Mitchell Leads Panthers to WCAC Title

Mike Mitchell was a backup catcher as Paul VI Catholic lost in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship game the past two seasons. Out of necessity, after the Panthers graduated their top pitchers from last season, Mitchell spent the offseason attending camps and clinics and throwing practice sessions. Last night, after striking out the game's final batter, the right-hander was the first to throw his glove in the air in celebration.

Mitchell pitched a one-hitter for his fourth shutout while Peter Verdin and Zach Costello sparked the offense as second-ranked Paul VI defeated top-ranked St. John's, 5-0, in the WCAC title game before 1,000 at Shirley Povich Field in Bethesda.

Mitchell allowed a first-inning single to Matt Mack, then walked two and struck out eight as the Panthers (26-3) won the league title for the first time since 1993.

"I was pretty nervous, but after the first inning I calmed down," Mitchell said. "We got some runs and it really helped. It was pretty hard to believe, even after the last pitch."

Verdin, batting leadoff, reached on an error, doubled, was hit by a pitch, stole a base and scored twice, his speed putting pressure on the defense as he took advantage of three errors. Costello hit two solo home runs, giving him seven of the Panthers' 32 homers this season.

The beneficiary of the offense was Mitchell. He was not overpowering, but consistently moved the ball throughout the strike zone, allowing few well-hit balls and improving to 8-1 and lowering an earned run average that was 1.20 entering the game.

Learning to pitch "wasn't as hard as I thought it would be," Mitchell said. "All you've got to do is throw strikes."

The teams split their two regular season meetings; a 1-0 St. John's victory was Mitchell's only loss of the season. Mitchell wanted another chance at the Cadets, even after pitching 2 2/3 innings in relief on Tuesday night in the Panthers' 4-1, nine-inning semifinal victory.

"As soon as that game was over, I said, 'Great job,' " Paul VI Coach Billy Emerson said. "And he said, 'Thanks, I'm good for Thursday.' The decision was made right then."

No. 2 Paul VI 5 No. 1 St. John's 0 Quick Start: Paul VI leadoff batter Peter Verdin reached on an error, stole second and scored on a ground ball to shortstop when the throw to first was in the dirt for a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. His RBI double made it 3-0 in the second. Up Next: Paul VI will host a quarterfinal game Tuesday in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division 1 tournament and could potentially meet No. 4 Notre Dame in the tournament final. St. John's finishes at 23-6.