Stoudt displays mound dominance in Panther's victory.

        Levi Stoudt impacted Perkiomen School's Tri-County Independent School League title win Thursday on the mound. Though he faced only two hitters, Stoudt's dominance provided the exclamation point for his team's latest league championship.

        His two strikeouts with the bases loaded in the top of the sixth inning preserved the Panthers' 11-0 victory over Barrack Academy and helped clinch their 23^rd consecutive league title. Stoudt overwhelmed both hitters with a 94-mph fastball and a 74-mph curveball.

        Marlon Lindsey played an integral role in the most recent title win. He allowed three hits in 5 1/3 innings to earn the mound victory. Lindsey also contributed three hits, scored two runs and drove in another run.

        "I'm really pleased with the way Marlon pitched," head coach Ken Baker said.

        Brett Ciocari and Christian DelToro each registered two hits for the Panthers (17-2), who rallied for five-runs in the sixth inning to invoke the 10-run rule. Lindsey delivered an RBI single during a two-run first inning. In the third, DelToro, Dave Juechter and David Smith each drove in a run with a hit.

        Saul DeLeon drove home Josh Cruz with a single in the fifth inning. Juechter's two-run single in the bottom of the sixth inning ended the game.

        The players, who went undefeated and did not play a seven-inning game, did not celebrate their championship. Despite their lack of enthusiasm, they value the accomplishment, according to Stoudt. He cited the program's motto, which is "tradition never graduates."

        "Our program is a little stronger than everyone else's right now," head coach Ken Baker said. "It's always better to win than to lose."

        Stoudt, who has committed to pitch next spring at Lehigh University, has been an integral member of the team's last four titles. Working in relief of Lindsey with the bases loaded and the team ahead 6-0, Perkiomen School's ace induced both Barack hitters he faced into feeble swings.

        "Somebody else had to pitch at that point," Baker said. 

        Stoudt said he wasn't expecting to pitch in the game.

        "I figured Marlon would be allowed to finish, the senior said. "He pitched very well."

        Thanks to a strenuous off-season weight program, Stoudt has added four miles per hour to his fastball.

        "Levi has developed so much strength in his legs," Baker said. "He's utilizing his bottom half much better this year."

        Stoudt has also developed a curve ball to complement his changeup. He said uses the Vulcan change, held between his middle and ring fingers, to induce contact. The curve has evolved into an outpitch, according to Stoudt.

        "It's getting better all the time," Baker said. "He is gaining confidence with the pitch.

        According to Baker, the coaching staff has encouraged Stoudt to throw his off speed pitches early in the count.

        On Wednesday, May 11, the Panthers posted a non-league victory over The Hill School. Devon Crossin tossed a no-hitter in an 11-0, five-inning victory.

        Perkiomen School received the No. 2 seed in the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Baseball Tournament, which begins Tuesday, May 24.

        The team – which receives a first-round bye – will open play Thursday, May 26 against either Shipley School or The Episcopal Academy.