2025 Episcopal Preview: A strong pitching staff looks to find offensive spark

by Ben Thorpe

(featured image of Logan Correll courtesy of Gabe Encarnacion)

2024 Record: 18-12 overall

Inter-Ac Record: 3-7

Manager: Tom Grandieri

Playoff Results:

  • Beat Westtown in PAISAA 7-6 in PAISAA first round
  • Lost to Springside-Chestnut Hill in quarterfinals

Key Departures: Alex Barrist, Tyler Beaulieu, Jack Hurda, Timmy Dennis (basketball), Michael Schaffer (injured)

Key Returners: Owen Peiffer, Logan Correll, Hunter West, Jake Virbitsky, JD Amoroso, Spencer Schuh, Reggie King, Ian Ferrell, Gavin Terzoglou

    2024 was a season of close games for Episcopal Academy.

    The Churchmen both won and lost a lot of them on the way to an 18-12 record, a fifth place finish in the Inter-Ac, and a state tournament berth.

    Competitive games bring growth, and Episcopal had a lot of talented players show what they’re made of. A good amount of those guys return, highlighted by one of the best underclassman pitchers in the county.

    There’s a lot to be excited about for Head Coach Tom Grandieri as Episcopal has reloaded and has their sights set on competing in 2025.

    The Churchmen will have some holes to fill in the lineup following the graduations of a few starters. Their middle of the order, Alex Barrist (Lafayette), Tyler Beaulieu (Cornell), and Jack Hurda (Clarion), have all moved on to college, leaving opportunities for multiple players to step up.

    “It’s going to be a full team effort,” said Grandieri when asked who the staff expects to step up. “We’ll have a lot of guys competing for time and there’s going to be a lot of contributors. “Our four returning seniors, Will Cohen, Logan Correll, Ian Ferrell, and Jake Virbitsky will bring a fresh leadership style that the team has responded really well to.”

    Among the returners expected to lead this team effort are JD Amoroso, Owen Peiffer, Spencer Schuh, and Jake Virbitsky.

    (Owen Peiffer was a Second Team All-Delco middle infielder last year and will be a big piece of the lineup for the Churchmen)

    Peifer, an infielder and 2024 Second-Team All-Delco selection, could be the top bat for the Churchmen as a junior. He hit .385 with a .518 OBP and .903 OPS last year before suffering an injury to end his season early.

    Amoroso will again be the starting shortstop as a sopohomore, Schuh will be a crucial utility piece and also had a walk-off in the playoffs against Westtown last year, and Virbitsky will spend a lot of time behind the plate and be in the middle of the order.

    The heartbeat of the team in 2024 was the pitching staff. Injuries and departures have already affected the 2025 rotation, with junior pitcher Timmy Dennis choosing to focus on basketball (he’s 6’8″, we get it), and freshman sensation Michael Schaffer suffering an injury.

    Episcopal will still be very strong on the mound, led by stars Logan Correll and Hunter West.

    Correll, a senior and Lehigh commit, will bring veteran leadership to the young pitching staff. Correll was second on the team in innings pitched in 2024, putting up a 2.38 ERA in 35.1 innings. Episcopal will need more of the same from him as they navigate the always stacked Inter-Ac. 

    Hunter West has established himself as one of the best up-and-coming pitchers in Delco. In 2024, his freshman year, West pitched 27 innings and had a 1.30 ERA, getting some action in really big games. He also was a member of the Inter-Ac team that won the Carpenter Cup for the first time in history.

    (Hunter West pitching for the PAISAA/Inter-Ac Carpenter Cup team this summer)

    Episcopal’s coaching staff is very excited about West going into his sophomore year.

    “He shouldered a large role in his freshman year,” said Grandieri. “He made some even bigger strides over the summer, we’re really excited about him.”

    It will be intriguing to watch as West tries to add his name to an already strong group of top Delco pitchers in 2025.

    Also expected to contribute on the pitching side are freshman Dan Castro, junior Roman Notaro, and junior Matt Roberts. Two arms are never enough to get through a season, especially when pitching is expected to be your strength, so these three will all most likely see significant innings.

    A difficult Inter-Ac schedule lies ahead, but Grandieri believes this team is up for the challenge.

    “Anyone can beat anyone on any day in the Inter-Ac,” said Grandieri. “We’re excited to go and compete”.

    Episcopal plays their first game of the year at Devon Prep on Saturday, March 15th. The game will be at 11:00 AM.

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