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Foxes Primed for Deep Run Behind Loaded Pitching Staff

Baseball runner in a black Foxes jersey high-fives a coach while rounding third base.

When talking about this year’s Fox Chapel Area baseball team, the voice of coach Jim Hastings fills with excitement and optimism.

It’s not hard to see why.

A strong nucleus returns from the 2025 team that amassed a 15-6 record. Plus, in a sport where pitching is so vital, the Foxes have quite an abundance of talent on the mound this season.

“I think we should have a good year,” coach Hastings said. “I’m confident that we have enough talent to compete for a section title and hopefully advance deep in the playoffs. That’s always our goal, and I think it’s a realistic one.” 

A lot of that talent will toe the rubber this season, buoyed by the 1-2 punch of senior Blake Krushinski, a West Virginia University recruit, and junior Tristan Blum, who is headed to Kent State University.

“They’ll anchor our staff,” coach Hastings said. “Both throw in the low 90s. They have a lot of potential and have proven it in years past. They throw hard and have great velocity. When you’re throwing that hard at any level, it’s really hard to hit. They both really worked hard at developing other pitches. If they throw strikes, and I’m confident that they will, then they’ll be hard to hit.” 

Others expected to pitch for the Foxes this year include junior Drew Moyer, senior Joey Geller, and junior Noah Hughes.

Baseball runner in a black jersey and red helmet sprints toward a base as a pitcher delivers.

But it’s not only on the mound where the Foxes may excel this season. There should be a pretty good lineup on the field as well. 

“We return six or seven kids that either started or have played a significant amount from last year’s lineup,” said coach Hastings, entering his ninth season as the Foxes’ coach. “When you put all of that together, we do think we’re going to have a good year. We just have to see who’s performing and how it all fits.”

Tristan, Blake, Drew, and Joey will all be on the diamond when they’re not pitching. Junior Elias George is slated to be the catcher. Junior Nick Seifried will play third base, and senior Tyler Golembiewski will be handling second base. Sophomore Mylan Fluhme is penciled in as the starting shortstop. 

Senior Geno Pototo is expected to see time in the infield and outfield. Senior Jackson Lapiana and juniors Colton Chiarelli and Eli Nanci are expected to see some time in the outfield.    

The Foxes will be in the very tough WPIAL Class 5A Section 3 for the second consecutive year. Other teams in the section are Allderdice, New Castle, Shaler Area, Mars Area, West Allegheny, and Pine-Richland. 

“It’s a grind,” coach Hastings said. “Everyone has a good pitcher or two. There’s no easy game in the section. We know that, but we like our chances.”    

The Foxes are hoping to build on a season in which coach Hastings collected his 100th win but culminated with a 2-1 first-round playoff loss to Greater Latrobe. 

“Everyone is excited,” coach Hastings said. “I just think with this group of kids with this experience and their talent level, we’re looking to make a run. It is a good group of kids who like one another, like being around one another. They’re there for the common goal, and that’s to win.”