POLAND 11U ADVANCES PAST CANFIELD

BOARDMAN, OH- Poland came ready to play on Thursday night thanks to eight runs in the second inning. The rally was led by singles by Thomas Tsudis, Sean Anders, and Gregory Hann, an error on a ball put in play by Ryan Metzinger and Teo Schiraldi, and a walk by Daniel Rohan.

Poland opened up scoring in the first inning. Daniel Rohan doubled on a 1-2 count, scoring two runs.

Ryan Metzinger led Poland to victory on the pitcher’s mound. The pitcher allowed three hits and two runs over four innings, striking out six.

Ben Zielinski was on the pitcher’s mound for Canfield. Ben lasted one and one-third innings, allowing two hits and eight runs while striking out two. Gino Cirruci and Brayden Kohler entered the game from the bullpen, throwing one and two-thirds innings and one inning respectively.

Ryan Metzinger, Daniel Rohan, Teo Schiraldi, Sean Anders, Keaton Gomon, Thomas Tsudis, Andrew Colla, and Gregory Hann each collected hits to lead Poland. The Bulldogs were sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Savva Hazimahalis made the most plays with four.

Poland will take on Boardman in the 11U District Championship Monday, July 11th at 6PM.

PURCHASE GAME PHOTOS HERE

 

HANGING WITH DR. COOPER

EAST PALESTINE, OH- To know Chet Cooper is to love him.  Pure and simple.

Dr. Chet Cooper who has been a staple of the Mahoning Valley scene for as long as most can remember has become synonymous with officiating, specifically Little League Baseball and Softball.

A veteran umpire of many levels, Chet Cooper has taken the skillset he’s learned on the diamond into the boardroom of Little League to help enhance the game wherever he can.  Cooper serves as the District 2 Little League Administrator and has the honor of hearing directly from coaches, fans, and players.  However, he also has the right to correct them (and does) every chance he gets.

Cooper does not crave power over people, he’s a servant leader with the best interest of kids, and the game of baseball at heart.

We chatted with Chet this week to discuss how he began his career in umpiring, and how he sees changes taking shape in the years to come in YSN’s special presentation of Hanging with Dr. Cooper.

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BOARDMAN PUNCHES TICKET TO CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

BOARDMAN, OH- A special team indeed.  Boardman kept their winning ways going on Wednesday night when they blanked a very good Austintown team 9-0 in the winner’s bracket showdown.

Boardman’s 12U All-Stars notched four runs in the second inning. The offensive onslaught by was led by Rocco Haas, Donovan Whippo, and Elijah Land, who each had RBIs in the inning.

One bright spot for Austintown All-Stars was a single by Bryce Stovall in the second inning.

Rocco Haas earned the victory on the mound for Boardman. The standout pitcher lasted five innings, allowing one hit and zero runs while striking out ten and walking one. Jack Gocala threw one inning in relief out of the bullpen and slammed the door shut with two strikeouts of his own.

Aeden DeMain took the loss for Austintown. The righty lasted two innings, allowing seven hits and seven runs while striking out one.

Boardman racked up 11 hits. Elijah Land, Jack Gocala, and Drew Starkey each had multiple hits for Boardman.  Drew, Jack, and Elijah each collected two hits to lead the team. Boardman was sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Milo Wright had the most chances in the field with nine.

Bryce Stovall led Austintown with one hit in one at-bat.

Boardman will await the winner of Austintown and Poland for the championship game on Monday.

 

 

POLAND 12U BOUNCES BACK AGAINST CANFIELD

BOARDMAN, OH- Less than 24 hours after falling to Boardman in the opening round of the 2022 District Tournament, Poland lit up the scoreboard for 10 runs against their rival Canfield in a 10-0 victory.

Poland opened up scoring in the first inning, when Dom Delloumo singled on a 3-0 count, scoring one run.

Matt Pint got the start for Poland. The righty surrendered zero runs on two hits over two innings, striking out three in a dominant performance.

