LABRAE TAKES THE ADVANTAGE OVER CHAMPION

/in /by

WARREN OH- Dylan Simpson struck out 11 batters as the starting pitcher led LaBrae past Champion 4-0 on Monday. Simpson allowed three hits and zero runs over six innings while walking one.

The Vikings got on the board in the top of the third inning after Aiden Doll scored after tagging up, and Champion committed an error, each scoring one run.

Carson Fife took the loss for Champion. The starting pitcher went five innings, surrendering three runs (zero earned) on five hits, striking out six and walking one. Owen Boone pitched one inning of scoreless ball for LaBrae in relief. He gave up zero hits, striking out two and walking none.

Austin Rowe led the Vikings with two hits in three at bats. Brogan Collins and Rowe each drove in one run. Collins stole two bases. LaBrae stole four bases in the game.

TIGERS LOOKING STRONG

/in /by

The Springfield defeated Lowellville 7-1 in their season opener on Monday.

Kolten Ruark went three strong innings picking up the win.  Parker Dobson also pitched three innings stiking out three hitters for the Tigers.

Offensively, Noah Troggio and Ruark had two hits each.  The boys will travel to Cene Park on Saturday, 3/30 to take on the Rockets at 1pm.

*Contributed by Bob Beam at Springfieldlocalathletics.com

MUSTANGS MARCH PAST RED RAIDERS IN PAINESVILLE

/in , /by

Photo Credit: Jocyln Nicholas

Painesville, OH- In a decisive victory over the Harvey Red Raiders in Painesville on Monday, the Grand Valley Mustangs showcased the strength of their bottom lineup, securing a 12-2 win. Trenton Murduck, Justin Hagan, and Gage Mast emerged as key contributors, combining for five of the team’s eight hits while scoring four runs and driving in six.

The turning point came with a remarkable seven-run surge in the fifth inning. Kamden Cottrell kicked off the offensive onslaught by drawing a walk, followed by Austin Hall’s single, Trenton Murduck’s double driving in two runs, and Joey DiAlfredi’s fielder’s choice resulting in another run. Gage Mast’s groundout and Payton Plizga’s double added to the scoring frenzy.

The Mustangs had earlier opened the scoring in the fourth inning when Hagan’s single brought in two runs.

Eric Ellsworth delivered a stellar performance on the mound for Grand Valley, earning the win by pitching four scoreless innings, allowing only two hits while striking out eight and walking three. Meanwhile, Trent Hull took the loss for the Harvey Red Raiders, pitching four innings and giving up three runs on five hits, with nine strikeouts and two walks. Plizga made an appearance in relief for Grand Valley.

Murduck and Hagan showcased their prowess in the lineup, each collecting two hits, with Hagan driving in three runs from the eighth spot. The Mustangs demonstrated discipline at the plate, accumulating seven walks, with Blake Taylor, Plizga, and John Foss leading the team with two walks each.

For the Harvey Red Raiders, Aidan Englehart and Brandon Bildstein contributed with one RBI each, while Hull led the team with three hits in four at-bats and stole two bases. Overall, the Red Raiders managed to steal four bases in the game.

With their sights set on another victory, the Mustangs anticipate a rematch against the Red Raiders at home on Tuesday.

ST. JOHN BASEBALL STARTS OFF WITH A BANG

/in , /by

Ashtabula, OH- The St. John Heralds dominated the Mathews Mustangs with a resounding 12-2 victory on Monday, led by an outstanding performance from Will Anderson, who drove in four runs on two hits. Anderson’s impact was felt throughout the game as he doubled in the fifth inning, bringing home two runs, and drew a walk in the fourth inning, scoring another.

The scoring action began early for St. John when Aaron Wychock executed a steal of home in the bottom of the second inning. Ryan Williams extended their lead to 2-0 with a timely single in the third inning.

The Heralds showcased their offensive prowess with a five-run outburst in the fifth inning. Anthony Severino’s walk brought in one run, followed by Anderson’s double which plated two more. Ezra Campbell contributed with a sacrifice fly, adding another run, and Williams capped off the inning with a double of his own, driving in one more.

On the mound, Williams started strong for St. John, allowing only three hits and two runs over five innings while striking out nine batters. Gabe Pesa started for Mathews, conceding six hits and five runs (two earned) over three and two-thirds innings.

Anderson also made a significant impact in relief, pitching one shutout inning, striking out three batters, and not allowing any hits.

St. John Heralds’ offense was firing on all cylinders, amassing a total of 12 hits in the game. Bryson Vennitti led the charge with three hits in four at-bats, while Brady Cole and Williams also contributed multiple hits.

