Ellwood City defeated Ligonier Valley 3-0 in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs, with key contributions from the bottom of the batting order. The victory was marked by strong defense and effective run manufacturing despite limited hits from the top of the order.
Key points
Ellwood City won 3-0 against Ligonier Valley
Bottom third of Ellwood City's lineup contributed significantly
Ellwood City's top order struggled with only two hits
Game was part of the WPIAL 3A high school baseball playoffs
Match occurred at Pullman Park in Butler, PA
Mentioned in this story
Pullman ParkButler, PA
Ellwood CityLigonier ValleyWPIAL 3A playoffs
BUTLER — Despite Ellwood City’s top of the order only collecting two hits, the team’s bottom third of the order came up big when it mattered most, manufacturing two of the team’s three runs in No. 3 Ellwood City’s 3-0 win over No. 14 Ligonier Valley in the first round of the WPIAL 3A high school baseball playoffs on Tuesday, May 12.
“Playoff baseball is hard. If you think that you are going to come in and overpower people, it is not going to happen,” Ellwood City head coach Chris Weisz said. “I thought that we manufactured runs well and our defense was great.”
Throughout the contest, the top third of the lineup for Ellwood City (16-3) was held in check, going 2-for-9 with a pair of singles.
Ellwood City pitcher Aaron Lake (3) delivers in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City pitcher Aaron Lake (3) gets set to release a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City second baseman Gino Biondi (2) fields a high bouncing ball in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Q&A
What was the final score of the Ellwood City vs. Ligonier Valley playoff game?
Ellwood City won the game 3-0 against Ligonier Valley.
Who was the head coach of Ellwood City during the WPIAL 3A playoffs?
Chris Weisz was the head coach of Ellwood City.
How did Ellwood City's top order perform in the game against Ligonier Valley?
Ellwood City's top third of the lineup went 2-for-9, collecting only two singles.
When did the playoff game between Ellwood City and Ligonier Valley take place?
The playoff game took place on May 12, 2026.
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Ellwood City catcher Jordan Keller (27) looks to connect with a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City pitcher Aaron Lake (3) makes contact with a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
STOCK | A bat sits on a shoulder of an Ellwood City player in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City left fielder Jake Biskup (25) connects with a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City pitcher Aaron Lake (3) gets set to dive into home plate while attempting to score the game's first run in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City shortstop Nate Kennedy (5) fires a throw onto first in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City second baseman Gino Biondi (2) makes a backhanded play in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City second baseman Gino Biondi (2) throws a ball onto first in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City pitcher Aaron Lake (3) gets set to release a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City center fielder Maykel Cuevas (1) looks to make contact with a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City designated hitter Geordan Bokor (10) connects with a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City Jordan Keller (27) looks to connect with a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City pitcher Aaron Lake (3) watches his ball's flight in the box in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City third baseman Cameron Mills (5) fights off a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City third baseman Cameron Mills (5) completes his swing in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City shortstop Nate Kennedy (5) gets set to make a throw to first base in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City second baseman Gino Biondi (2) fields a high chopper on the outskirts of the infield in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City head coach Chris Weisz talks to center fielder Maykel Cuevas (1) in between innings in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City pitcher Aaron Lake (3) delivers in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City pitcher Aaron Lake (3) delivers in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City pitcher Aaron Lake (3) gets set to release a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City second baseman Gino Biondi (2) fields a high bouncing ball in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City catcher Jordan Keller (27) looks to connect with a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City pitcher Aaron Lake (3) makes contact with a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
STOCK | A bat sits on a shoulder of an Ellwood City player in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City left fielder Jake Biskup (25) connects with a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City pitcher Aaron Lake (3) gets set to dive into home plate while attempting to score the game's first run in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City shortstop Nate Kennedy (5) fires a throw onto first in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City second baseman Gino Biondi (2) makes a backhanded play in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City second baseman Gino Biondi (2) throws a ball onto first in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City pitcher Aaron Lake (3) gets set to release a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City center fielder Maykel Cuevas (1) looks to make contact with a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City designated hitter Geordan Bokor (10) connects with a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City Jordan Keller (27) looks to connect with a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City pitcher Aaron Lake (3) watches his ball's flight in the box in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City third baseman Cameron Mills (5) fights off a pitch in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City third baseman Cameron Mills (5) completes his swing in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City shortstop Nate Kennedy (5) gets set to make a throw to first base in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City second baseman Gino Biondi (2) fields a high chopper on the outskirts of the infield in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
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Ligonier Valley-Ellwood City WPIAL 3A baseball first round photos
Ellwood City head coach Chris Weisz talks to center fielder Maykel Cuevas (1) in between innings in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
But the bottom third of the order was a much different story, with its No. 8 and No. 9 hitters, designated hitter Geordan Bokor and first baseman Matt Kelly each going 2-for-2, grinding out at-bats and each driving in a run to help flip the order.
“I just kept a similar approach to what we have been doing throughout the year,” Bokor said. “The bottom of the order has been an area that has been strong and we kept it going today.”
It took just one inning for the Wolverines to get into the run column and while the team continued to build its advantage with the bats, Ellwood City ace Aaron Lake got to work.
Lake has been one of Ellwood City’s top arms for most of his high school career and against Ligonier Valley (10-11), he showed why he was one of the top pitchers in the WPIAL.
Ellwood City pitcher Aaron Lake (3) delivers in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City pitcher Aaron Lake (3) delivers in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
The Pitt commit pitched 6⅓ innings of shutout baseball, allowing just two hits, three walks and striking out six.
“I just wanted to continue to use my fastball inside along with my curveball,” Lake said. “I looked to tunnel both of those pitches and that worked well today. Winning this game means everything because winning the first game of the playoffs is always the hardest. We just have to continue to push forward.”
While Lake had a strong outing on the mound, his teammates made the plays around him that helped Ellwood City pull out the shutout late in the contest.
After Lake issued a walk and a base knock to the meat of the Ligonier Valley order, shortstop Nate Kennedy made one of his six assists by charging on a chopper and throwing fellow shortstop Miles Smith out at first on a bang-bang play to get the second out of the inning.
Ellwood City shortstop Nate Kennedy (5) gets set to make a throw to first base in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
Ellwood City shortstop Nate Kennedy (5) gets set to make a throw to first base in the first round of the WPIAL 3A playoffs between No. 14 Ligonier Valley and No. 3 Ellwood City, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Pullman Park in Butler, Pa.
From there, Lake set down his sixth Ligonier Valley player on strikes to end the frame.
“When you see a walk and then a base knock, there are so many things that are going through your mind as a coach,” Weisz said. “But unlike in years past, I said Aaron [Lake] is going to get the job done and he came up big today.”
With the win, Ellwood City will now await its opponent in the quarterfinals, taking on section foe No. 6 Mohawk or No. 11 Burrell at a site and time to be determined on Tuesday, May 19.
