ROCKETS BLAST PAST MUSTANGS

/in /by

Maplewood, OH- In a closely contested battle on Thursday, the Maplewood Rockets edged past the Grand Valley Mustangs with a 3-1 victory. While both teams showcased strong pitching performances, Maplewood’s hitters found just enough firepower to secure the win.

The game kicked off with Maplewood seizing an early lead in the first inning, capitalizing on an error to score one run.

On the mound, Logan delivered a standout performance for Maplewood, going the distance and allowing only one unearned run on five hits over seven solid innings. His commanding presence included 11 strikeouts and just three walks. Meanwhile, for the Grand Valley Mustangs, Eric Ellsworth took the mound and put up a valiant effort, pitching five innings and surrendering only two earned runs on six hits, while striking out three batters.

Despite the loss, the Mustangs displayed resilience at the plate, with Trenton Murduck, John Foss, Justin Hagan, Ellsworth, and Bryce Meeker each contributing a hit to the offensive effort.

For Maplewood, Eloph emerged as a key offensive force, driving in two crucial runs. Additionally, Erwin and Clover showcased their hitting prowess with two hits apiece. Suba’s disciplined approach at the plate resulted in two walks for the Rockets, contributing to their offensive strategy. Overall, Maplewood demonstrated patience at the plate, accumulating six walks throughout the game, while Clover’s speed on the basepaths was evident with two stolen bases.

Looking ahead, the Grand Valley Mustangs will regroup and prepare for their upcoming matchup against Lakeside on Saturday, aiming to bounce back and secure a victory in their next outing.

PIRATES SINK THE SPARTANS

/in , /by

Conneaut, OH- The Conneaut Spartans offense struggled against an incredibly talented Perry Pirates, ultimately falling 23-1 on Thursday at CLYO.

Perry Pirates wasted no time asserting their dominance, storming ahead in the top of the first inning with a barrage of runs. Sam Tharp’s groundout kicked off the scoring, followed by a series of hits and walks that drove in multiple runs, including RBI singles by Cade Henderson and Connor D’Astolfo.

The Pirates continued to pile on the runs, extending their lead in the second and third innings with timely hits and aggressive baserunning. By the fourth inning, they had amassed an impressive seven runs on three hits, further widening the gap.

Despite their efforts, the Spartans struggled to contain the Pirates’ potent offense, with Ty Covill enduring a challenging outing on the mound.

Offensively, the Spartans managed to scratch across a lone run, with Dylan Philip driving in the solitary score. Bryce Spurlin led the team with two hits in three at-bats, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pirates’ dominant performance.

For the Pirates, Owen McKoon stood out with a stellar performance at the plate, leading the team with four runs batted in. D’Astolfo, Henderson, and #8 also made significant contributions with multiple hits each, while Luke Sivon displayed patience at the plate with three walks.

Perry Pirates demonstrated discipline at the plate, collecting 10 walks throughout the game, while also utilizing their speed on the basepaths to steal four bases.

Defensively, the Pirates were solid, committing no errors throughout the game, with McKoon making the most plays.

With this tough loss behind them, the Conneaut Spartans will regroup and prepare for their next game at home against the Pymatuning Valley Lakers on Saturday, aiming to bounce back and secure victory on their home turf.

HERALDS OFFENSE SHARP IN WIN OVER WARRIORS

/in , /by

Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas

East Ashtabula, OH- In a big time Ashtabula County matchup, the St. John Heralds emerged triumphant over the Edgewood Warriors with a hard-fought 11-7 victory on Thursday.

Will Anderson led the charge for the Heralds, delivering a stellar performance with three hits in four at-bats, including two crucial doubles and a timely single.

The Heralds wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, capitalizing on an error in the first inning to take an early lead.

However, the Warriors quickly turned the tide in the second inning, surging ahead to a 4-1 lead with a barrage of hits, including singles by Geno Measel and Zane Naylor, along with a double from Aidan Hernandez.

Undeterred, the Heralds responded emphatically in the bottom of the second, unleashing a potent offensive onslaught to score five runs on four hits, seizing a 6-4 lead. Anthony Severino’s double proved to be the highlight of the inning, driving in two crucial runs.