Vennitti and Kyle Hejduk showcased their speed on the bases, each stealing multiple bases, contributing to St. John’s impressive total of eight stolen bases in the game.

For Mathews, Pesa led the team at the plate with one RBI, going 1-for-2. Dom Toto managed two hits in three at-bats for Mathews.

Looking ahead, the Heralds are set to face the Conneaut Spartans in their next home game on Tuesday, riding high on their commanding victory.

CANFIELD TAKES PITCHERS DUEL

/in /by

AUSTINTOWN, OH- In a potential clash of titans on Monday, both the Canfield Cardinals and the Austintown Fitch Falcons showcased their pitching talents, but it was the Cardinals who emerged victorious with a hard-fought 2-0 win.

Senior Michael Patellis took the mound for Canfield, delivering an outstanding performance by recording 18 crucial outs. The Cardinals’ offense found its rhythm in the top of the fourth inning when Tanner Stricko blasted a triple, driving in the first run of the game.

Patellis proved to be the cornerstone of Canfield’s success, earning the win after six innings of work, during which he allowed zero runs on four hits, striking out seven batters while issuing just one walk. On the other side, Darnley took the loss for Austintown-Fitch, pitching three and two-thirds innings and conceding one run on three hits, striking out five and walking four. Zain Jadallah stepped up to secure the save for Canfield.

Offensively, David Murphy led the charge for Canfield with a solid two hits in four at-bats, while Stricko and Jadallah each contributed an RBI to the scoreboard.

Displaying discipline at the plate, Canfield drew six walks throughout the game, with Enzo Cocca and Patellis leading the charge with two walks apiece. Additionally, the Cardinals executed defensively, turning one crucial double play during the contest.

Despite the loss, AustintownFitch put up a valiant effort, with Mason Petridis leading the offensive charge with two hits in three at-bats. The Falcons’ defense remained steady, committing zero errors throughout the game, with Wallace registering the most chances in the field with 10.

Looking ahead, Canfield eagerly anticipates a rematch as they host Austintown-Fitch once again on Tuesday.

SPARTANS ZAPPED BY THE BLUE STREAKS

/in , /by

Photo Credit: Noelle Nunes

2/2/2024

Madison, OH- In a challenging match-up against the Madison Blue Streaks, the Conneaut Spartans faced a formidable opponent that proved too much to handle. The final scoreboard reflected a tough night for the Spartans, with the Madison Blue Streaks emerging victorious with a score of 92-47.

Quarter Scores:

  • Conneaut Spartans: 10 | 12 | 5 | 20 | 47
  • Madison Blue Streaks: 23 | 27 | 24 | 18 | 92

Player Stats:

Conneaut Spartans Total Points:

  • Chance Loomis: 20 points
  • Jordan Kulko: 9 points
  • Davonte Harris: 9 points
  • Noah Hamm: 8 points
  • JR Hutchinson: 1 point

Despite the challenging game, Chance Loomis continued to showcase his scoring ability, leading the Spartans with an impressive 20 points. Jordan Kulko and Davonte Harris also contributed significantly with 9 points each.

On the opposing side, the standout performer for the Madison Blue Streaks was JP Dragas, who had an outstanding night with a whopping 52 points and an impressive 7 three-pointers.

Looking Ahead:

The Conneaut Spartans (3-13) will regroup and aim to bounce back in their next game against the Lakeside Dragons (3-11) at home on 2/6/24. The Dragons are coming off a 90-61 loss to the Geneva Eagles.

Meanwhile, the Madison Blue Streaks (11-5) will face the Edgewood Warriors at home on 2/6/24. The Warriors are coming in with momentum after a 70-59 victory over the Jefferson Falcons.

Despite the setback, the Spartans remain determined, and fans can expect an intense and competitive performance in their upcoming game.

EASTWOOD FIELD NAMED 2023 OSFMA FIELD OF THE YEAR

/in /by

NILES, OH- The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are proud to announce that Eastwood Field and Head Groundskeeper Noah Bard have been awarded the 2023 Field of the Year by the Ohio Sports Field Management Association (OSFMA). The Field of the Year is awarded to athletic fields in Ohio that exhibit excellent playability and safety and whose managers utilize innovative solutions, effectively use their budgets, and have implemented a comprehensive agronomic program. The Scrappers and Bard will receive the award on December 6th at the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation (OTF) Conference and Show in Columbus.

Head Groundskeeper Noah Bard said, “I am honored to receive this award. I would like to thank the OSFMA Board for selecting Eastwood Field. This would not be possible without the efforts of my game day grounds crew, I can’t thank them enough for their help. I would also like to thank the Scrappers front office, and most importantly thank you to my wife Kendra for her constant support of me and my work.”

