FEEZLE SHINES AS REBELS TRUMP CHAMPION

COLUMBIANA, OH-In a MVAC thrilling showdown on Monday, the Crestview Rebels showcased their pitching talents and offensive firepower, securing a hard-fought 3-1 win over Champion.

Ethan Feezle’s standout performance on the mound, coupled with clutch hits from Drew Dattilio and others, propelled the Rebels to victory in a game marked by tense moments and standout plays.

Feezle took center stage as the starting pitcher for Crestview, delivering a masterful performance that left Champion batters struggling to find their rhythm. With an impressive 11 strikeouts over seven innings, Feezle showcased his command and control, surrendering just one run on five hits while issuing seven walks.

Both teams demonstrated strength on the mound, but Feezle ultimately proved to be the difference-maker for Crestview.

The Rebels wasted no time making their mark, as Feezle’s own single in the bottom of the first inning put Crestview on the scoreboard early. The momentum continued in the third inning, with Dattilio delivering a crucial single to extend the Rebels’ lead to 2-0.

Dattilio’s standout performance at the plate highlighted the depth of Crestview’s lineup, as he led the team with three hits in three at-bats. Luke Julian, Dattilio, and Feezle each contributed with an RBI, while Zach Davis collected two hits to bolster the Rebels’ offensive attack.

For Champion, Carson Fife got the nod to start the game on the bump and went the distance for the Flashes.  Fife’s impressive performance included giving up two earned runs on eight hits, walking one and striking out five Rebels.  Fife would also drive in the only run of the game offensively for Champion while putting together a two-hit performance.

As Crestview (7-0) looks ahead to their next matchup against Champion on Tuesday, April 16th, they will look to take a season series and continue a great start to the season.

GAULT PROVIDES THE HEAT; LIONS POUND EP

NEW WATERFORD, OH- Drew Gault has been working towards days like these.  In a dazzling display of power-hitting, Drew Gault led the charge for the Heartland Christian as they clinched a decisive 12-2 win over East Palestine on Monday. Gault’s impressive performance, highlighted by two home runs and five RBIs, stole the spotlight and propelled his team to victory.

Gault wasted no time making his mark, launching homers in both the second and fourth innings to ignite the Lions’ offense and send the crowd into a frenzy.

Despite East Palestine striking first with a run in the opening frame, the Lions quickly responded, seizing the lead in the bottom of the inning. Brett Walker’s timely single drove in two runs, giving Heartland Christian the early advantage.

East Palestine managed to tie the game in the second inning, but Gault’s homer in the bottom half of the inning swung the momentum back in favor of the Lions, propelling them to a 5-2 lead.

The Lions continued to pile on the runs, with Tyler Rarick adding another tally in the third by stealing home. However, it was the explosive fourth inning that truly showcased Heartland Christian’s offensive prowess. Gault’s second homer of the game, coupled with errors that allowed additional runs to score, extended the Lions’ lead to a commanding 10-run margin.

On the mound, Jake Walker delivered a gutsy performance, stifling East Palestine’s offense and securing the win for the Lions. Walker’s six innings of work saw him allowing just three hits and two runs while racking up an impressive eight strikeouts.

Despite East Palestine’s efforts, they were unable to contain the Lions’ relentless offense and solid defense. Heartland Christian’s aggressive baserunning, highlighted by six stolen bases, kept the pressure on their opponents throughout the game.

With contributions from players like Rarick and Owen Bender, who stole multiple bases, and a patient approach at the plate that resulted in six walks, the Lions showcased their depth and versatility on both sides of the ball.

For East Palestine, Phoenix Marvin started the game on the bump, and surrendered three hits and two runs (one earned) over one inning, striking out one and walking none.  Payyon Rutledge took the tough loss for East Palestine. The reliever went one and one-third innings, surrendering one run on three hits, striking out two and walking one. 

