WEST BRANCH COOLS OFF THE FALCONS

AUSTINTOWN OH- In a showdown between two formidable teams, West Branch Baseball delivered a commanding performance to secure an impressive 5-1 victory over a streaking Fitch squad on Friday night.

Leading the charge for West Branch’s offense were standout performances from Hunter Shields, Jeremiah Thomas, and Aaron Tucker. Shields delivered in clutch situations, going 2-for-4 at the plate with three crucial RBIs, while Thomas contributed with a 2-for-3 performance, driving in a run and scoring one himself. Tucker added to the offensive barrage, collecting two hits and scoring a run to fuel West Branch’s scoring efforts.

On the mound, Anthony Perry showcased his pitching prowess, delivering a stellar performance over 6.2 innings of work. Perry demonstrated precision and control, allowing just one run on seven hits while issuing only one walk and striking out five opposing batters. His dominant pitching performance stifled Fitch’s potent lineup, setting the tone for West Branch’s victory.

Despite facing a formidable opponent, Fitch showed resilience at the plate with notable offensive contributions from Mason Petridis, Frank Senediak, and Drew Kaschak. Petridis launched a solo home run and drove in a run, while Senediak and Kaschak collected hits to keep Fitch in the game.

However, West Branch’s cohesive performance on both offense and defense proved too much for Fitch to overcome. With solid pitching and timely hitting, West Branch secured the win and showcased their prowess as a force to be reckoned with in the baseball arena.

A COMPLETE PERFORMANCE GETS THE WIN FOR SPRINGFIELD

ATWATER OH- In a commanding display of both pitching prowess and offensive efficiency, Springfield Baseball secured a resounding 5-0 victory over Waterloo on Friday.

The Springfield offense wasted no time asserting their dominance, led by standout performances from Kolten Ruark, Blake Jeffries, and Ryan Maughan. Ruark showcased his all-around skills, going 2-for-3 at the plate with 2 RBIs and 1 run scored. Jeffries delivered clutch hits, finishing 2-for-4 with 1 RBI and 1 run scored. Maughan contributed to the offensive onslaught, going 2-for-3 on the day.

On the mound, Ruark dazzled with his pitching prowess, stifling the Waterloo offense over 5 innings of work. He exhibited pinpoint control and struck out an impressive 7 batters while allowing just 3 hits. Ruark’s stellar performance set the tone for Springfield’s defensive dominance, keeping Waterloo’s bats quiet throughout the game.

With a perfect blend of solid pitching and timely hitting, Springfield Baseball showcased their strength and resilience, clinching a well-deserved 5-0 victory. This impressive win serves as a testament to the team’s determination and skill as they continue to make their mark in the baseball circuit.

WIND BLOWS THE BULLDOGS DIRECTION

By Matt Maher


POLAND, OH – The wind was blowing and the bats were hot for the Bulldogs Friday evening when they welcomed Girard to town to close out the season series. Poland struck early and often and left the Indians without much of a response and the result was a 11-4 victory for Poland.

 

Girard started Ricky Plant who threw out the first 4 innings. The Bulldogs got to him early with the first 2 batters getting on via a walk and being hit by a pitch. Jacob Hayes would step up in the cleanup position and bring in the first run with a RBI single. Ryan Dilullo followed with an RBI groundout, during Dilullos’ at bat a runner scored off of a throwing error from the catcher. 

 

2 more runs got by Plant in the second thanks to an RBI double from Matt Boccieri and an RBI single from Matt Paparodis. No runs would score in the 3rd but 3 more would score in the 4th off of a throwing error, RBI double and a sac fly. Dom Phillips came in for relief giving up 3 more runs in the 5th thanks to 2 RBI singles and a sac fly from the Bulldogs.

 

Ricky Plant finished with 4IP, 8 runs against, 6 Hits and 4 Walks while Phillips threw 2IP with 3 ER, 2 Hits and 1 K.

 

Poland started Jacob Hayes who threw 3 innings of scoreless baseball, retiring the side in order twice. The 4th inning was where things got dicey for Hayes because he would eventually allow the basses to fill but miraculously only conceded 1 run off of a RBI walk issued to Kaiden Clare. Hayes started the 5th but gave up 2 more runs thanks to a RBI single from Will Haynes and a RBI double from Nate Freeland. Mike Chambers came in after the RBI double and retired the next 2 batters. 

 

Chambers finished the game giving up 1 run in the 6th to an RBI single from Tyler Wilson and shutting Girard down and out in the top of the 7th. Hayes finished with 4 ⅓ IP giving up 3 Runs off of 5 Hits and striking out 4. Chambers finished with 2 ⅔ IP giving up 1ER off of 3 hits and struck out 3.

