The Coplay Legion baseball team has demonstrated a resolve that's firmly anchored them among the leaders in the Lehigh Valley Legion Baseball League standings.

In their most recent win, they had to come back from a three-run deficit against Salisbury, accomplishing that feat with a shutdown performance by relief pitcher Richard Yost. That win helped them secure fourth place in the league with a 9-8 record.

Manager William Kovolenko said some of their recent wins have fallen into that come-from-behind category.

"The team has shown a real resiliency," said Kovolenko. "Teams have been getting ahead of us [and we're still winning], so that's a good thing. Our team still has a no-quit attitude."

In the Salisbury win, Nathan Wechsler started the game. Kovolenko said it was his first start of the season. He pitched well in his debut, going 3 1/3 innings with five strikeouts. Kovolenko said that Wechsler gave them three-plus strong innings and "did a great job."

He was followed by Yost who came in and "shut the other team down." said Kovolenko. Yost got the win, recording six strikeouts during his stint on the mound.

Kovolenko believes Yost is one of the top closers in the league. He currently has two saves and an 0.44 ERA.

"He's really going a fantastic job." said Kovolenko. "He's one of the best around."

As for their offense, Matthew Miller led the way, going 2-2 with two RBIs. Additionally, Austin Dreisbach went 2-3 with an RBI.

He said they had a real tough loss against West Allentown last Saturday, losing 6-5 in nine innings. They out hit the Hawks 10-4, but a short bench may have cost them the victory.

Coplay also had the unique distinction of having two members from their team selected as the Players of the Week in the LVLBL for the same week. Matthew Hassick was selected as the pitcher for the week ending June 22 and Vincent Cuvo earned the player honors.

Cuvo was 6-10 for that week, including a double, triple and five RBIs. He also had nine stolen bases and five runs scored. Hassick pitched a complete game against Emmaus, allowing just one run and one hit, while striking out four and walking three. He also an All-Star selection and is currently 2-2 with a 1.28 ERA.

Cuvo, who is Coplay's table setter, is among the league leaders in a number of offensive categories. He is third in average at .400, first in slugging percentage at .486. He is second in both On Base Percentage (OBP) and second in OPS (On Base plus slugging), and is first in runs (10), hits (14) and stolen bases (17).

Kovolenko said that Cuvo's been playing outstanding ball as soon as the season started.

"He's our catcher; he knows the game and he plays it well," said Kovolenko.

As for Hassick, he's been consistent since they began league play.

"He's pitched well all year," said Kovolenko. "He's been phenomenal."

Kovolenko said their success this season has been the byproduct of a good defense. He said they've been solid all year at that's contributed to their resurgence. They've also had contributions up and down their roster, helping them get into the playoffs.

"Everybody's contributing," he said. "It's all a team effort. We've had players make nice plays in the field, we're getting some good, timely hitting. It's fun to coach these kids."

Coplay has just one more game on their schedule before the playoffs start. That's July 1 against Fullerton. After that it's get some rest and then prepare for the playoffs which begin on July 9.