Offensively, EP’s Marvin, Logan Guy, and Jason Robb each collected one hit for East Palestine. Morrison and Beatty each drove in one run for the Bulldogs.

As they look ahead to their next matchup, Heartland Christian will prepare to face Ursuline on Tuesday at the Ace of Diamonds facility. 

 

DRAGONS FALL TO WARRIORS IN FINAL INNING

Story by Larry Jennings

Ashtabula, OH- In a thrilling showdown on the diamond, Edgewood’s Varsity Warriors clashed with the Lakeside Dragons in a nail-biting baseball matchup that showcased stellar pitching performances and tense moments until the very end. On Monday, both teams brought their A-game, but it was the Edgewood Warriors who emerged victorious, edging out the Lakeside Dragons with a final score of 2-1.

The spotlight shone brightly on the pitchers as Logan Kray took the mound for Edgewood, while Lakeside sent Alex DiSalvatore to the bump. From the outset, it was evident that runs would be at a premium, as both hurlers showcased their prowess on the mound.
Kray proved to be a force to be reckoned with, racking up an impressive 12 strikeouts over six innings of work. Despite facing some pressure, he held Lakeside to just two hits and one run, displaying his command and dominance on the rubber.
Meanwhile, DiSalvatore  kept pace, going toe-to-toe with Kray. He pitched a solid seven innings, allowing just three hits and two runs, one of which was earned. DiSalvatore  showcased his own striking prowess, tallying nine strikeouts while issuing only one walk.
The game remained deadlocked until the late innings when the tension reached its peak. In the second inning, Edgewood managed to scrape across a run thanks to a wild pitch, taking an early lead. However, Lakeside fought back, leveling the score at one apiece in the bottom of the sixth inning with Zach Palmer’s clutch sacrifice fly.
As the game hung in the balance in the top of the seventh, Edgewood seized the opportunity to break the tie. An error by Lakeside allowed the Warriors to push across the decisive run, swinging the momentum in their favor.
Despite Lakeside’s valiant effort at the plate, drawing six walks and displaying aggressive baserunning with four stolen bases, they ultimately fell short in their quest for victory. Zach Palmer’s lone RBI stood as a testament to Lakeside’s resilience, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Edgewood’s pitching prowess and opportunistic offense, with Tony Hall scoring both runs for the Warriors.
The Dragons didn’t go down without a fight, however. Lakeside had the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh with one out, but Alex Sperduto got a pop out and a fly ball out to end the game.
In the end, it was Logan Kray who earned the win for Edgewood, while Alex Desalvator was saddled with the loss for Lakeside. Aiden Hernandez, Logan Rudolph, and Riley Baldwin each contributed with a hit for the victorious Warriors, while Caleb Stitt, Gage Tome, Alex DiSalvatore, and Chase Newsom collected hits for the Lakeside Dragons.
With the dust settled on this thrilling encounter, Edgewood Warriors look ahead to their rematch against the Lakeside Dragons at Walter C Higgins Field at Edgewood High School on Tuesday. As the two teams prepare to square off once again, fans can expect another intense battle on the diamond as both sides seek redemption and bragging rights in this fiercely contested rivalry.

DARNLEY DIALS IN; FITCH FLIES PAST MOONEY

AUSTINTOWN, OH- The Austintown-Fitch Falcons delivered a powerhouse performance on Monday, securing a resounding 10-2 victory over the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals. From the first pitch to the final out, the Falcons showcased their prowess on both offense and defense, leaving their opponents in the dust.

The Falcons wasted no time asserting their dominance, putting runs on the board early and often. Mason Petridis set the tone in the first inning with a clutch double that drove in a crucial run, giving Austintown-Fitch an early lead.

Building on their momentum, the Falcons continued to pile on the pressure in the second inning. Frank Senediak’s well-timed single extended the lead to 3-0, setting the stage for what would be a commanding performance.

A relentless offensive onslaught saw Austintown-Fitch adding to their lead in the third inning, with Rocco DiFlorio’s sacrifice groundout bringing another run across the plate, further solidifying their control of the game.