The Heralds continued to pile on the runs in the fourth inning, adding five more runs on three hits, with Bryson Vennitti’s double and Anderson’s timely hit contributing to their commanding lead.

On the mound, Ryan Williams showcased his pitching prowess for the Heralds, surrendering zero earned runs over six and two-thirds innings, while striking out seven batters. Aaron Wychock came in in the top of the 7th inning for closing duties throwing blazing heaters to get the final strikeout of the game.

For the Warriors, Alex Sperduto endured a challenging outing, allowing four earned runs over three and two-thirds innings.

Offensively, the Heralds amassed nine hits in the game, with Vennitti leading the charge with two hits. Anderson and Brady Cole showcased their speed on the basepaths, each stealing multiple bases, while the team collectively accumulated eight stolen bases.

Despite the loss, the Warriors displayed resilience at the plate, tallying 10 hits in the game, with Hernandez leading the charge with three hits including 3 doubles.

While the score was high this game was not without spectacular defensive plays including jaw dropping catches by the Warriors Logan Kray and the Heralds Ezra Campbell. Looking ahead, the Heralds will carry their winning momentum into their next game against Mathews on Friday, aiming to maintain their dominance on the field. Meanwhile, the Warriors will prepare for a doubleheader at home against the Harvey Red Raiders followed by the Pymatuning Valley Lakers, seeking to bounce back and secure victory in their upcoming matchups.

HUBBARD STAYS ON A TEAR

/in /by

HUBBARD OH- Andrew Kali collected three hits in three at bats, as Hubbard defeated Struthers 14-2 on Wednesday. Kali doubled in the third inning, doubled in the second inning, and singled in the first inning.

Hubbard scored eight runs in the third inning on the way to victory. Tyler Wright singled, scoring two runs, Johnny Reyes drew a walk, scoring one run, Kali doubled, scoring two runs, an error scored one run, Braydon Songer drew a walk, scoring one run, and a passed ball scored one run. A ground out by JR Hovanec put Struthers  on the board in the top of the first.

The Eagles took the lead in the bottom of the first. Geno Leshnack singled, scoring two runs, to give them the lead, 2-1. They then added to their early lead in the bottom of the second inning after Wright tripled, Reyes singled, Kali doubled, and they scored on a wild pitch, each scoring one run.

Kali earned the win for Hubbard. The right-handed pitcher gave up two hits and two runs over three innings, striking out two and walking two. Isaac Wolfe stepped on the mound first for the Wildcats. The starting pitcher allowed five hits and five runs over one and one-third innings, striking out none and walking one.

Hubbard piled up nine hits in the game. Leshnack stole two bases. They had patience at the plate, piling up six walks for the game. The Eagles ran wild on the base paths, collecting six stolen bases for the game. Hubbard was sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Wright had the most chances in the field with five.

Michael Scavnicky and Hovanec were a one-two punch in the lineup, as each drove in one run for Struthers. Leadoff hitter Anthony Pastella led with two hits in two at bats. Struthers turned one double play in the game.

BEAVERS FALL SHORT AGAINST BROOKE

/in /by

EAST LIVERPOOL, OH-  Last evening showcased a solid display of high school baseball as the Brooke Bruins took on Beaver Local at their home field. The Bruins didn’t waste any time getting on the scoreboard, knocking in two runs off a couple of hits and an error in the very first inning.

Beaver Local’s lineup struggled early on but found a spark in the third inning thanks to a solo home run by senior Colin Gaydos. Despite the shot of momentum, the Beavers found hits hard to come by, managing only four more for the rest of the game and only one additional run.

On the mound for Beaver Local, Wyatt Johnson started and pitched three and two-thirds innings, surrendering four runs on three hits while striking out five. Freshman Andre Wiegand took over in relief, allowing one run on three hits and adding a strikeout to his early varsity stats.

Meanwhile, Brooke continued to build on their lead, adding three more runs to secure a 5-2 victory over the Beavers.

Beaver Local will look to bounce back in their next game tonight at Martins Ferry.

LISBON LOCKS DOWN COWBOYS

/in /by

LISBON, OH- Brady Carpenter turned in a stellar pitching performance, striking out 12 batters to lead the Lisbon Blue Devils to a commanding 6-1 win over Chaney.

Carpenter was in control from the start, allowing just two hits and a single run across seven innings, issuing only a couple of walks along the way.

