It's three and counting for the Houston American Legion baseball team.

Houston earned its third consecutive trip to the Allegheny County championships by placing second in the Allegheny South League. It's believed to be the longest playoff run in team's history.

"I've talked with people who are more familiar with the program than I am," said Douglas, who is in his second year as manager. "None can remember a longer playoff run. We're very proud of that and hope to have continued success."

Houston posted a 15-4 record during the regular season, good for second place in the Allegheny Southern League. Bethel Park won the regular-season crown with a 17-3 record.

"The kids won a second consecutive Allegheny Southern League title last summer and finished one win out of first place this year," Douglas said. "That's an accomplishment, especially when one considers the competition we're facing."

Houston qualified for the Region 6 playoffs last year.

"We won three straight games in the Allegheny County tournament to qualify for the regional playoffs," Douglas said. "Unfortunately, we were two and out in the regional."

Douglas has a very small squad.

"We have a roster of 15 kids, but three had to bail for one reason or another," Douglas said. "We lost a couple of kids to a traveling league, and another got a job. We had no more than 12 players and as few as nine during the regular season.

"It's been a little nerve-wracking having only nine kids for some games, because you are always scared that one will not make it or get injured during the game. I'm very fortunate to have a group of kids who show up religiously."

The double-elimination Allegheny County tournament began Wednesday, but Houston was not scheduled until Thursday, after the deadline for this edition. Houston faced Carrick (11-10) in the first round.

The tournament began with 16 teams, with the top four finishers qualifying for the Region 6 playoffs.

"Our goal is to earn one of four regional berths," Douglas said. "We have a young team, but I feel they are capable of qualifying [for the Region 6 playoffs]."

Most of Houston's roster has ties to Canon-McMillan High School. The three exceptions are pitcher/third baseman/outfielder Ethan Fernbaugh; catcher/pitcher/infielder Andrew Petras; and catcher/outfielder Adam Denman.

"Ethan is from Avella," Douglas said. "Andrew is our most versatile player. I've used him at least six different positions. Adam is a Washington High School graduate who plays at Waynesburg College."

Douglas has two sons on the team. Sean, 19, graduated from Canon-McMillan in 2006. Chris has pitched and played all four infield positions.

Two players graduated from Canon-McMillan in June: Mike Mish, a pitcher/outfielder, and Derek Zofchak, a catcher who also has played a little in the outfield. Zofchak will play at Waynesburg College.

Douglas uses a rotation by committee. Mish, Petras, Chris Douglas and Christopher Dittmar have pitched the most.

"Christopher also plays in the outfield and is our leadoff hitter," Douglas said. "Mike [Mish] usually bats third, and Derek [Zofchak] fourth."

Also on the 12-man roster are: shortstop/infielder Andre Hayden; first baseman Aaron Wiegel; outfielder Jeff Lauterbach; and second baseman Michael Spartz.

"It's kind of challenging to only have nine kids in some games," Douglas said. "But they've made it work."

Douglas believes his coaching staff has played a big part in the team's success.

"Dave Dittmar [Christopher's father] is my assistant coach," Douglas said. "A pair of Waynesburg College players -- Brandon Dittmar and Brendan Steele -- came back to help as volunteer assistants."