The sixth inning proved to be the Falcons’ crowning moment, as they exploded for four more runs to put the game out of reach for Cardinal Mooney. Nik Kyprianou and Jake Wallace came through in the clutch with timely singles, while Hayden Warmouth’s towering homer to center field put the exclamation point on Austintown-Fitch’s commanding lead.

On the mound, John Darnley delivered a stellar performance, stifling Cardinal Mooney’s offense and earning the well-deserved win for the Falcons. Darnley’s five and one-third innings of work saw him allowing just one run on four hits, while striking out three and walking two.

Despite a valiant effort from Cardinal Mooney’s William Petty, who racked up six strikeouts, it was ultimately not enough to contain the Falcons’ potent lineup.

Austintown-Fitch’s offensive firepower was on full display, with Petridis, Carter Owens, and Senediak each contributing two hits to the team’s impressive tally. Petridis, Warmouth, and Senediak also played key roles in driving in runs, while Owens showcased his speed on the basepaths with two stolen bases.

Defensively, the Falcons remained solid throughout, working the count and drawing six walks to keep the pressure on Cardinal Mooney. With four stolen bases in the game, Austintown-Fitch proved to be a force to be reckoned with in all facets of the game.

The Cardinals showed flashes of what could be at times on offense, with Taco Verroco going 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the team in hits, while Ben Oddis went 1-for-3 with a double, RBI, and a run scored.

As they look ahead to their next matchup, Austintown-Fitch Varsity Falcons are poised to continue their winning ways as they take on the Lakeside Dragons at home on Wednesday. 

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EAGLES FLY PAST FALCONS ON THE BASEBALL FIELD

Photo Credit: Tanya Jean Photography

Jefferson, OH- The Jefferson Falcons faced a tough challenge against the Geneva Eagles, falling short in a 17-2 defeat on Monday.

The Eagles wasted no time getting ahead, capitalizing on opportunities in the first inning to take an early lead. Curtis Maier’s double, combined with errors from the Falcons, allowed them to jump ahead with a quick run.

Geneva continued to build on their advantage in the second inning, with Maier’s single and a smart tag up adding to their tally.

Despite the Falcons’ efforts to rally, the Eagles maintained control, adding two more runs in the third inning, courtesy of Sebastian Hall’s walk.

The Eagles’ offense truly soared in the sixth inning, exploding for eight runs on four hits. Shea Arkenburg and Wyatt Habina delivered key hits, while an error and another double from Maier extended the Eagles’ lead significantly.

Hewitt Wilt shone on the mound for the Eagles, pitching with precision and striking out nine batters over four and two-thirds innings to secure the win.

On the Falcons’ side, Luke Lambert battled through two innings on the mound, but ultimately couldn’t contain the Eagles’ potent offense.

Offensively, Tate Hudson, Toby Dickson, Giovanni Matticola, and Logan Saksa each contributed with hits for the Falcons, with Hudson and Dickson also driving in runs.

For the Eagles, Maier stood out with an impressive performance, leading the team with four runs batted in while collecting three hits. Habina and Andrew Oros also made significant offensive contributions, each with multiple hits.

Geneva displayed patience at the plate, drawing eight walks throughout the game, with Ryland Besco, Kean Arkenburg, and Wilt leading the charge. Besco also showcased his speed on the basepaths, stealing two bases.

As the Falcons regroup for their next matchup against Geneva, they’ll aim to learn from this experience and come back stronger on Tuesday.

BADGERS WRANGLE THE MUSTANGS

Photo Credit: Jocyln Nicholas

Burton, OH- In a tough outing for the Grand Valley Varsity Mustangs, the Berkshire Varsity Badgers dominated the diamond, securing a convincing 10-0 victory on Monday.

