PHILIPSBURG-OSCEOLA — The Centre County Gazette named Philipsburg-Osceola pitcher-shortstop Archer Baughman as June’s Athlete of the Month.
Baughman, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior, had an outstanding year for the Mounties, especially in the playoffs as his team advanced to the District 6, 3-A finals and then into the PIAA, 3-A quarterfinals.
At the plate for the season, Baughman averaged .384 with a .505 on base percentage, 28 hits, 24 RBIs, 21 runs and five home runs. He also hit five doubles, two triples and led the team in slugging percentage at .712.
One of his best games was a two-hit, four RBI performance in P-O’s important 14-2 victory over LHAC rival Richland on April 24.
As a shortstop, Baughman was named to the First Team All-LHAC infield when the conference all-stars were announced.
Baughman really stood out on the mound.
He finished the season with a 6-3 record with 65 innings pitched, a 3.00 ERA, 65 hits, 28 earned runs and 78 strikeouts.
It was in the latter stages of the season and into the playoffs where Baughman really made a difference for the Mounties.
He won three of his last four starts, all in the playoffs, over Marion Center, Richland and WPIAL Champion Ellwood City.
Against Ellwood, in the First Round of the PIAA Tournament in Pittsburgh, he threw a complete-game two-hitter with one earned run, two walks and nine strikeouts. The Mounties beat 7-1 Ellwood by a score of 4-1 and advanced to the PIAA quarterfinals.
“Archer was our most valuable player this season,” P-O head coach Doug Sankey said. “He pitched against our toughest opponents, and he also was one of our top offensive players.
“Once we got into the playoffs, he wanted the ball. He threw his best game in the state playoffs on only three days rest. Archer has put the work in every day, and it paid off for him this season. We wouldn’t have had the success this season without him.”
The team eventually lost to Fairview, 7-5, and ended its season with a final record of 15-9.
Baughman, a junior in 2026, will be one of the leaders of a large group of Mounties coming back for the 2027 season.