Field 2

“We are excited for Noah Bard to receive this much deserved recognition as the 2023 OSFMA Field of the Year”, said Heather Sahli, Mahoning Valley Scrappers General Manager. “Noah and his team work tirelessly to keep Eastwood Field in amazing condition for over 150 events at the facility throughout the year including Scrappers games, Youngstown State University Baseball, high school games, charity walks, concerts and more. We are proud to receive this great honor.”

The Ohio Sports Field Managers Council was incepted in Northwest Ohio in the late 1990’s. Known in the early years as the Great Lakes Sports Turf Managers Association, this group was a collaboration of Michigan, Indiana and Ohio Sports Turf professionals. The GLSTMA later formed as the Ohio Sports Turf Managers Association and has never looked back. For over 25 years, they have provided Ohio’s turf managers with education, outreach, access to the latest in R&D, and created a network of industry professionals dedicated to providing Ohio’s athletes with first class surfaces.

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers are one of six founding members of the MLB Draft League, joining the Frederick Keys, State College Spikes, Trenton Thunder, West Virginia Black Bears and the Williamsport Crosscutters. Scrappers ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are on sale now. To view the complete 2024 Scrappers schedule, early bird ticket packages and stay up to date with the Scrappers in the offseason, visit mvscrappers.com or contact the front office at 330-505-0000.

*Contributed by mlbdraftleague.com

BERMUDEZ BLAST PUTS COOKIE TABLES ON TOP

/in /by

NILES OH- Following a 2-3 road trip for Mahoning Valley, they found themselves back home in the
friendly atmosphere of Eastwood Field against the best team in the second half, The West Virginia Black Bears. As The Scrappers turned into The Cookie Tables for one night only, they were looking to give The Mahoning Valley faithful a treat for attending.

The Black Bears were anything but sweet, scoring off the jump in the top of the first inning, courtesy of Patrick Lee taking the first pitch of the game off his back, stealing second and coming home on a pair of sacrifice fly-outs. Cookie Table starting pitcher Elijah Pleasants managed to get out of the inning with no further damage done.

On the other side, starting pitcher Nate Madej was rolling for West Virginia, as he sent Mahoning Valley’s lineup down in order in the bottom of the first. The game remained a 1-0 game through the first three innings before TJ Reeves sent a screamer over the left field wall in the bottom of the fourth, knotting the game up at one run a piece.

The first half of the game had a pitchers duel as the script until the sixth inning. With the game tied 1-1, with a runner at third and two out, Cam Ridley shot a single to center field and regained the lead for The Black Bears 2-1. Pleasants would get the final out in the inning, notching the quality start under his belt for The Cookie Tables, but subsequently being on the hook for the loss.

Mahoning Valley had other plans for the bottom of the sixth inning with two on and two out, that man, TJ Reeves came through again by lining a single to center to tie the game up at two. The tie would be short lived with the next batter David Bermudez sending a boom shot out to left on the first pitch of his at bat. Promptly turning the game on its head, flipping the script and giving Mahoning Valley the 5-2 lead. Omar Veloz would tack on an additional run with an opposite field single, widening the lead 6-2.

Wasting little time getting some offense back, The Black Bears scored a run in the top of the seventh inning off a Ben McClain RBI single, cutting the deficit to just three runs. But it was The Cookie Table bullpen that locked it down the rest of the way with Danny Kirwin shutting down the eighth and Peter Allegro recording the save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning, giving Mahoning Valley the 6-3 win! Thus now bringing the season series win-loss record against West Virginia to 6-8.

Both teams are set to resume action on Wednesday, August 16th for the second game of the series. Catch all Scrappers home games on YSN (ysnlive.com/scrappers), the streaming home for The Mahoning Valley Scrappers!

SCRAPPERS HAVE A TOUGH TIME WITH THUNDER

/in /by

By Ty Bartell 

NILES OH- For the fourth occasion this season, The Mahoning Valley Scrappers squared-off against The Trenton Thunder in a three game weekend set, starting this past Friday at Eastwood Field. Despite playing in three series previous, The Thunder and Scrappers only played in six of the nine games, with two axed due to weather and one due to the wildfire smoke from Canada. However, in the six prior meetings, Mahoning Valley showed plenty of guts but Trenton had all the glory, to the tune of a perfect 6-0 record against The Scrappers this season.

Despite the lopsided win-loss record, Mahoning Valley has shown their ability to compete with Trenton time and time again. With all the meetings between the two squads being decided by four runs or less this season and that spans across two halves of a season with completely different teams from one half to the other. That goes back to the old adage of “that’s baseball” where the things we marvel at and wonder “how can it be?” when it is just the infinite possibilities the sport brings on any given day.

