By: Paul Schofield
Saturday, July 12, 2025 | 11:01 AM
Paul Schofield | TribLive
Bushy Run pitcher Brandon Roher (left) and shortstop Brody Hoffman celebrate win against Murrysville on July 10.
Paul Schofield | TribLive
Bushy Run first baseman Evan Lawson attempts a bunt in a District 31 American Legion playoff game against Murrysville on July 8 at Penn-Trafford.
Ciara Camacho | For TribLive
Bushy Run’ pitcher Rob Andrews attempts a throw to third base in the third inning July 9.
Ciara Camacho | For TribLive
Murrysville first baseman Ryan Catello Jr. reaches for a low throw on attempted pickoff as Bushy Run’s Jonny Lovre races back to the bag July 9.
Paul Schofield | TribLive
Bushy Run pitcher Jon Lovre rips a single to begin the second inning of a District 31 American Legion playoff game against Murrysville at Penn-Trafford on July 8.
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It has been a different kind of season for the Bushy Run American Legion baseball team.
Usually, coach Scott Peyman did not have to worry about whether he would have enough players to play a game.
“I am not sure I used the same lineup twice,” Peyman said. “But it is what it is. We had different players step up.”
Bushy Run had to forfeit one game because it could not field a squad. Travel ball, work and vacations were the reasons for the forfeit.
Despite the low numbers at times, Bushy Run (13-4-1) still made a run at the District 31 title. A loss on the final day of the regular season gave Latrobe its sixth title under Jason Bush.
Bushy Run finished third behind Latrobe (14-4) and Hempfield East (13-4-1).
The Beavers advanced to the District 31 semifinals by defeating rival Murrysville in a three-game series. Bushy Run won Game 1, 9-0, and Game 3, 5-1, on July 10. Murrysville took Game 2, 4-1.
By advancing to the semifinals, Bushy Run also qualified for the Region 7 tournament beginning July 19 at First Hills High School in Sidman.
“The goal was to make the playoffs and then qualify for regionals,” Peyman said. “So, we are not done.”
Peyman leaned on the older players to carry the team. That included Penn-Trafford 2024 graduates Brody Hoffman, Carmen Metcalfe and Brandon Roher along with 2025 grads Jonny Lovre and Rob Andrews.
Roher, Lovre and Andrews were a few of the top pitchers. Hoffman played shortstop and Metcalfe starred in the outfield.
Roher was the winning pitcher in Game 3,
Many of the returning high school players opted to play travel ball or not play.
“I was able to count on the older players,” Peyman said. “They were leaders and helped the younger players.”
Peyman also had strong 16-year-old players and welcomed Norwin senior Jake Sincak and Jeannette infielder Amauri Thomas, pitcher Jayden Kennedy and outfielder Noah Rattigan.
“I liked how the 16-year-olds and additions from the other schools competed,” Peyman said. “They were well coached.
“Lovre also had a good season. He was excellent on the mound, solid defensively at third and he hit the ball. Some of our older players will never play ball again after the season is over.”
Now Peyman would like to see this team repeat what the 2024 team did: advance to the state tournament, which will be played in Erie.
Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.
Tags: Penn-Trafford