With wins coming at a premium in AAAA Section 1, the Shaler Titans needed a win at North Hills to keep pace with section-leading Seneca Valley, and the Indians needed a win to spark a late surge and play spoiler within the section.

The Titans got their win, 5-1, to stay near the top of the section.

"We lost a couple of one-run games early to some highly ranked teams," said Bob Hinds, Shaler head coach. "Since then we've won about 10 in a row."

The Titans got off to a fast start, as Josh Logan doubled and later scored, thanks to Andy Gapsky's double. Taylor Juran knocked in Gapsky for a 2-0 Shaler lead.

Shaler struck again in the top of the fifth, as Justin Yeckel and Eric Temple each singled and reached home, thanks to a Juran double.

Temple would score a run in the top of the seventh to give the Titans a cushion. The Indians got a string of hits in the bottom of the seventh, as Scott Zubik doubled, Jake Ulizzi singled Zubik home, and Anthony Valeriano singled, but the Indians got no closer.

"We put some subs in to mix things up," said Nate Buttenfield, North Hills head coach. "The energy has not been there for us but we have been able to rally in the seventh inning of the last few games. It's nice to get some fresh faces in there, and they did it again."

Buttenfield added that the hardest part of a losing season is keeping the kids upbeat, but he hopes to get a win to spark their drive.

"It starts with me in practice," Buttenfield said. "We have to come back and get a win."

Shaler is also looking for some more wins, and with a section title within their grasp, Hinds likes how his team is playing.

"The pitchers are throwing strikes, the players are making plays in the field and the kids are putting the ball in play. When you do that, you have a good combination. We are playing with a lot of confidence right now."