 

The Bulldogs continue to show everyone their dominance inside and out of the Northeast 8 and improved to 9-0 on the season and 6-0 in the conference, their next game will be at Shenango on April 20th at 12PM. Girard (5-7, 2-4) will travel to Salem on April 20th at 12PM.

TIGERS TAKE THE TOP OFF AGAINST RIDGE

NEW MIDDLETOWN OH- It was a dominant night for the Springfield Tigers as they made quick work of the Mineral Ridge Rams, cruising to a commanding 10-0 victory in just 5 innings.

The Tigers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with standout performances from key players leading the charge. Kolten Ruark had a stellar night at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an impressive 3 RBIs and crossing the plate once himself. Parker Dobson was equally impressive, going 1-for-1 with a walk, 2 RBIs, and an impressive 3 runs scored. Blake Jeffries also made his presence felt, going 1-for-1 with 2 RBIs, 2 walks, and 2 runs scored.

But it wasn’t just the offense that shined for the Tigers. Dobson took the mound and delivered a masterful performance, pitching a complete game shutout to secure the win. In 5 dominant innings, Dobson allowed just 1 hit while striking out an impressive 11 batters and issuing only 2 walks.

With performances like these, the Tigers proved that they’re a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball. As they continue to showcase their talent and determination, they’ll undoubtedly be a team to watch as the season progresses.

URSULINE OPENS SOME EYES

STRUTHERS OH- Ursuline made a statement on the baseball diamond with an impressive victory over Canfield on Thursday, using a powerful 5-run fourth inning to secure a 7-4 win.

Leading the charge for Ursuline was CJ Flasco, who made his presence felt in the lineup with a 1-for-4 performance, driving in 2 crucial RBIs. Luke Kollar also contributed with a timely RBI, drawing two walks and scoring both times he reached base. Johnny Cambert was a standout for the Irish, collecting multiple hits by going 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.

Anthony Triveri took the mound for Ursuline and delivered a solid performance, pitching 6.2 innings and allowing just 2 earned runs on 9 hits while striking out 4 batters.

Canfield put up a fight, with Zain Jadallah leading the charge with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate, driving in 3 RBIs. Tanner Stricko and Joey Gabriel also contributed with multiple hits on the day.

Despite their efforts, Canfield fell short, with Noah Anzevino taking the loss on the mound after pitching 3 innings and giving up 4 earned runs while striking out 3.

In the end, it was Ursuline’s day to shine as they showcased their offensive firepower and solid pitching to secure the victory. With performances like these, Ursuline is proving to be a force to be reckoned with on the baseball field.

BLUE JAYS BLISTER THEIR BATS

LOWELLVILLE OH- Jackson Milton wasted no time in taking control of the game on Thursday, kicking off with a three-run first inning that set the tone for a commanding 12-2 victory over Lowellville.

Several JM players stepped up with big performances to secure the win. Caden Ruby came through with 2 crucial RBIs, while Jaidyn Henry contributed with a 1-for-3 performance at the plate, driving in 2 runs. Landon Workman also made his presence felt, going 1-for-2 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs of his own.

On the mound, Brady Anton was lights out for Jackson Milton, pitching 4 solid innings and allowing zero earned runs on just 2 hits while striking out 2 batters. His stellar performance set the tone for the team’s dominant outing.

For Lowellville, Landon Esenwein managed to drive in a run, while Braylon Bolger contributed with a hit and a run scored for the Rockets.

In the end, it was Jackson Milton’s night to shine, as they showcased their firepower on both offense and defense to secure the impressive victory. With performances like these, Jackson Milton is proving to be a force to be reckoned with on the baseball diamond.

JFK ENDS IT IN EXTRAS

NILES OH- Warren JFK delivered an edge-of-your-seat performance on Thursday, capping off an exhilarating game with a walk-off victory against Geneva in a hard-fought 5-4 win that went into extra innings.

Dominic Ryan proved to be the hero of the night, coming through in the clutch with a game-winning single to seal the deal for Warren JFK. His 2-for-4 performance at the plate, coupled with an RBI, was instrumental in securing the victory.

But Ryan wasn’t the only standout for JFK. Andrew Lapolla and Michael Bartoe also came up big, each going 2-for-4 with an RBI of their own, adding firepower to the team’s offense.

On the mound, Warren JFK’s pitching staff was lights out, racking up a total of 7 strikeouts throughout the game. Lapolla led the charge, pitching the bulk of the game with 4.2 innings of stellar performance, allowing zero earned runs on just 4 hits while striking out 3 batters. Taggart Carflangia provided crucial relief, tossing 2.2 innings and striking out a pair to help secure the win.

With their collective effort on the mound and at the plate, Warren JFK showcased their resilience and determination, proving that they have what it takes to come out on top in the toughest of matchups.

