HERALDS BASEBALL CAGES THE WILDCATS

/in , /by

Southington, OH- In an impressive display of pitching dominance, Ryan Williams led the St. John Heralds to a commanding 11-1 victory over the Chalker Wildcats on Wednesday at Chalker High School. Williams showcased his skills on the mound, tallying an impressive 11 strikeouts while allowing just two hits and one run over four innings of work, setting the tone for the Heralds’ dominant performance.

The Heralds wasted no time asserting their offensive prowess, particularly in the third inning, where they exploded for seven runs to seize control of the game. Contributions from Anthony Severino, Ezra Campbell, Nick Karr, Bryson Vennitti, and Brady Cole fueled the scoring spree, with each player playing a crucial role in driving in runs and extending the Heralds’ lead.

St. John got on the board early in the first inning, with Campbell’s double driving in two runs and Cole drawing a walk to add another run to their tally.

On the mound for the Chalker Wildcats, Vince DelVecchio faced a tough outing, surrendering five runs (four earned) over two innings, while Aaron Wychock provided solid relief pitching for the Heralds, tossing one inning of scoreless ball.

Offensively, the Heralds showcased their depth, collecting nine hits throughout the game. Severino and Campbell proved to be a formidable duo in the lineup, each driving in three runs, while Cole contributed two hits in two at-bats. The Heralds’ disciplined approach at the plate was evident, as they drew eight walks, with Wychock, Williams, and Will Anderson leading the team with two free passes each.

The Heralds’ aggressive baserunning added to their offensive onslaught, as they swiped four bases during the game, while their solid defensive play was highlighted by a well-executed double play.

Despite the Wildcats’ efforts, including hits from Del Vecchio and Zach Pack, they were unable to overcome the Heralds’ dominant performance.

Looking ahead, the St. John Heralds will carry their momentum into their next challenge on the road against the Windham Bombers on Thursday, aiming to continue their winning streak and maintain their position as a formidable force in the NAC.

DRAGONS STRUGGLE IN EAGLES NEST

/in , /by

Photo Credit Joclyn Nicholas

Geneva, OH- The Lakeside Dragons faced a tough challenge trying to win 2 straught against the Geneva Eagles, ultimately falling 15-2 in Wednesday’s matchup. Geneva wasted no time asserting their dominance, jumping out to an early lead with a flurry of hits and aggressive baserunning in the first inning.

Logan Queen’s single drove in the first run for Geneva, followed by key hits from Kean Arkenburg and Logan Rustic that extended their lead. R Besco’s ground out added another run to Geneva’s tally.

In the second inning, Geneva capitalized on Lakeside’s defensive miscues, with Queen and Shea Arkenburg contributing to their commanding lead.

Geneva continued to pour on the runs in the third inning, highlighted by Hewitt Wilt’s homer and solid plate discipline that allowed them to capitalize on walks and wild pitches.

Shea Arkenburg turned in a dominant performance on the mound for Geneva, limiting Lakeside to just one hit and one run over three and one-third innings while striking out eight batters and displaying excellent control.

Anthony Wooten took the loss for Lakeside Dragons, facing a tough outing on the mound, surrendering seven runs on four hits in just one inning of work.

Tristan Westerfield drove in Lakeside’s lone RBI, while Wooten led the team with one hit.

Despite the tough loss, Lakeside showed patience at the plate, drawing nine walks throughout the game, indicative of their disciplined approach.

Geneva’s offense was led by Hewitt Wilt, who racked up three hits from the leadoff position, while Shea Arkenburg and Kean Arkenburg proved formidable back-to-back in the lineup, each driving in three runs. Logan Queen also contributed with two hits.

Geneva’s aggressive baserunning was a key factor, with multiple stolen bases adding to their offensive onslaught.

Looking ahead, the Lakeside Dragons will regroup for their next challenge, a road game against Perry on Friday, as they aim to bounce back from this defeat and showcase their resilience on the diamond.

MUSTANGS GET STUNG BY KIRTLAND

/in , /by

Photo Credit: Jocyln Nicholas

Orwell, OH- Despite a valiant effort to mount a comeback in the fifth inning, the Grand Valley Varsity Mustangs fell just short in a narrow 5-4 loss to Kirtland on Wednesday. The Mustangs narrowed the deficit with a series of hits and a well-executed fielder’s choice, but ultimately couldn’t overcome Kirtland’s early lead.

