CANFIELD TAKES THEIR SHOT, SNAPS FALCONS LONG WIN STREAK

By Ty Bartell 

CANFIELD, Ohio — The Austintown-Fitch varsity softball team suffered its first loss since May 28, 2022, ending a remarkable streak of 682 calendar days and 28 games without defeat in a drenching-thunderstorm ending 2-1 setback to All-American Conference neighboring rival Canfield.

The showdown unfolded Tuesday at Field #7 at McCune Park, where mother nature intervened with two outs in the Fitch 7th inning. Junior second baseman Sam Severn stood at third base, carrying the tying run. Severn had reached base with an infield single, advanced to second on a sacrifice, and then moved to third on a wild pitch by Canfield’s senior pitcher Malena Toth. As sophomore pinch-hitter Lily Stevens battled Toth in a tense at-bat, the skies opened up with intense thunder, lightning, and rain, forcing the umpires to clear the field. After a 10-minute delay and no signs of the weather letting up, the game was called due to at least five full innings being completed.

The last time Fitch faced a non-win was a 1-1 tie against Canfield on May 29, 2023. Both teams later competed in State title games on June 3, 2023, with Fitch clinching the Division I championship and Canfield coming up just short to Tallmadge.

The game showcased a classic pitcher’s duel between Lady Cardinal senior Malena Toth (7-1) and Lady Falcon junior Sydnie Watts (4-1). Toth, who secured her first win against Fitch in six career starts, was instrumental in both of Canfield’s runs, drawing a leadoff walk in the 2nd inning and hitting a crucial double in the 6th inning. Canfield’s sophomore designated player, Caylee Ortiz, and catcher Leah Figueroa were pivotal in driving in the runs.

Despite a valiant effort from Watts, who struck out nine batters over six innings, she could not slam the door shut with two down in the bottom of the sixth. Watts yielded five hits and two earned runs, while Toth allowed four hits and one earned run while striking out six.

Figueroa emerged as the hero for Canfield, delivering the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning. Her clutch performance earned her Player of The Game honors.

With this loss, Fitch moves to a 4-1 record, while Canfield improves to 7-1. Canfield will next host the Boardman Spartans (5-3) on Wednesday, April 10th, while Fitch will seek to bounce back against conference opponent, the Warren Harding Raiders, also on Wednesday in Warren, Ohio.

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