Heading into this season, the Whitehall baseball team was looking toward its stable of arms to carry them into the postseason, and that’s exactly what happened as their staff paved the way.

Right from the start, the Zephyrs began to show their ability to win games with a pitching staff that could keep opponents from putting a lot of crooked numbers on the scoreboard. In their first eight league games, only two teams scored five or more runs. And in both instances, the Zephyrs won those ballgames, jumping out to a 9-2 record to lead the Skyline Division of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.

They hit a rocky patch just past the midway point, but righted themselves down the stretch, relying on good pitching to win four out of five games, earning both a league and district playoff berth.

They were ousted in the league playoffs by Liberty on a rain-soaked afternoon, and then lost to Parkland in the District 11 playoffs, finishing 13-9.

Manager Shaun O’Boyle always contended that if they could hit, they would be dangerous. Timely hitting, was something that plagued them this season.

“Our Achilles’ heel all year was scoring runs,” he said.

However, they maintained that solid pitching staff that always gave them a chance. They finished the season with a 3.02 team ERA.

“That’s pretty impressive for a high school ERA,” said O’Boyle.

And the good news is they’re all back. That means Matt Ziminsky (4-2), Matt Dobeck (2-1), Alex Bruneio (3-2), Zach Hamscher (1-1) and Zach Gilbert (3-3) will all toe the rubber again in 2017.

They’ll once again form the foundation of next year’s team. And with another season under their belts, the Zephyrs will have one of the most experienced staffs.

While that’s the good news, the Zephs will lose a number of players who had an impact throughout their careers. Center fielder Gianni Sinatore who’s been playing since his freshman season departs. Sinatore batted .319 this season. He also led the team in runs scored with 20, and his production at the top of the lineup will be hard to replace. Factor in his team-leading 15 steals and he was someone who could beat you with his bat and his legs.

Likewise for Ruben “Javy” Rodriguez whose defensive prowess up the middle makes him hard to replace as well. O’Boyle said that will be one area they’ll need to address this offseason.

The Zephs will also miss the big bat and catching skills of Austin Dreisbach. He led the team with a .391 average and 16 RBIs.

DJ Lakey is also graduating. The first baseman started this season, playing in 22 games. Noah Kline is another senior who saw a lot of playing time.

The Zephs also lose Jarrod Miller at third. Miller was also a good base runner, swiping three bases this season.

While that’s a sizable chunk, the Zephs still have their leading run producer returning in Bruneio. Bruneio led the team with 20 RBIs. He also hit three home runs and batted .304.

Dobeck was tied with Dreisbach for the team lead in hits with 25, and was second hitting .325.

Ziminsky will be another important cog in the lineup next season. He batted .263 and knocked in six runs.

O’Boyle said that Robbie Lamm will most likely take over in center for Sinatore. Lamm had just a few plate appearances this season, but still managed to hit .333 in his limited playing time.

Still, this team will rely once again on it’s Matts and Zachs, in other words, its pitching staff. Oh, and toss in one Alex as well. O’Boyle said that this season they performed as well as expected, maybe better.

“They were what we thought they would be,” said O’Boyle.

Now it’s going to be a call to arms once again next season.