By Stephen Smoot
As graduations take place and the spring 2024 sports seasons fade into memory, postseason awards have started to roll in. Potomac Valley Conference Division II over the past two weeks issued their all-conference selections and other honors.
Pendleton County received five selections on the baseball squad, placing three on the first team.
James Vincell, a first team selection, proved to be a rock in the middle of the Wildcat lineup. His bat intimidated teams that pitched to him as he hit for a .539 average and six home runs. Vincell led the team in hits (41), runs batted in (38), and slugging percentage (.934.) He also excelled on defense at the catcher position, throwing out a number of attempted base stealers.
Chase Owens also earned a spot on the first team as a sophomore. His .345 batting average ranked second on the team, and he led the squad in doubles and triples with 10 and three, respectively. He also provided strong and consistent play at shortstop, when called to perform at that position.
Where he shone brightest was at pitcher. He allowed only five earned runs and five walks all season long, striking out 50. Owens led the team in earned run average, posting an astounding 0.81 over 43 innings pitched. The staff ace had eight wins against two losses and a save to his credit.
Senior Cam Beachler, also a first team selection, had an injury shortened season. However, he provided a boost at the plate, on the diamond, and the pitcher’s mound when he was able to bring his experience to the game. Beachler had the second best earned run average on the team at 2.33 and carried a .309 batting average. The team also relied heavily on his experience holding down second base.
Pendleton County baseball stayed strong up the middle defensively all year because of second team all PVL performer Caleb Armentrout, a junior. His batting average of .324 ranked third on the squad and boasted a .929 fielding percentage, largely performing at second base. Armentrout provided steady service on the pitchers mound as well.
Wildcat senior Allden Rexrode also earned second team honors. He earned a .482 on base percentage and picked up 26 hits and 37 runs while leading the team in stolen bases with 20. Rexrode as a leadoff hitter excelled in getting on base to set the table, but also performed well in advancing bottom of the lineup hitters who got on base, extending innings.
Injuries and tight game scheduling slowed the Wildcats at certain points in the season, but the young squad showed grit and strength. Experience gained and the return of proven leaders should produce a big season next year from Pendleton County baseball.