Hudson Erjavic led things off on the mound for Canfield. The right-hander surrendered four runs on four hits over one inning, walking one. Luke Brose threw three innings in relief out of the bullpen.

Joey Ignazio went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead Canfield in hits.

Poland racked up 11 hits. Dom Delloumo, Zachary Marantis, and Colin Simerlink each had multiple hits for Poland. Delloumo led Poland with three hits in three at-bats. Poland tore up the base paths, as Zach Marantis led the way with two.

SCRAPPERS SALVAGE SERIES SWEEP WITH 3-1 VICTORY

NILES, OH- The Mahoning Valley Scrappers salvaged the series sweep with a 3-1 victory over the State College Spikes on Wednesday night. The Scrappers trailed early, but a 3 run sixth inning jolted the Scrappers to a much needed win.

State College got on the board early and often with a run scored in the first inning. Outfielder Lyndon Weaver  tripled off the top of the left center wall to get the Spikes started. Weaver scored on a throw down to second base from the catcher. It was a pitching dual tonight between both starting pitchers, allowing just 1 combined run throughout the first five innings. The game opened up offensively in the sixth inning, with the Scrappers scoring 3 runs. Bobby Sparling drew a 2 out walk to reach base in the sixth. Sparling was then moved to third base on a double down the left field line by Reed Chumley. Ohio State Buckeye, Zach Dezenzo tripled into left center to take a 2-1 lead for Mahoning Valley. Dezenzo then scored on a wild pitch to make it a 3-1 lead.

The Scrappers held the lead until things got interesting in the ninth inning. Mahoning Valley reliever Ben Thompson walked 3 guys to load the bases up with 2 outs. Thompson prevailed with a strikeout to win the ballgame by a final of 3-1. The Scrappers return home for a weekend series against West Virginia starting on Friday night at 7 P.M.

Homer Bush Postgame Interview:

BOARDMAN 12U SWINGS PAST POLAND

BOARDMAN, OH- Drew Starkey put a bolt of lightning in the Boardman offense on Tuesday night when he hit a ball into orbit on a solo home run in the first inning.

Donovan Whippo had all the right stuff for Boardman on the mound, allowing zero runs and besting Poland  by a score of 4-0

A single by Colin Simerlink in the first inning was a positive for Poland.

Whippo was the winning pitcher for Boardman. The bulldog lasted all six innings, allowing three hits and zero runs while striking out four.

Zach Marantis took the loss for Poland.  Marantis went four and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on ten hits and striking out four.

Boardman racked up ten hits in the game. Donovan Whippo, Patrick Groner, and Drew Starkey all collected multiple hits for Boardman 12U All Stars.

Boardman will turn their attention to Austintown tonight at 8pm.  If you can’t make the game, it will be broadcast on YSN.

 

WHEN MOTHER NATURE TAKES THE MOUND

CANFIELD, OH- Known as the Great American Pastime, baseball continues to be a staple in American sports. To every baseball and softball player, nothing beats a game on the diamond on a nice, sunny day, but what happens if Mother Nature decides to enter the game? Every player and coach dreads rain delays. They try to avoid these at all costs. Sometimes games are able to push through the inclement weather, but when they’re forced into one, times can get boring in the dugout. If there’s a player or coach in a delay and need to pass time, here are some ways to make it fly.

 

Tic Tac Toe

One of the easiest games to set up, Tic Tac Toe is a game of Xs and Os and is a great way to keep both teams in a competitive state. All it takes is a old baseball or softball and a writing utensil, and any team can quickly set up their own game.

 

Glove, Hand, Glove

This game requires a glove, a ball, and a hat. All participating members will be in a circle while wearing their gloves and hats with one person starting with the ball. The person starting with the ball will flip it to a random person in the circle. That person, without catching and holding onto the ball, must flip the ball from their glove, to their hand, back to their glove, and then to another person in the circle. If a person cannot complete this sequence, they will have to turn their hat one fourth around their head. Once someone’s hat has made a full cycle, they are eliminated.

