The Fullerton Legion baseball team proved that getting into the playoffs is what really matters, dispelling the notion that wins during the regular season equates to playoff success.

After getting edged by South Parkland 2-1 to begin the playoffs, the Ramblers reeled off three wins to set up a semi-final contest against Lower Macungie. Along the way, the Ramblers took down the mighty Buffaloes from North Parkland who had breezed to a Lehigh Valley Legion Baseball League regular season championship, finishing the year at 17-1. Even Buffaloes manager Terry Stoudt admitted it's the deepest team he's ever had in his years coaching Legion baseball, but Fullerton handed them just their second loss in 20 games.

"We had a pretty good run," said Fullerton manager Daniel Delp. "You just got to get to the dance and get hot at the right time."

Their run ended in the semis when Lower Mac dealt them a 4-2 loss in the double-elimination tourney.

Still, getting to that point underscored how competitive the Ramblers have been during a season where they were uprooted for a good chunk of their schedule.

Delp said that their run was a byproduct of both good hitting and pitching. He said that probably their best pitching performance during that streak was turned in by Dakota Schiffer. Schiffer took a no-hitter into the fifth against Southern Lehigh. With the Ramblers following baseball protocol, Delp said that no one spoke with Schiffer as he sat at the end of the bench during their at-bats.

He eventually surrendered a hit, but finished the game with a two-hitter, going the distance for the 7-1 win.

"The kid throws hard," said Delp. "He also does a good job of mixing up his pitches. He locates well, too. He did an outstanding job."

That effort was rivaled by the outing of Jacob Fink who had the unenviable task of facing North Parkland. Delp said that Fink, a lefty, is a bit unheralded, but he's always willing to take the ball and give it his best shot. Delp said the southpaw features a number of off-speed pitches in his repertoire, occasionally mixing in a fastball.

Delp said that Fink was tasked with throwing at least five innings since they were now in must-win situations and needed to keep arms as fresh as possible.

Fink delivered, allowing just five hits for the complete-game victory. The Ramblers scored solo runs in the first, third and fifth innings for the 3-1 win.

"Normally he gives us four innings, but he extended himself," said Delp. "When I told him he finished the game with 97 pitches, his jaw dropped. It's the most pitches he's ever thrown."

Delp said that the turning point came during the middle innings when Fink found himself in a jam, with runners at the corners and the Buffaloes threatening to tie or take the lead. But Fink put out the fire by inducing a ground ball.

"That gave him a boost of confidence and a little energy," said Delp. "He did the job the rest of the way."

Fink kept the ball down most of the game, and was effective with his sneaky fastball, said Delp.

"He really went out and did a great job," Delp said.

It was the only time this year that WHS baseball players defeated a band from Parkland, making it that much sweeter.

Delp said that they got contributions at the plate from a host of players, scoring 17 runs in five games. That list included Jeison Peralta who's been on fire recently with the stick. Delp said that over the last eight games, Peralta has been averaging two hits a game, and he continued that streak into the playoffs. Also thumping the ball were Matt Melosky, Nick Nejad, Dalton Buskirk and George Hana who came through with a big hit versus Emmaus that proved to be the game-winner.

"We started hitting the ball," said Delp. "Guys were getting aggressive, getting good at-bats."

Additionally, Alex Bruneio continued his hot hitting, lacing a triple to right in one of their playoff wins. Catcher Nicholas Delp was behind the plate for all those playoff games since their other catcher was involved in the Connie Mack playoffs. He delivered at the dish while also providing a steadying influence from behind the plate.

"He does a good job working the pitching staff," said Delp. "He's a very knowledgeable, smart baseball player."

While it was a challenging season for everyone associated with Fullerton baseball, Delp said the kids took advantage of the opportunity once they got to the playoffs.

"They deserve all the credit," he said.