Behind a complete game pitching effort from the league’s most valuable player, the Waterloo Warriors 18U baseball squad opened the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Association playoffs in style Monday night. 

The Warriors, who went 13-1 in the regular season, won 2-0 over Chaminade at Maryville University in St. Louis.   

Brady Biffar, a southpaw, allowed just two hits over seven innings, striking out seven and walking none in a masterful mound effort for Waterloo. 

Biffar, a recent graduate of Gibault Catholic High School who was a key part of a 2023 state title, was recently selected as SLABA 18U League MVP for his pitching and hitting success this summer. He hasn’t lost on the mound and is hitting over .300 while leading the team in RBIs.

Brian Lance, Jack Roessler, Hudson Blank, Darren Kunkelmann, Chase Castello, Brayden Hays, Nolan Veto, and Biffar each collected one hit for the Warriors in Monday’s win. 

The Warriors were flawless in the field, playing error-free ball.

Game two of this best-of-three playoff series takes place 8 p.m. Wednesday at Maryville University. Game three, if necessary, is at 5:45 p.m. Thursday.

In addition to Biffar, other Warriors received SLABA kudos for their success.

Roessler, a recent Waterloo High School grad, was selected SLABA 18U Pitcher of the Year.

In addition to Biffar and Roessler, Warriors named as 2024 SLABA All-Stars were Castello, Kaleb Buechler, Lance, Kunkelmann, Veto, Hays, Noah Koeninger and Brady Rose.

The Warriors are coached by John Green.