BOARDMAN HOLDS OFF THE BULLDOGS

BOARDMAN OH- What a nail-biter of a baseball game it was at Boardman High School on Thursday night! The Boardman Spartans pulled off a heart-stopping victory in the bottom of the seventh, edging out the Lakeview 4-3 in dramatic walk-off fashion.

It all came down to the wire, with the game tied at three in the bottom of the seventh inning. That’s when Dylan Barrett stepped up to the plate and delivered a clutch sacrifice fly, bringing home the winning run and sending the Spartans into a frenzy.

But let’s backtrack a bit. Lakeview drew first blood in the third inning, but Boardman quickly responded, with Ryan Conti’s single in the fourth knotting things up at one apiece. Then, Grayson Eicher’s single in the fifth gave the Spartans a 3-1 lead, but Lakeview battled back, tying it up in the sixth with some timely doubles.

Ryan Neifer came in clutch on the mound for Boardman, earning the win with a solid relief performance. Meanwhile, Brandon Toot took the loss for Lakeview, despite a valiant effort on the hill.

Eicher was the offensive standout for Boardman, driving in two crucial runs, while Conti and Landon Whippo each collected two hits. The Spartans also made their presence felt on the basepaths, racking up four stolen bases and turning two key double plays in the field.

Lakeview put up a fight with 11 hits, with players like Andrew Brown and Jake Nicholas leading the charge. But in the end, it was Boardman’s day to shine, thanks to some late-game heroics and a gritty team effort that secured the thrilling victory.

DRAGONS FLAME OUT AGAINST HUSKIES

Ashtabula, OH- The Lakeside Dragons struggled tough challenge on Thursday, falling to the Cardinal Huskies with a final score of 7-2.

Cardinal wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, notching a run in the top of the first inning courtesy of hits from Logan Strever and Carter Tucker. They extended their lead in the third inning, with Tucker’s single pushing them ahead 5-1.

Tucker also shined on the mound for Cardinal, going the distance and securing the win. He allowed just two hits and two runs over seven strong innings, striking out eight Lakeside batters. Gage Tome stepped up in relief for the Dragons, pitching four solid innings and conceding only one earned run.

Despite the loss, Lakeside saw some bright spots in their lineup. Alex DiSalvatore and Zack Palmer each contributed with a hit, with Palmer driving in one of Lakeside’s runs. Tristan Westerfield displayed patience at the plate, drawing two walks for the Dragons. Overall, Lakeside showed discipline, earning seven walks throughout the game.

Cardinal’s offense was led by Strever and Tucker, who both collected two hits and drove in two runs each. The Huskies showcased their defensive prowess as well, committing no errors in the field.

Looking ahead, the Lakeside Dragons will aim to bounce back in their next game against the Grand Valley Mustangs on Saturday, as they strive to turn the tide and secure a victory.

GIRARD CONTINUES THE RAIDERS WOES

By Matt Maher 


GIRARD, OH – The battle for 3rd place in the Northeast 8 conference was in full swing on Thursday night with the Indians hosting the South Range Raiders to town. Both pitchers showed excellence and poise on the mound but it would be the Indians bats and Jaden Royals arm that would propel them past the Raiders 8-2 and allow Girard to tie South Range for 3rd place. 

 

The Indians started Jared Royal who kept South Range off of the board until the 4th inning where Tyson Tarajack led things off with a well placed double into center field and then three batters later Luke Gehring would bring him home with a RBI infield single! Royal sat the Raiders down in order in the 5th but in the 6th Julian Tranovich would bat in Brennan Klasovsky off of a long single to center field. Back in the 3rd inning Gaven Nagy ripped a shot down the third base line that was miraculously caught by Cam Herrick with no time to react!

 

Royal pitched a complete game with only 2 earned runs, 5 hits and 7 Ks. 

 

The Raiders started Logan Baxter who also pitched 3 shutout innings but it would be the 4th inning where the Indians would take control and never look back. It all started with a bloop single from Cam Herrick into shallow left field, Kaiden Clare would bat him in during the next at bat with a RBI Single to right. A throwing error from Will Gehrig would later let another run score and then 3 runs came in during Dom Phillips at bat with the first scoring off of a wild pitch and then Phillips bringing in 2 more with a long 2-run single to left center.

 

The Indians also went in order in the 5th but tacked on 3 more runs in the 6th thanks to a RBI groundout from Royal, RBI double from Phillips and a RBI single from Santino Barone.

 

Baxter, in 4 IP, gave up 5 runs off of 5 hits and issued 4 Ks along the way, Jake Shumate took over in the 5th giving up 3 runs off of 4 hits and sitting down the side in order in the 5th.

 

The Indians had everything moving in their huge win against South Range and the spoils of victory ended up being a share of 3rd place in the conference with these Raiders. South Range (7-4, 2-3) will continue their road trip when they visit Niles on April 22nd at 5PM while Girard (5-6, 2-3) hit the road to take on Poland on April 19th at 5PM.