The Devils wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. In the very first inning, Aiden Myers made it count by grounding out to bring in the opening run. While the Devils’ bats were active, it was Carpenter who stood out not only on the mound but also at the plate. He went 2-for-3 and drove in two crucial runs, helping his own cause and bolstering the team’s lead.

On the opposing side, Johnson struggled with the Devils’ lineup. The Chaney starter was pulled after four and a third innings, during which he surrendered five runs, but only two were earned due to some fielding missteps. He managed to rack up five strikeouts and walked one.

Alongside Carpenter, Marc Moore and Ryan Carpenter each notched two hits. Moore showed off his speed, stealing two bases as part of a total of four steals by the team, which kept the pressure on Chaney throughout the game.

Chaney did manage to scrape together a run thanks to Moon, who drove in their lone run and was one of just two Chaney players, alongside Polk, to hit safely against Carpenter’s dominant outing.

Looking ahead, the Devils are set to face Wellsville on Wednesday to finish the season series.

REBS KEEP SWINGING HOT BATS; TOAST FLASHES

/in /by

WARREN, OH- On Tuesday, the Crestview put on a hitting clinic as they rolled past Champion with a decisive 13-3 victory, sparked by a massive seven-run outburst in the fourth inning. The Rebels’ lineup was on fire, turning walks and hits into a sizeable lead that Champion just couldn’t recover from.

The game got going in the first inning when Max Hawkins grounded out but still managed to push a run across for Crestview. Champion tied it up in the second inning, capitalizing on a Rebel error. However, Crestview didn’t let the tie last long. Ethan Feezle ripped a double in the third, driving in two runs to push Crestview ahead 3-1.

The real damage came in the fourth inning, though. The Rebels’ bats were relentless. Braden Devine and Josh Dragovich both walked with the bases loaded, each bringing in a run. Hawkins then added to the tally with a sacrifice fly. But the biggest hits came from Caden Booth, who doubled to bring in two more runs, and Jayden Kimble, who followed up with a two-run single.

On the mound, Zach Davis turned in a solid performance to earn the win, giving up just two runs (one earned) on six hits over five innings, striking out four. The pitching for Champion struggled to keep up, with their starter surrendering 10 runs (nine earned) before being pulled in the fourth.

Crestview was swinging well all game, tallying 13 hits. Drew Dattilio, Devine, Feezle, and Booth each picked up two hits. The lineup showed depth as Dattilio, Feezle, Booth, and Kimble all contributed two RBIs each, highlighting a balanced offensive attack.

For Champion, it was a tougher day at the plate, but Dylan Howell and Carter Boggs each managed to notch two hits. Shane Hixson added an RBI to try to keep things competitive.

The Rebels showed great discipline at the plate, working six walks throughout the game, which certainly helped build their rallies.

Next up, Crestview takes their hot bats on the road to face the Springfield Tigers on Wednesday, riding high from their explosive performance and looking to keep the momentum going.

RED DRAGONS BOUNCE BACK AGAINST STRUTHERS

/in /by

NILES, OH- Tuesday’s game at Waddell Park was a close-fought affair, with the Niles Red Dragons just edging out the Struthers Wildcats 5-4 in a contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the last out.

The Red Dragons struck first, lighting up the scoreboard in the bottom of the first inning. AJ Yost kicked things off with a single and then took matters into his own hands by stealing home, showcasing both speed and daring.

Struthers responded in the top of the third when JR Hovanec delivered a timely single that brought in two runs, nudging the Wildcats ahead 3-2. But their lead was short-lived as Niles McKinley rallied back in the fourth inning. Brian Parsons’ well-placed sacrifice bunt, followed by hits from Brixton Gilmour and Landon Turner, each drove in a run, flipping the game back in favor of the Red Dragons.

On the mound, Gilmour was solid for Niles McKinley, scattering six hits across a complete game and allowing four runs while striking out six. His counterpart, Jordan Becker of Struthers, struggled a bit more, surrendering five runs over just three and two-thirds innings.

Hovanec was a bright spot for Struthers, batting in two runs, while Caleb Sakara, Josh Robison, Michael Scavnicky, Anthony Pastella, and Travis McMurray each contributed hits.

