BULLDOGS BREAK LOOSE LATE TO BEAT SPRINGFIELD

CORTLAND, OH- The Lakeview Bulldogs pulled off a clutch 4-3 win over Springfield on Wednesday, with Andrew Brown delivering a crucial sacrifice fly in the bottom of the sixth to break a 3-3 tie.

Springfield was first to light up the scoreboard, sneaking in a run in the opening inning. But Lakeview quickly responded in the second when Brandon Toot blasted a triple that knocked in two runs, edging them ahead.

The back-and-forth continued as Springfield grabbed a 3-2 lead in the third, thanks to some heads-up baserunning, including Troggio stealing home and another run scoring on a passed ball. Not to be outdone, Lakeview tied it up again in the bottom half through a Hayden Newton groundout.

Toot wasn’t just a hero at the plate; he also shone on the mound, pitching two perfect innings to close the game and snag the win, striking out three along the way. Troggio, pitching for Springfield, took the loss despite not allowing a hit in his two innings of work, thanks to the unearned run that slipped through.

Brown had started the game strong for Lakeview, pitching five innings and giving up just two hits and one earned run while striking out nine. Over in Springfield’s camp, Jeffries kicked things off with a solid inning, striking out two.

At the bat, Toot and Nathan Paolucci managed a hit apiece for Lakeview, with Brown, Toot, and Newton each contributing an RBI. Springfield’s lineup saw Jeffries and Dobson each notch a hit. The Springfield team was aggressive on the bases, stealing eight in total, with Troggio and Jeffries swiping multiple bases.

Looking ahead, Lakeview is set to face LaBrae next Thursday, riding high from their narrow victory and ready to keep the momentum going.