From the onset, the Badgers wasted no time in asserting their dominance, capitalizing on an error in the first inning to snatch an early lead, scoring two runs. Their offensive prowess continued to shine in the bottom of the third inning, with key contributions from Ethan Martin and Lou Filby, who combined to extend Berkshire’s lead with a combination of smart plays and power hitting.

Martin’s stellar performance wasn’t limited to the plate, as he also showcased his prowess on the mound, stifling the Mustangs’ offense with just one hit allowed over five innings, while striking out an impressive nine batters.

On the other side, Eric Ellsworth endured a challenging outing for the Mustangs, surrendering six runs (two earned) over two and one-third innings, despite his efforts to keep the Badgers at bay.

Offensively, the Mustangs struggled to find their rhythm, with Justin Hagan being the lone standout, going 1-for-2 at the plate.

Meanwhile, the Badgers’ offense fired on all cylinders, amassing 10 hits throughout the game. Filby emerged as a key contributor, notching three runs batted in, while leadoff hitter Sam Barcikoski set the tone with an impressive three hits in four at-bats. Patrick Brancel and Martin also made significant offensive contributions, each collecting multiple hits, while Paul Brent showcased his speed on the basepaths with two stolen bases.

As the Mustangs look to bounce back, they’ll hit the road for their next matchup against Berkshire, aiming to turn the tables in their favo

CANFIELD SHUTS DOWN PERRY

MASSILLON, OH- It hasn’t been easy to get games in over the last couple weeks, but when they’ve played, the Canfield Cardinals have made it count.  In a thrilling showdown on Saturday, the Cardinals soared to victory over the Perry Panthers with a commanding 4-0 win. The Cardinals wasted no time making their mark, with an explosive first inning setting the tone for the rest of the game.

It was a display of skill and determination from the Canfield squad right from the start. Zain Jadallah’s solid single set the stage, followed by a daring steal of home by Michael Patellis, each contributing to the team’s early lead.

The pitching prowess of Canfield was on full display, with Noah Anzevino leading the charge to secure the win. Anzevino’s stellar performance saw him giving up just one hit and zero runs over three impressive innings, striking out an impressive seven batters and walking none.

Meanwhile, Jack Kintz of the Perry Panthers Varsity faced a tough outing, as the Cardinals’ offense proved to be too much to handle. Despite a valiant effort, Kintz took the loss after going four innings, surrendering zero runs on two hits.

Patellis took the mound first for Canfield, showcasing their versatility on the field. With precision and control, Patellis held the Panthers at bay, allowing just one hit and zero runs over two solid innings.

The Canfield bullpen continued to dominate, with Jadallah and Will Murphy stepping in to close out the game and secure the victory.

At the plate, Jadallah’s performance was nothing short of stellar, going 2-for-3 and driving in a crucial run for the Cardinals. It was a testament to the team’s depth and talent across the board.

Looking ahead, the Canfield Varsity Cardinals are poised for another exciting matchup at Cene Park on Field 1, facing off against Howland at 7pm on Monday. 

CARDS TURNING A CORNER

YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In a heated battle on Saturday, Trent Litman showcased his batting prowess, collecting three hits in four at-bats and propelling the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals to a well-deserved 13-8 triumph over Triway.

Litman’s standout performance included a powerful home run to left field in the second inning, followed by timely singles in the fourth and sixth innings, contributing significantly to his team’s offensive onslaught.

Cardinal Mooney drew first blood in the opening frame, capitalizing on a fielder’s choice induced by Triway’s Wyatt, resulting in one run crossing the plate. However, Triway quickly responded, taking the lead in the bottom of the first inning with a clutch single from Patterson that drove in two runs.

Undeterred, the Cardinal Mooney Varsity Cardinals turned the tide in the top of the second inning, exploding for six runs on five hits, highlighted by Litman’s towering home run that plated two runs.

The offensive barrage continued as Cardinal Mooney extended their lead in the third inning, with Kaden Reese, Ben Oddis, and Vince Gentile all contributing to the scoring drive.