For the Red Dragons, Yost, Turner, and Gilmour not only led with their bats—each recording two hits and an RBI—but also with aggressive baserunning, contributing to a total of four stolen bases for the team. Yost alone swiped two bases, adding pressure on Struthers’ defense.

Defensively, Niles was flawless, not committing a single error throughout the game, with Andrew Strader making the most plays in the field with seven.

As Struthers prepares for their next challenge against Hubbard on Wednesday, they’ll be looking to tighten up their game and convert more of their opportunities into runs. Meanwhile, the Red Dragons will be riding high on their victory, hoping to carry this momentum forward against Lakeview.

BRANCH COMES UP SHORT AGAINST ALLIANCE

/in /by

BELOIT, OH- On a tightly contested Tuesday, the Alliance Varsity Aviators edged out the West Branch Warriors with a slim 3-2 victory, thanks to some timely hits and solid pitching.

The game kicked off with both teams showcasing strong performances on the mound, but it was Alliance’s knack for clutch hitting that eventually made the difference. The scoring opened in the third inning when Brady White of the Aviators managed to single home a run, putting the first score on the board.

West Branch wasn’t down for long, though. Jaxon Robb responded with a crucial single on a full count in the fourth inning, pulling the game back to a tie. The Warriors then briefly took the lead in the fifth, courtesy of Anthony Perry’s double, making it a tight 2-1 game.

However, the Aviators weren’t finished. They came back strong with a pivotal double in the sixth inning to regain and solidify their lead.

On the pitching front, DiAngelo Fisk was key for Alliance, throwing three strong innings of relief where he allowed just one hit and no runs, striking out two. His effort clinched the win for the Aviators. Beau Alazaus, despite a strong outing for West Branch where he notched seven innings and struck out five, unfortunately took the loss.

At the plate, Anthony Perry and Jaxon Robb each put up a solid fight for West Branch with two hits and an RBI apiece, with Perry also snagging a couple of stolen bases. For Alliance, Ryan Bruni was the standout, going 2-for-3 and leading his team in both hits and defensive chances, with no errors on the day.

Lincoln Reese also made significant contributions for Alliance, driving in two runs with a crucial hit that contributed heavily to their victory.

Both teams showed great defense, with West Branch turning a double play in the game, but it was Alliance’s day to shine.

As they gear up for a rematch on Wednesday, with West Branch traveling to face the Aviators again, the Warriors will be looking to turn the tables and even the score.

POLAND STAYS UNBEATEN; CAGES LAKEVIEW

/in /by

CORTLAND, OH- At Lakeview High School on Tuesday, Aiden Thompson was unstoppable, going a perfect three-for-three at the plate to help Poland Seminary Varsity Bulldogs secure a commanding 9-4 win over Lakeview.

The game started with Lakeview edging into an early lead after Nathan Paolucci knocked a single to drive in a run in the first inning. However, the Bulldogs didn’t let that lead last long. They came roaring back in the second inning, unleashing a six-run barrage highlighted by Carmine Tukalo’s three-RBI double following a gritty 7-pitch at-bat.

Thompson continued his hot streak in the third, adding another RBI single to extend the Bulldogs’ lead to a comfortable 7-1. His consistent batting was a key part of the Bulldogs’ strategy, keeping the pressure on Lakeview throughout the game.

On the mound, Matt Paparodis handled his business effectively, grabbing the win with a solid four-inning outing where he gave up three runs (two earned) and struck out five, despite handing out five walks. Lakeview’s Paolucci, who started, found it rough going against the Bulldogs’ active bats, yielding eight runs over nearly six innings.

The Bulldogs’ lineup showed depth and versatility, racking up a total of 11 hits. Tukalo and Thompson were not the only ones swinging well; Ryan Dilullo and Jacob Hayes also had multiple hits. The Bulldogs were also aggressive on the base paths, stealing six bases, with Thompson and Paparodis each snagging more than one.

Lakeview tried to keep pace, with Paolucci, Isaiah Lantz, and others contributing hits, and Eli Gough working the count for three walks, showing great plate discipline. Despite their efforts and a total of seven walks drawn, the early deficit was just too much to overcome.

Looking ahead, the Bulldogs are set to face LaBrae on Wednesday, riding high from their solid team performance and likely looking to keep their momentum going.