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth in the second game to break a 1-1 tie.

With one out, Aaryn Chappel reached on an error to start the rally. He stole second, and Grady Ruffner then put the Wagoneers in the lead with a single to right field. After an intentional walk and a fielder’s choice, the Meat Links committed another error, which allowed Ruffner to score. The Wagoneers added to their cushion, as Anthony Tuschong delivered a two-run single to left to extend the lead to 5-1.

Through much of the first six innings, Ruffner and Bardine’s hurler Miles Smith were stellar. After the teams combined for 26 runs in the first game of the best-of-three series, Game Two was scoreless into the fourth.

The Wagoneers opened the scoring in the bottom of the inning, as Chappel doubled to commence the frame, and he advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Ruffner. That set the stage for Noah Noel, who delivered an RBI single.

Bardine’s tied the score in the fifth, but Frontier Club had an answer that ultimately carried them to the league title.

Ruffner earned the win, working six strong innings, allowing one run on five hits, with two walks and five strikeouts. In addition to a pair of doubles, Chappel also scored two runs for the Wagoneers. Noll produced an RBI single and drew a walk, while Ruffner, Tuschong, and Nick Bauer also accounted for hits for Frontier Club.

The Wagoneers finished the season with a record of 21-6, which also included playoff wins against the top-seeded Derry Ukes and twice against Saint Anthony’s.

To help recognize their amazing turnaround and championship, Frontier Club will be granted the Shining Stars recognition, entailing a $500 contribution courtesy of Smail Kia in Greensburg and the Westmoreland Sports Network.

ABOUT SHINING STARS: Shining Stars is a program formed by Westmoreland Sports Network and Smail Kia in Greensburg to recognize and support Westmoreland County student-athletes whose academics, community and athletic excellence shines the brightest. Two teams will be chosen as Shining Stars each season throughout the year with both receiving funding to assist their booster programs. The program has now contributed over $10,000 to local teams.