STATE COLLEGE — It was Senior Day on April 27 for the State College High School Little Lions, who were hosting the talented Red Land Patriots.
While the Little Lions came away with the narrow 3-2 victory against the conference-leading Patriots, State College is saying goodbye to a core group of seniors.
One of those players is Mason Mellott, a starting pitcher and recent Penn State commit to the 2021 freshman class. He is projected to join head coach Rob Cooper and the Nittany Lions in the fall.
Mellott, a right-hander who hits over 90 mph with his fastball, chose to stay local over a host of other Division 1 offers. Mellott believes that he can contribute to the program right away and wants to work hard once he sets foot on campus.
“I think I have a great attitude and a great mental mindset when I’m on the mound, and off the field,” Mellott said. “I work really hard and I know I can get better every practice I go to.”
State High manager Troy Allen has been an integral part in Mellott’s development as a player and a person. Allen worked closely with Mellott since he was 12 years old, and has made a huge impact on Mellott’s baseball career.
“I started with him when I was in seventh grade. He really brought my mental mindset and that part of my game together,” Mellott said.
According to Allen, Penn State is getting a multidimensional pitcher in Mellott.
“He works hard and his leadership has been tremendous this year,” Allen said. “He can close and you can use him as a starter. They’re getting a pro-level pitcher who can throw 92 right now with a filthy slider, a good changeup and a hard sinker.”
Mellott tossed a gem against Red Land, pitching a complete game with six strikeouts and one earned run. The Penn State commit also carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning until the opposing starting pitcher and fellow senior Brayden Coe broke it up.
The victory was much needed to gain ground on Red Land, which sits atop the Mid-Penn standings. The win also felt good, as Mellott and company thought it was sign that the team had turned the corner.
“This was a great ball club that we played and it was a good win for us,” Mellott said. “We’re hoping this brings us momentum and can take us into the postseason where we can continue our success there.
“We’re a great team. A lot of our losses are one-run losses and they don’t show how good of a team we are.”
Allen, Mellott and company are still looking ahead to the future with districts and state playoffs quickly approaching.
“We still have a lot in front of us,” Allen said. “(Districts) are what we’re playing for. We just have to fight day by day.”
“Our goal right now is to keep winning games and get the top seed in districts,” Mellott said.