 

Chicken Fight

Known as Shoulders Wars, Chicken Fight is a game that consists of two members per team. It requires one member of a team to carry the other on his or her back or shoulders while the person being carried attacks. The goal of the game is to knock the other attackers off their teammates. The last team to remain standing is the winner.

 

Staring Contest

A game of simplicity, it has been seen more and more in the game of baseball. A game that’s becoming more common when players come onto the field for the National Anthem can also be a game to make time fly when Mother Nature takes the mound. Make sure to bring eye drops to the game.

 

Although there are many other ways to occupy time during a rain delay, these are just a few things any team can do. Mother Nature may put ahold to the fun, but she’ll never take the love of the game.

 

TEAM WARNER SNAGS SECOND ANNUAL YSN ALL-STAR GAME

STRUTHERS, OH- The second annual YSN All-Star game was held at Bob Cene Park on Saturday night. Louisville head coach Brian Warner represented one side, while Canfield skipper Gary Knittle led the other squad. The best high school baseball players around the area gathered on one field to have some fun in a full 9 inning ballgame. Team Warner took a controlling lead early, and it was enough to take down Team Knittle by a score of 8-4.

Crestview Rebel, Carter Blakeman got the ball rolling in the top of the first with a double into left field, followed by a run scored on a 2 base wild pitch to take the first lead. Team Warner loaded up the bases in the second inning, and scored 3 runs on RBI singles by Cardinal Mooney Cardinal Zach Hryb, and JFK Eagle Gavin Shrum. The pride of Salem, and 1st Team All-Conference selection Darius Beck scored 1 more run in the top of the third to make it 5-0. Team Warner kept the foot on the pedal in the fourth scoring 2 more runs on a Luca Ricchiuti 4 bagger, followed by another Shrum RBI to make it 7-0.

During the middle half of the seventh inning, there was a very special recognition to a stand out member of the YSN family. JFK Eagle, Michael Mauro will be joining the United States Military Academy, West Point. Mauro has been a member of some of the best JFK baseball and football teams to ever come through the Valley. Mauro took a joyous jog around the bases to recognize his ultimate sacrifice to defend the the freedom’s of the United States. Here is the magic moment from Bob Cene Park:

Team Warner led 8-0 heading into the ninth inning, and held on to a late rally by Team Knittle to win the second YSN All-Star Game 8-4. Anthony Warner was the winning pitcher tossing 3 scoreless innings to take home the win.

Austintown Fitch Falcon, Joe Roth got the opportunity to play all 9 positions during the YSN All-Star Game. Roth played his final game in a Falcons jersey last night. Here is what the future Akron baseball player had to say:

Crestview Rebel, Carter Blakeman is the 2022 YSN All-Star Game MVP. Blakeman had a double and a run scored at the plate, while tossing 2 scoreless innings on the mound and striking out 4 batters. Congratulations to Blakeman on the award, and goodluck at Cuyahoga Community College next season!

The second YSN softball All-Star Game will be held at Youngstown State University tomorrow night at 7 P.M. You can purchase tickets at the gate. All earnings will benefit Project MKC.

 

 

 

SCRAPPERS DROP SERIES OPENER TO WILLIAMSPORT

NILES, OH- The Mahoning Valley Scrappers hosted the Williamsport Crosscutters in the series opener on Thursday night at Eastwood Field. The Scrappers had a sizeable lead late in the ballgame, but Williamsport rallied for 5 runs in the last 3 innings to take game 1 of the series.

The Scrappers came out swinging from the get-go, scoring 3 runs in the first inning on 5 hits. Williamsport scored 1 run in the second, but the Scrappers countered with an RBI single by Matt Archer to take a 4-1 lead. It was an offensive fourth inning for both teams, as Williamsport put up 3 runs in the top frame, before Scrappers third baseman Reed Chumley plated 2 on a line drive to left, padding the lead to 6-4 after the fourth inning.