Kirtland seized the momentum in the top of the fourth inning, with Tyler Turk scoring on a tag-up play and Macguire Boyd driving in another run with a single to put them on the scoreboard.

Max Paul delivered a solid performance on the mound for Kirtland, earning the win after allowing only two runs (one earned) on six hits over six innings, while striking out nine batters and walking four. On the other side, Payton Plizga of the Grand Valley Varsity Mustangs pitched admirably but was saddled with the loss, surrendering three earned runs on nine hits over six and one-third innings, with seven strikeouts and just one walk.

Plizga and Eric Ellsworth contributed RBIs for the Mustangs, showcasing their offensive prowess in a closely contested game. Justin Hagan emerged as a standout performer at the plate for Grand Valley, going 4-for-4 on the day.

Kirtland’s offense was led by Boyd, Tyler Turk, and Lucci Cantini, each collecting two hits, while Boyd, Jack Turk, and Cantini drove in runs to support their team’s effort.

In the end, despite a spirited offensive display and strong pitching from both sides, the Mustangs fell short of victory. They will look to bounce back in their next matchup, a home game against St. John on Saturday, as they aim to return to the win column and build on their competitive performance against Kirtland.

WARRIORS ZAPPED BY BLUE STREAKS

/in , /by

Story Credit: Larry Jennings

East Ashtabula, OH- In a thrilling showdown at Edgewood Senior High School, the Madison Blue Streaks delivered a masterclass performance, overpowering the Edgewood Warriors with a resounding 17-3 victory on Wednesday. The highlight reel moment came in the pivotal fourth inning, where the Blue Streaks unleashed a torrent of offense, notching an astounding ten runs to secure their triumph.
The opening salvo was fired by the Blue Streaks as Nathan Yarnell ignited the scoreboard with a well-placed single, ushering in the first run of the game. However, the Warriors swiftly retaliated in the bottom of the first inning. Tony Hall’s clutch double coupled with Caleb Johnson’s sharp single, combined with a crucial error by the Blue Streaks, allowed Edgewood to seize the lead momentarily, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
But the game took a dramatic turn in the fourth inning when Madison’s bats came alive with a vengeance. Displaying remarkable offensive prowess, the Blue Streaks unleashed a relentless barrage, notching an imposing ten runs fueled by four hits. The inning’s apex came with a critical error that drove in three runs, effectively turning the tide in Madison’s favor.
As the game progressed, Madison continued to assert their dominance, piling on six more runs in the fifth inning, further widening the gap. Stellar performances from key players like Evan Smith and Nolan Thomas, who collected three hits each, underscored the Blue Streaks’ offensive firepower. Notably, Thomas and Eddy Gvora emerged as pivotal figures, driving in four runs apiece, leaving an indelible mark on the scoreboard.
On the mound, Eddy Gvora showcased his mettle, earning the win for Madison with an impressive display of control and precision. Despite facing some resistance from the Warriors, Gavora held his ground, allowing only five hits and three runs, while striking out six batters over five innings.
On the other side, Alex Sperduto endured a challenging outing for Edgewood, succumbing to the relentless onslaught from Madison’s offense. Despite a valiant effort, Sperduto was unable to contain the Blue Streaks, conceding seven runs on five hits over three and one-third innings.
Despite the setback, Edgewood’s resilience shone through, with players like Riley Baldwin, Hayden Hernandez, and Caleb Johnson delivering commendable performances at the plate. However, it wasn’t enough to stave off Madison’s relentless onslaught.
With this commanding victory, the Madison Blue Streaks reaffirmed their status as a force to be reckoned with in the league, sending a clear message to their rivals. As they set their sights on future challenges, the Blue Streaks can draw confidence from this resounding triumph, while Edgewood looks to regroup ahead of their next encounter at Howland on Friday.

FALCONS OUTLAST SPARTANS IN THE LATE INNINGS

/in , /by

Conneaut, OH- In a gripping showdown on Wednesday, the Jefferson Falcons soared past the Conneaut Spartans with a 9-6 victory. The Falcons made their mark early in the game, seizing the lead in the second inning as Michael Riffle and Giovanni Matticola’s hits brought in crucial runs.