On the mound, Oddis earned the win for the Cardinals, delivering a solid performance over three innings, while Gentile provided two innings of no-run relief, showcasing his pitching prowess.

Cardinal Mooney Varsity Cardinals piled up an impressive 14 hits, with Gentile leading the charge with three RBIs, while Reese and Jonathan Brenner contributed multiple hits to the offensive onslaught.

Taco Verroco added to the Cardinals’ dominance with two stolen bases, highlighting their aggressive approach on the basepaths.

For Triway, Patterson led the offensive charge with three RBIs, supported by strong performances from Schag and B. Snyder, who each contributed multiple stolen bases.

Looking ahead, Cardinal Mooney Varsity Cardinals are set to face Austintown Fitch on Monday, aiming to carry their winning momentum into the upcoming clash.

 

OFFENSE REIGNS AS WARRIORS AND RAIDERS DO BATTLE

BELOIT, OH- In a gripping showdown on Saturday, Hunter Shields showcased his offensive firepower with four RBIs on two hits, but it wasn’t enough to secure victory for the West Branch as they fell to the South Range in a thrilling 14-12 encounter.

Despite the Warriors outhitting their opponents 14 to 12, they couldn’t stave off the Raiders’ relentless offense. Aaron Tucker led the charge for West Branch with an impressive three-hit performance.

The Warriors drew first blood in the bottom of the first inning, with Shields igniting the offense with a crucial double that drove in two runs, followed by a groundout from Jeremiah Thomas, adding another run to their tally.

However, the Raiders swiftly responded, leveling the score in the top of the second inning courtesy of a single by Logan Baxter and a fielder’s choice by Tyler Wardle.

The game took a dramatic turn in the top of the third as the Raiders exploded for six runs on three hits, seizing a commanding 9-3 lead, highlighted by a clutch three-run single from Konnor Brogan.

Not to be outdone, the Warriors mounted a spirited comeback in the bottom of the fifth, rallying for five runs on four hits to snatch a narrow 10-9 lead, with Shields once again delivering a timely single that drove in two runs.

The seesaw battle continued as the Raiders fought back to tie the game at 10 in the top of the sixth, before the Warriors reclaimed the lead 12-10 in the bottom half of the inning thanks to a clutch single from Boston Mulinix.

In a nail-biting finale, the Raiders refused to back down, knotting the score at 12 apiece in the top of the seventh with a single from Jake Shumate. They then surged ahead in the top of the eighth, scoring two crucial runs to secure the hard-fought victory.

Jake Shumate earned the win on the mound for the Raiders, while Jaxon Robb suffered the loss for the Warriors.

Both teams displayed offensive prowess, with the Warriors racking up 14 hits, led by Beau Alazaus, Mulinix, Anthony Perry, and Thomas, while the Raiders capitalized on key opportunities, with Brogan emerging as the standout performer with four RBIs.

Looking ahead, the Warriors will regroup as they prepare to face off against the Girard in their next home game on Sunday, aiming to bounce back from the tough loss and return to winning ways.

CARDS COME OUT ON TOP IN MASSILLON

MASSILLON OH- Canfield was triumphant over Perry 4-0 on the road on Saturday. The Cardinals got on the board in the top of the first inning after Zain Jadallah singled, and Michael Patellis stole home, each scoring one run.

Noah Anzevino earned the win for the Cardinals. The reliever gave up one hit and zero runs over three innings, striking out seven and walking none. Jack Kintz took the loss for Perry. He went four innings, surrendering zero runs on two hits, striking out one and walking none. Patellis led things off on the bump for Canfield. They gave up one hit and zero runs over two innings, striking out two and walking none. Preston Breit began the game for the Panthers. The southpaw surrendered one hit and two runs (zero earned) over two innings, striking out five and walking one. Jadallah and Will Murphy each came on in relief for Canfield and shutdown the Panthers.

Jadallah went 2-for-3 at the plate as the outfielder led the team with one run batted in.