(FRI)
In the opener on Friday, it appeared as if The Scrappers were putting the one-sided record
to bed, grabbing an early 2-0 advantage over Trenton in the first inning. Thanks to an RBI single by Mason Sykes and an RBI double by Owen Young.
The Thunder wasted little time in forming a response, in the top of the second inning, Craig Corliss delivered a two RBI double, evening the ballgame up 2-2. Trenton’s Dan Covino broke the tie in the top of the fourth when he went big fly for the second time this season, giving the Thunder a 3-2 lead. Anthony Fontana padded the lead with an RBI double in the top of the fifth, making it 4-2 Trenton.

Scrappers got a run closer in the bottom of the eighth when the hot bat of Corey King lined a single up the middle to make it a one run game! But it was not to be, as Enrique Ozoa came in to close things down for The Thunder, giving them the 4-3 win.

(SAT)
In the Saturday matchup, it seemed as if it was going to be an old school pitchers duel,
with both starters in Jonah Hurney (Trenton) and Dylan Sabia (Mahoning Valley) shutting opposing lineups down through the first two innings.

As opposed to the matchup on Friday, The Thunder looked to score first in game two of the series. The top of the third gave them a prime opportunity, with the first three Thunder bats recording base hits to load the bags up with nobody out. Jack Lynch plated one and gave Trenton the initial lead with a fielders choice groundout. But it was the two-out two RBI single from Anthony Fontana that packed a punch, giving Trenton the 3-0 lead.

Scrappers got a run back in the bottom of the fifth after Justin Wiley got a one out bunt single and D’Aries Davis followed him with a walk. Both runners advanced on a passed ball and Wiley scored off an RBI sacrifice fly by Braylin Marine. Both teams would get quiet on offense following the fifth all the way to the eighth, when Trenton scored two runs in the top half of the inning, making it 5-1 Thunder.

Scrappers scored one more in the bottom of the inning as Braylin Marine led off the frame with a double and came home to score off a Mason Sykes RBI single. But The Trenton bullpen, once again, shut things down for four innings following the start from Hurney, as The Thunder used three early runs to give them the 5-2 win.

(SUN)
Sunday was Christmas in July at Eastwood Field, but it was The Thunder that got the
early gifts. A fielding error by Anthonio Fernandez allowed Kolby Johnson to score and Joe Impeduglia followed that up by drawing a bases loaded walk from Trae Robertson to make it 2-0 Trenton early. Impeduglia would go on to add another run to The Thunder lead in the top of the third inning when he slammed one to center, a 400+ foot shot, making it 3-0.

Mahoning Valley would get on the board in the bottom half of the third when, with two on and two out, Owen Young tripled off the wall in left, bringing home two and bringing The Scrappers to within one run of The Thunder 3-2. Trenton would get right back to work on offense, as they led off the top of the fourth inning with an Angel Mendoza double and a Kolby Johnson single, setting up a sacrifice RBI opportunity for Jack Lynch to make it a 4-2 lead.

Bats would go cold on both sides following the fourth inning as the arms were dealing on a Sunday afternoon. With both pitching staff shutting things down the rest of the way, it was Enrique Ozoa that would close it out in the ninth, earning his second save of the series and giving The Thunder a sweep of The Scrappers with the 4-2 win.

As more things change, the more they stay the same. The Thunder improved their record to 9-0 versus The Scrappers this season. With all the games being decided by four runs or fewer in those meetings. Trenton (27-12) will now focus on defending home, as they start a series with The Frederick Keys (19-21) on Tuesday, July 25th. Mahoning Valley (14-25) will hit the road across the state line into West Virginia in a  meeting with The Black Bears (25-14) also starting on Tuesday.

TREVIN IS DRIVEN

/in /by

WARREN, OH- At 6’3, 14 year-old Trevin Rinck is accustomed to standing out in a crowd.  As a three-sport athlete, he’s also driven to compete- but baseball is providing Rinck the opportunity to be a future star.

This summer has treated Rinck very well as he competed nationally in the Major League Baseball Junior Home Run Derby.  To qualify, Trevin blasted 19 of 25 pitches over the wall to punch his ticket to the All-Star Weekend in Seattle, where he launched ten more longballs to finish fourth in the country in the contest.

Rinck is set to become a JFK Eagle in the Fall, and will join the football, basketball, and baseball teams in the upcoming year.

So, get into the Delorian, let’s go 88 and take a look into the future of our area as we sit down with Trevin Rinck on Your Sports Network.

PRESENTED BY