However, the Spartans fought back fiercely in the fourth, turning the tables with a surge of five runs, led by Bryce Spurlin’s powerful double that drove in three runs. Despite this setback, the Falcons rallied in the fifth inning, reclaiming the lead with key hits from Luke Lambert, Riffle, and Devin Salinas.

The game remained tense as Conneaut managed to level the score in the sixth inning when Anthony Rivera drew a walk scoring a run, but the Falcons refused to be denied. In the decisive seventh inning, a crucial error by Conneaut allowed the Falcons to break the tie, followed by a ground out by Toby Dickson that extended their lead to 9-6.

Dickson’s stellar performance on the mound earned him the win for Jefferson, showcasing his dominance with seven strikeouts over three and one-third innings. On the other side, J.R. Hutchison of the Conneaut Spartans faced a tough loss despite an impressive 12 strikeouts throughout the game.

Offensively, Riffle shone for the Falcons, driving in two runs and making a significant impact from the seventh spot in the lineup. Matticola, leading the charge at the top of the order, contributed with two hits, setting the tone for the Falcons’ offense.

Meanwhile, Spurlin and Ty Covill stood out for the Spartans, collecting two hits each with Spurlin’s bat proving particularly potent, driving in three crucial runs. Conneaut displayed patience at the plate, drawing 10 walks during the game, with Hutchison and Ethan Osborne leading the charge.

Looking ahead, the Falcons are set to defend their home turf against Pymatuning Valley on Friday, aiming to carry their momentum forward. As for the Spartans, they will hit the road to face the Girard Yellow Jackets in their next challenge, eager to bounce back from this hard-fought defeat.

YOUNG CARDS LEAD BY EXAMPLE IN WIN OVER URSULINE

/in /by

STRUTHERS, OH- In a thrilling Holy showdown on Tuesday at Bob Cene Park, Jonathan Brenner showcased his pitching prowess, striking out an impressive 11 batters to propel the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals past Ursuline with a 3-1 victory. Brenner delivered a stellar performance, allowing just two hits and one run over seven innings while issuing five walks.

The matchup featured a display of formidable pitching from both teams. Cardinal Mooney’s hurlers collectively recorded 11 strikeouts, while Ursuline’s pitchers managed to sit down six Cardinal hitters.

Ursuline seized an early lead in the first inning when Brenner induced Thomas Pesa to hit into a fielder’s choice, allowing one run to cross the plate. However, Cardinal Mooney quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning, with Ben Oddis delivering a crucial single to tie the game at one apiece.

The momentum swung in Cardinal Mooney’s favor in the bottom of the third inning. Oddis once again stepped up, connecting with another single to drive in a run and give his team a 2-1 lead.

Ursuline’s CJ Frasco absorbed the loss on the mound, enduring three and two-thirds innings and conceding three runs on five hits while striking out four and issuing two walks.

Oddis emerged as a standout performer for Cardinal Mooney, driving in two crucial runs and finishing the day with a 2-for-3 batting performance.  Kaden Reese delivered an RBI insurance policy for Mooney, and also added a stolen base to his resume in the win.

For Ursuline, Rowan Urbach and Frasco contributed with one hit each, hitting back-to-back in the lineup. Pesa led the team with one RBI.

Looking ahead, Cardinal Mooney Cardinals will hit the road for their next matchup against Chaney on Wednesday, aiming to carry the momentum from this victory into their upcoming game.

 

RAIDERS GOING FULL SPEED AHEAD

/in /by

STRUTHERS OH- South Range didn’t face any problems in dispatching Struthers on Tuesday at Cene Park, 15-1.

South Range got on the board in the top of the second inning after Gaven Nagy singled, scoring three runs, an error scored one run, and Luke Gehring lined out, scoring one run. They exploded and scored six runs on six hits in the top of the third inning. Tyler Wardle singled, scoring one run, Jake Shumate singled, scoring one run, Julian Tranovich singled, scoring one run, Andrew Brian singled, scoring one run, and an error scored two runs.

