May 20, 2024 2 min read

By Joe Tuscano

For the Observer-Reporter

Eden Christian’s baseball team unleashed its version of Paul Skenes.

His name is Enzo Natale and man can he throw a baseball. He might be as good as the Pirates top pick in last year’s draft but he’s close.

The left-handed power pitcher struck out the first nine West Greene batters and finished with 16 to lead Eden Christiaan to a 5-1 victory over West Greene in the quarterfinals of the WPIAL Class A playoffs at Peterswood Park..

Eden Christian takes on Avella at time and site to be determined today. West Greene finishes the season with a 12-6 record.

Natale, a senior, finished the day with 16 strikeouts in the 19 batters he faced.

“That kid is really good,” said West Greene head coach Lenny Lohr. “You know we don’t see too many left-handed pitchers.There might be one in our section like that but not to that degree.”

West Greene starter Darren Knight had a respectable game, striking out seven and not walking a batter. But he was touched up for two runs in the second inning, two more in the fourth and an insurance run in the sixth inning. West Greene scored its run on the last play of the game when Johnny Lampe scored during a rundown at third base.

“I don’t know what my high in strikeouts, probably this game,” said Natale. “I was just trying to stay with my game. My coach told me, “I’m good enough.'”

Natale threw 105 pitches before being relieved with one out in the seventh because his pitch count ran out.

“He’s been like that all season,” said Eden Christian head coach Mark Feldman. “He’s a warrior. He’s really fun to watch.”

Third baseman Brody Hull went 4-for-4 with four singles and drove in two runs. Noah Emswiler went 3-for-4 and drove in two.