In the Catasauqua baseball circles, life has certainly taken a recent upswing with a potential continuing rise in the near future.

Despite a loss Tuesday to Pen Argyl, the Roughies began play this week with a torrid four-game winning streak in which they posted an impressive pair of 12-0 shutouts and outscored their opponents by a 37-6 margin.

As a result, Catty clinched a PIAA District 11 Class 2A playoff berth for the first time in three years, and there are plenty of indications about some possible further advancement.

"We had a great week," noted head coach Steve Bradley, whose club began the week with an overall 9-5 mark. "We talked about how important it was to win four-straight and we pulled it off.

"When we took the field for every game, we knew we could pull it off. We hit early and it really took some of pressure off. It put everyone at ease. I really couldn't ask for anything more."

Zac Bradley picked up a pair of wins in the process and Jeff Trexler and Zach Stopay also twirled their way to a victory during the span.

"Our pitching has been pretty consistent all season," added Bradley. "We have had trouble being consistent hitting the ball. But we have a good staff and they're getting the job done on the mound.

"When we have a solid effort from both our hitting and pitching, we can piece together a strong game."

Junior Brandon Purrone, who has been a utility man for the Roughies all season in the infield and outfield, sees the team coming together at the right time.

"I feel like our team is starting to peak," Purrone said. "Coach Bradley always tells us how we have roles on the team. If everyone does their roles, we will get the job done."

Purrone also can draw some comparisons to the Roughies' district football and basketball teams, both of which he played key roles. For Purrone, it is a matter of maturity from seeds that was planted some time ago.

"We're all basically the same athletes," stated Purrone. "We have a very good class of juniors and seniors who have played together for a long time going back to our beginning days of the CYA.

"I just want to be able to help this team wherever I can. I'll play wherever Coach Bradley wants me to play. That's how we all feel right now."

Purrone believed the Roughies' late surge was ignited with a district playoff berth.

"When we made districts, it was a big chip off our shoulders," he said. "I think we can win out the rest of the season. We want to have a shot at winning the (Colonial) league and anything for us is possible."

Fellow junior Jacob Stopay, who has manned centerfield throughout the season, also sees the Roughies on a streamlined path.

"We have some very good chemistry right now," he said. "We all want to try and do everything we can to get the job done. We have some momentum right now and we want to keep it moving forward for the next few weeks."