Charlestown Pirate Baseball 2016 graduate Tanner Wesp has signed a letter of intent to play college baseball for the Indiana University at South Bend.  Wesp, who was a multi-sport standout throughout his high school career at Charlestown, predominantly dominated first base play for the Pirates over the past three seasons; while always posing the threat to knock a ball well out of the park.  During his signing this past week, Wesp said that he really “loved the place” when making visit to the college after the Titans Head Coach notified him of interest.  Tanner explained that it became obvious to him that the baseball program at South Bend is a high priority within the school, and added that “the facilities are top notch”; all which contributed to his desire to play for the Titans.  When asked what advice he would give to high school athletes thinking about playing at the college level, he explained that starting recruitment activities, “especially getting your name out there early” is important.  The IU South Bend Titans play baseball in the very competitive Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference of the NAIA.  Tanner’s parents, Jim and Jill Wesp, his sister Emma, nephew Grayson, as well as Coaches Romans and Hester were all in attendance during the signing event.  Older sister Sarah was unable to attend, but only in physical presence; as the entire family is tight-knit and supportive.  “Tanner is a good kid, good student; but on the field they’re (South Bend) is getting a heck of baseball player.”  Commented Pirate Baseball Head Coach Ricky Romans.  “He’s got the skills, baseball knowledge, and understanding of the game (especially at first base) to be beneficial to their program”, concluded Coach Romans.  At the conclusion of his signing, Tanner stated “I want to thank everyone who has supported and helped me, my coaches (especially Coach Romans and Coach Hester), my parents and sisters, and Charlestown fans”.

Charlestown Pirate Baseball will play Corydon in the opening round of Sectional #30 play, hosted at North Harrison High School.  The Pirates will face off with Corydon in Thursday’s (May 26th) first game, tentatively scheduled for a 6:00 pm first pitch.  The remainder of the Sectional #30 match-ups include Brownstown v. Salem in Wednesday’s game one, winner of that game gets Scottsburg in Monday’s upper bracket semi-final.  North Harrison drew Silver Creek in Thursday’s second game.  The winners of the Charlestown-Corydon and North Harrison-Silver Creek games will meet in Monday’s (May 30th) second semi-final contest; with the championship game scheduled for Monday night, at 6:00 pm.  All Sectional #30 games will be played at North Harrison High School; and all Charlestown Baseball Sectional games are scheduled to be broadcasted live by Pirate Pride Sports Broadcasting at www.CPPSB.com or using the free CPPSB mobile app.

Unlike last year, the weather cooperated enough to hold the Pirate Baseball 2016 Charlestown Invitational this past Saturday.  The Pirates matched up with Booneville (9-8) in game one Saturday, topping the Pioneers from southwestern Indiana 7-5.  Austin Smith got the win from the mound while Dewey Cardwell and Tanner Wesp finished 2 for 3 at the plate and Brandon Love 2-4 with two RBI’s.  The win earned the Pirates a slot in the Invitational Championship Game Saturday evening against a more familiar Pioneer team from Providence; whom routed Lebanon 13-1 in the other first round contest Saturday.  Booneville defeated Lebanon in the consolation game for third place.

Providence came into Saturday’s Charlestown Invitational Championship game ranked #2 in Class 2A, and with a record of 19-2.  The Pirates took the challenge head on, playing good defense in holding the Pioneers to one first inning run off game four hits.  Kelly Rider got the win from the mound for Charlestown, pitching seven innings, and retiring eight Pioneer batters.  Tanner Wesp finished the game 1 for 3 at the plate including a double, and Zach Ramirez finished 1 for 2 with a triple.  Charlestown improved its record to 10-14 on the season with the 2-1 upset victory over Providence.  “I’m very pleased with our effort today and thought the guys came out ready to play. The invitational is always important to us and is a great preparation for postseason play so it’s nice to get a couple of quality wins against real good competition.”, commented Head Pirate Coach Ricky Romans.  Pirates Brandon Love, Kelly Rider, and Tanner Wesp where all named to the All Invitational team.

Charlestown will host Salem Monday (May 16th) while also recognizing the 11-12 Charlestown Little League team prior to the 5:30 pm first pitch; as well as SENIOR DAY ceremonies after the game.

The Charlestown Pirate Baseball team improved to 8-9 on the season with an solid 10-3 victory over Floyd Central (8-6) while hosting the Highlands Friday evening.  Coming off dominating wins over Crawford County and Clarksville, the Pirates had to make a decision Friday night.  Either look past the tricky non-conference match-up for something more obvious; or, take it the Highlanders, Class 4A depth and all.  The Pirates apparently chose the latter; while hitting the ball with greater confidence.  Charlestown scored four runs in the opening inning, then five more in the next two innings to put the game out of reach quickly.  The Highlanders scored all three of their runs during the first two innings, despite recording seven hits; the Pirates scored their ten runs off eleven hits, despite committing five errors.  Kelly Rider (4-3) got the complete win from the mound, retiring five Floyd batters and walking only two.  Tanner Wesp finished the game 2-2 from the plate including a double and RBI, while Brandon Love, finished 2 for 4 with four RBI’s.  Zach Whitten added another double and two RBIs.  “Great team win tonight!  Kelly did a great job tonight on the mound and our offense came up with some good timely hits”, commented Head Coach Ricky Romans.  The Class 3A #11 Pirates now set their sights on Monday’s home match up versus Mid-Southern Conference arch-rival and Class 3A #2 Silver Creek.  First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 pm.

In what has been a surprising Pirate season thus far, Charlestown traveled to Clarksville Thursday night in search of some new momentum against a familiar conference foe.  Pirate Sophomore Jacob Doherty (1-0) got the start on the mound Thursday; and then made good use of the opportunity by booking his first varsity win in as many attempts.  Charlestown (7-9 & 2-2 MSC) scored nine runs on nine hits while committing two errors; Clarksville (1-12 & 1-4 MSC) scored four runs, all in the third, on eight hits.  Senior Tanner Wesp made good use of his time at the plate, finishing 2-4 with a home run, a double and three RBI’s.  Senior Dewey Cardwell went 2-3 at the plate, scoring twice after a double and three RBI’s; while Junior Brandon Love finished 2-2 with an RBI.  “Good conference win on the road tonight.  A few young guys have really done a nice job taking advantage of their opportunities lately as we continue searching for an identity and consistency”, commented Pirate Head Coach Ricky Romans.  The Pirates host Floyd Central Friday evening at 6:00 pm at the CHS Baseball complex.