A Championship Game with Deep Roots
The schedule is set for May 27, when the WPIAL Class 3A baseball championship will unfold at EQT Park in Washington, Pennsylvania. The matchup pits Ellwood City against South Park in a contest that promises drama, given both programs' recent trajectories.
Ellwood City has earned a reputation as the comeback kids. After erasing a three‑run deficit in the sixth inning to seize a 6‑5 lead over Riverside in the semifinals, the team rode that momentum into the final. Nate Kennedy delivered a complete game, allowing five runs on ten hits while striking out seven.
Opponent's Journey and Recent Triumphs
South Park, meanwhile, returns to the championship stage for the first time since 2022, when it captured its second WPIAL title with an 11‑1 victory over Mohawk. This year the Eagles rely on ace Cooper Hochendoner, who previously threw a no‑hitter against Keystone Oaks and followed it with a complete‑game upset of top‑seeded Avonworth.
Riverside, the reigning powerhouse, has reached the championship game for three straight seasons, winning twice in the past three years. Their 1‑0 triumph over Quaker Valley in 2025 underscores the competitiveness of the county, which has sent a school to the Class 3A final five of the last six seasons.
Key Players to Watch
Among the standouts are Nate Kennedy of Ellwood City, whose steady hand on the mound kept the opposition at bay, and Cooper Hochendoner of South Park, whose repertoire includes a devastating fastball and a no‑hit performance earlier in the playoffs. The rosters also feature Zach Hare, Jake Biskup, Gino Biondi, Geordon Bokor, Dom Hogue, Talan Glowa, Ryan Spitznagel, Andrew Mittledier, Johnny Parris, Jacob Raimondi, William Hays, Brady Kennedy, Robert Lenzi, Jordan Keller, Aaron Lake, Camerson Mills, Maykel Cuevas and Matt Kelly, each poised to influence the outcome.
The anticipation extends beyond the diamond. Fans from Beaver County and the broader Pittsburgh region will fill EQT Park, eager to witness a game that could reshape the local baseball narrative. With WPIAL overseeing the event, the championship promises to be a showcase of talent, resilience, and community pride.