Plum American Legion baseball manager Bill Holmes is hoping victories against Shaler and Springdale are a sign that his squad has turned the corner.

"We have an 11-3-1 overall record and a 9-3-1 mark against teams in the Allegheny River League," said Holmes, prior to Tuesday's All-Star Showcase at Boyce Park. "It's a very close race for the league title."

Plum faced Shaler last Saturday and posted an 11-4 victory. Holmes' squad then faced Springdale on Monday and recorded a 12-4 victory.

"Our pitching is finally starting to come around," Holmes said. "We've had our share of arm problems. We've also had Rich Navari out of town for a week on a senior trip."

Navari, who also plays third base, is one of five pitchers who have made starts for Plum. The others are Dave Weifenbaugh, Tom Messich, Clint White and Cory Podvasnik.

White and Weifenbaugh recently completed their first year of college, and are in their fourth year with Plum's Legion team. White, who also plays first base, is now playing at Seton Hill.

Messich will graduate next year and is in his third year with the Legion team. He has also been used at second base, third base, and shortstop and has a .526 average. Podvasnik, who also sees time at first base and in the outfield, is in his first year with the Legion team and has two years left in high school.

Nick Ferracano, a recent graduate who hopes to play at Thiel College next year, has also seen time on the mound.

Anthony DeFabio, who caught at Duquesne University this spring, is playing third base for Plum. He leads the team with a .576 average and 20 RBIs.

"Anthony is in his fifth year with the Legion team," Holmes said. "We're trying to give him work at a different position, so he has more options in college."

C.J. Stotler, a senior who is in his third year with the Legion team, has moved behind the plate.

Twins Vince and Joe Garofalo are back for a third season after graduating from Plum. The two hope to play at Pitt-Greensburg next year. Vince plays second base, while Joe is an outfielder. They are joined this year by younger brother, Anthony, a left-handed pitcher who will be a sophomore at Plum High.

Jordan Koshinsky has taken over at shortstop after sitting behind six-year starter Scott McGough last season. Outfielder Jim Carr has returned to the team after skipping last season. Carr recently completed his first year at Pitt-Johnstown, but is considering a transfer to IUP with hopes of playing there.

The other five members of Plum's roster are infielder Vinnie Bergamasco, catcher Tucker Guido, infielder Nick Stotler, first baseman Mark Weifenbaugh and pitcher Chris Shaffer.

DiFabio and Messich are two of seven players who have a .400 or better average. The others are Carr (.486, 16 runs, 16 RBIs), Navari (.467), Weifenbaugh (.444, 17 runs) and White (.400, 17 RBIs).

"Our hitting has been strong and our pitching is coming around," Holmes said. "I'm hoping our wins against Shaler and Springdale are a sign of things to come."

Plum claimed the Region 6 title last season and went 2-2 in the state playoffs.

"Our goal every year is to qualify for the Region 6 Tournament and win the title," said Holmes. "We won our fourth region title last year. We also won in 1981, 1987 and 1989."