The Crosscutters took their first lead of the ballgame in the seventh inning on a wild pitch to score 1 run, followed by a go-ahead 2 RBI single by lead-off hitter Matthew Etzel to take a 7-6 lead. The Crosscutters then added some insurance runs in the ninth inning on an unusual drop third strike that scored 2 runs on a throwing error by the catcher to first base. The Scrappers led off the ninth inning with a pinch hit home run by Bobby Sparling, but that was not enough as Williamsport beat Mahoning Valley 9-7 to win game 1. Game two of the series begins tonight at 7:05, you can listen to the game on YSNLive.com.

YSN BASEBALL ALL-STAR GAME ROSTERS ANNOUNCED

EAST PALESTINE, OH- The Rosters have been filled out for the 2022 YSN Baseball All-Star Game on June 25th, 2022 at Bob Cene Park.  The game will take place at 7pm, featuring the area’s standout players under the banner of Your Sports Network.

As always with YSN All-Star Games, a chosen organization that benefits the community was selected as the beneficiary of all of the admission funds.  Project MKC will be onhand to throw out the first pitch, and be recognized for all the great work they have done for families in need in the Mahoning Valley.

Admission will be $5 at the gate, and fans are encouraged to bring memorabilia to be autographed by players, and coaches before, during, and after the game.

This year, there are 50 representatives from area schools in the showcase.  Canfield’s Head Coach Gary Knittle, and Louisville’s Skipper, Brian Warner will lead each team with their respective staffs.

 

TEAM KNITTLE TEAM WARNER
P Landon Beidelschies

CANFIELD

P Anthony Warner

LOUISVILLE

P/C Joe Roth

AUSTINTOWN FITCH

P Carter Blakeman

CRESTVIEW

P Jake Grdic

CANFIELD

P Ryan Petro

CANFIELD

P Hunter Sturgeon

LISBON

P Mark Bunch

MINERAL RIDGE

P Michael Nittoli

POLAND

P Trent Newburn

UNITED

P Aiden English

SOUTH RANGE

P Gavin Shrum

WARREN JFK

P Cooper Vance

MOHAWK

P Drew Walker

HEARTLAND

P Drew Kirila

URSULINE

P Riley McElwain

COLUMBIANA

P Cole Litman

CARDINAL MOONEY

C Evan Tice

EAST LIVERPOOL

C AJ Verdi

MOHAWK

C Jacob Buchmann

WESTERN RESERVE

C Seth Cervello

BOARDMAN

C Darius Beck

SALEM

POS. Avery Wiegand

BEAVER LOCAL

POS. Josh Juliano

CANFIELD

POS. Jason Triveri

BOARDMAN

POS. Zach Hyrb

CARDINAL MOONEY

POS. Brady Kridler

COLUMBIANA

POS. Joe Fell

CHAMPION

POS. Justin Maldonado

EAST

POS. Andrew Kali

HUBBARD

POS. Drew Gault

HEARTLAND

POS. Kyler Bourne

EAST PALESTINE

POS. Dylan Dominguez

SOUTH RANGE

POS. Gino Lazzari

NEWTON FALLS

POS. Andrew Cupan

MCDONALD

POS. Michael Guarnieri

NILES

POS. Michael Mauro

WARREN JFK

POS. Luca Ricciuti

URSULINE

POS. AJ Stallsmith

SPRINGFIELD

POS. Jaxon Brewer

WELLSVILLE

POS. Justin Beeson

LOWELLVILLE

POS. JT Popick

LOUISVILLE

POS. Ashten Houlette

LEETONIA

POS. Aaren Romigh

JACKSON MILTON

POS. Duan Reynolds

CAMPBELL MEMORIAL

POS. Anthony Butto

BOARDMAN

POS. Andrew McRoberts

LAKEVIEW

POS. Billy Sloan

JACKSON MILTON

POS. Kayden Brown

CHANEY

POS. Jake Dohy

GIRARD