Wise Eyes Opticals Clinches 2015 VFW State Title

Behind the two hit pitching of Will Myers and an excellent defensive effort by his team mates, Clearfield captured the 2015 VFW Teener League State Championship with a 1-0 victory over Lebanon City-County. Held in check for four innings by Lebanon pitcher Cody Kissinger, the Wise Eyes offense finally strung together a few hits in the fifth and was able to score the only run that Myers needed. Fittingly, he scored the run, after leading off the inning with a double. A base hit by Ty Bender moved him to third, and Tommy Hazel drove him home with a hard shot to left.

Clearfield went through the tournament undefeated, but none of their wins was easy. They drew defending champs Lebanon Valley in the first round. Myers was given the starting nod and responded with a brilliant no hitter. The Wise Eyes offense was limited to just 6 hits, but two RBIs each by Hank Wilson and Tommy Hazel was all they really needed in the 2-0 shutout.

Game #2 came against Bald Eagle Area, and with Hazel on the mound, the Orange and Black was able to register a 6-1 win. The offense was led by catcher Zane Morgan, who collected three hits. Marcus Luzier and Seth Bumbarger added two hits each, while Reese Wilson drove in two runs with a double. Tommy Hazel threw a complete game 4 hitter.

That win propelled the Opticals into the winner’s bracket final against Lebanon City. Trailing 2-1 going into their last at bat, the offense erupted for three runs to take a 4-2 come from behind win. Reese Wilson led off the big inning with a walk and moved to second via a wild pitch. Justin Fedder laid down a sacrifice bunt and beat the throw to first. As the Lebanon first baseman protested the umpire’s call, Wilson just kept on trucking around third and slid home with the tying run. Ty Bender then followed up by crushing a double to right center, with Fedder scoring easily. Marcus Luzier then drove home an insurance run with a sharp single to left. Starting pitcher Jake Sorbera gave up two first inning runs, then buckled down the rest of the way. Pitching his best game of the season, Jake surrendered only 4 hits, striking out seven.

The State Title was the second one for Wise Eyes, which also captured the championship in 2013. They also claimed their fourth consecutive Area 6 title, registering an over all record of 20-10-1. Will Myers was voted the tournament MVP. Coaches for Wise Eyes were Sid Lansberry, Ed Yeager, Andy Sorbera, and Todd Fedder.

Players and coaches thanked John Rosselli of Wise Eyes for sponsoring the team.