Catasauqua's Dakota Schiffer appreciated a few days off before the start of the Lehigh Valley Connie Mack playoffs, while teammate Alex Torres was more anxious to get back into action.

Nevertheless, the duo will have to be a major factor when their team takes to the field for game two in Stroudsburg after falling in game one. Catty will host the rubber game of the series, if necessary, Friday. In the lone regular season meeting between the two teams during the regular season, Catty beat Stroudsburg, 3-1.

For Schiffer - a recent transfer from Dieruff who will be a junior this fall - it has been a memorable summer. Heading into the playoffs, Schiffer had an overall team best 5-0 record with a sparkling 1.91 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. He also had a team-high 24 strikeouts in 29 innings.

"It has been a good summer so far," said Schiffer, who had been on Dieruff's varsity staff his first two seasons at the Allentown school. "I have been hitting my spots with my two-seam fastball, curveball, knuckleball.

"We hit some rough spots early in the season, but we have been playing well lately."

"Dakota has done a nice job for us," added head coach Jim Kober. "He has pitched in a number of big games for us and has had his share of stellar starts. He had grown as a pitcher over the summer."

Schiffer also has had a reunion with some of his teammates, many of whom he played while he was in seventh-and eighth-grade. He has made a smooth transition on and off the mound.

"I knew most of these guys when I came here," he said. "It really didn't take me long to get adjusted. I have been used to throwing five or six innings every time I'm out there and I usually get a little tired after that.

"The break we had was good to rest my arm a little, but I'm ready to go."

Torres, who will be a senior in the fall, is also confident his team can make a major impact in the LVCM playoffs. He has done his part this summer, hitting a team-best .588 and leading the team with 29 RBIs

"I think we have a pretty solid team," said Torres. "If we are playing up to our potential, we are pretty much unbeatable. I really think we can make a lot of noise in the playoffs."

Torres also attributed his own success this season to an undeniable work ethic.

"Every chance I had, I was in the (batting) cages," he stated. "I spent a lot of time hitting and (teammate) Randall Pacchioli was right there with me. I knew I could have a good year if I worked on my hitting and put the extra time in."

" Alex had worked very hard this year," added Kober. "He has been one of our more consistent hitters all season and has had his share of big hits.

"Both of them (Schiffer and Torres) had some big moments for us this season."