Shumate earned the win for the Raiders. The righty allowed three hits and one run (zero earned) over three innings, striking out four and walking two. Gehring tossed two innings of no-run ball for the Raiders in relief. The righty surrendered zero hits, striking out four and walking one.

South Range collected 15 hits in the game. Tyson Tarajack, Nagy, and Logan Baxter each collected two hits. Ethan Viano, Shumate, Wardle, Tarajack, Nagy, Lincoln Cleevely, Brian, and Tranovich each drove in one run. Tarajack stole two bases. The team ran wild on the base paths, accumulating five stolen bases for the game.

South Range was sure-handed and didn’t commit a single error. Will Gehring made the most plays with nine.

MOHAWK WINS DEBUT ON THE TURF

/in /by

By Eric Hughes

Mohawk defeated Wilmington, 8-3 on Tuesday night, following the ribbon cutting ceremony for their new turf and improve to 6-1 on the season.

The Warriors wasted no time getting on the board following an RBI single from Vinny Pezzuolo to take a 1-0 lead after the first inning.

Wilmington answered with a run shortly after following an RBI single to tie the game at 1-1.

The Warriors picked up where they left off and scored another run in the second inning following an RBI double to give themselves a 2-1 lead.

Wilmington answered back in the third inning with a solo home run from Ben Miller to the game at 2-2, but Mohawk responded with an RBI single from Jack Andrews and a double steal that led to another run scored to give the Warriors a 4-2 lead after three innings.

Things unraveled for Wilmington in the fourth inning as a defense error allowed two more runs to score for Mohawk and a SAC fly from Aidan Bowser gave the Warriors a 7-2 lead.

Vinny Pezzuolo added on insurance with an RBI double in the sixth inning to give the Warriors an 8-2 lead with one inning left to play.

Ben Miller drove in another run for Wilmington in the seventh inning off an RBI single to cut the deficit to five, but their luck ran out shortly after.

Vinny Pezzuolo got the win on the mound, only allowing two runs on five hits, and had six strikeouts. He also went 2-3 at the plate with a double and two RBIs.

Bobby Fadden finished the game with three RBIs and got the save on the mound for the Warriors.

CRESTVIEW CHARGES DOWN CAMPBELL

/in /by

COLUMBIANA OH- Ethan Feezle was dominant on the hill, as the starting pitcher rang up 10 strikeouts in Crestview’s 7-1 victory over Campbell Memorial on Tuesday. Feezle surrendered three hits and one run over five innings while walking two.

Crestview got on the board in the top of the second inning after Zach Davis singled, and Eli Cope doubled, each scoring one run. They added to their early lead in the top of the third inning after Campbell committed an error, and Caden Booth singled, each scoring one run. Booth went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead Crestview in hits. Feezle and Booth each drove in two runs.

BEAVERS BREAK OUT AGAINST WELLSVILLE

/in /by

WELLSVILLE OH- Aiden Dray collected three hits in three at bats, as Beaver Local defeated Wellsville 17-0 on Tuesday. Dray doubled in the third inning, singled in the second inning, and singled in the third inning.

The Beavers won thanks in part to 11 runs in the third inning. Keaton Heddleston singled, scoring one run, Kristian Lantz singled, scoring one run, Dray singled, scoring one run, an error scored one run, Braxton Hickman doubled, scoring two runs, Evan Stephenson singled, scoring one run, Lantz singled, scoring two runs, Collin Gaydos singled, scoring one run, and Dray doubled, scoring one run. They then  got on the board in the top of the second inning after Dray singled, scoring one run, Wyatt Johnson hit into a fielder’s choice, and one run scored, and Paxton Grimes tripled, scoring two runs.

Grimes earned the win for Beaver Local Beavers Varsity. The starting pitcher gave up zero hits and zero runs over two innings, striking out four and walking one.

Beaver Local piled up 14 hits in the game. Grimes went 1-for-4 at the plate as the pitcher led the team with four runs batted in. Lantz collected two hits in two at bats. Stephenson paced the offense with two walks. Overall, the team had patience at the plate, amassing 11 walks for the game. Stephenson and Micah Jones each stole multiple bases. Beaver Local stole six bases in the game as a team.