WARRIORS WALK IT OFF AGAINST ELLWOOD

BESSEMER, PA- Tuesday’s game at Mohawk was an absolute nail-biter, ending in a dramatic walk-off 5-4 win for the Warriors over Ellwood City. The tension was palpable right up to the final moments when Aidan Bowser drew a crucial walk with bases loaded, bringing in the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Ellwood City had earlier put the pressure on in the third inning. Isiah Lutz kicked things off with a sharp double, followed by Aaron Lake’s single. A slip-up by the Warriors’ defense allowed each to score, shaking up the scoreboard.

Fast forward to the seventh inning, it was all about clutch performances. Jay Wrona smashed a double to set the stage, and then Bowser walked it off with that game-winning base on balls.

Jackson Chapman was the hero on the mound for the Warriors, coming in as a reliever to throw four solid innings, giving up just one run on two hits and keeping the walks at bay. His effort not only halted Ellwood City’s momentum but also set his team up for that thrilling finish.

On the flip side, Aaron Lake, who had been a key player at bat, ended up taking the loss for Ellwood City after yielding three runs during his stint as reliever. The game also saw a steady start from Briar Crawford for Mohawk and Nate Kennedy for Ellwood City, both setting the initial pace in this tight contest.

At the plate, Chapman shone bright, going 2-for-3 to lead the Warriors, with key RBIs coming from him, Vinny Pezzuolo, Wrona, and Bowser.

Ellwood City’s Jacob Biskup had a standout day too, batting a perfect three for three. Lake, Lutz, and Biskup each contributed an RBI, keeping their team in contention till the very end. And not to miss, Lake’s swift moves snagged him a couple of stolen bases.

Both teams flashed some leather as well, each turning a crucial double play that no doubt added to the day’s drama.

The Warriors are now gearing up for their next challenge as they head to Beaver Falls on Thursday. If it’s anything like this game, fans are in for another treat.

MOGADORE FIGHTS BACK TO SPLIT WITH JFK

NILES, OH- In a tightly contested game that went the distance, Mogadore eked out a 5-3 victory over the Warren JFK Eagles on Tuesday. The game, held at Eastwood Field, showcased resilience and clutch performances, particularly from Mogadore’s pitcher Ronnie Skye, who also shined at the plate.

The scoring opened with Mogadore taking a modest lead in the first inning, but it was the third inning when JFK responded, taking advantage of a couple of hits to put up two runs. The game saw several shifts in momentum, with Mogadore clawing back with runs in the sixth and seventh, and finally sealing their victory with two crucial runs in the ninth.

Ronnie Skye was undoubtedly the star for Mogadore, not just pitching a complete game but also scoring three of his team’s five runs. His performance on the mound was gritty, navigating through nine innings on a heavy pitch count of 125 pitches. Despite the pressure, he managed to keep his composure, allowing three runs and striking out two, walking three.

JFK had its moments too. Chase Hadley delivered with two hits and two RBIs, including a double. Dominic Ryan added a triple to his tally, driving in a run. The team matched Mogadore in hits but just couldn’t convert enough of these opportunities into runs, leaving ten runners stranded on base.

Mogadore’s ability to capitalize on their chances, despite having fewer opportunities (stranding twelve), was key. Jake Hopkins came through with three hits and two RBIs, adding essential runs for Mogadore in those tight moments.

This game was a tough pill to swallow for Kennedy, especially considering they were at home and had multiple chances to seize control. The pitching for JFK saw Jaden Rishel starting strongly, but as the game wore on, Mogadore’s hitters adjusted and found ways to score. Michael Bartoe and Andrew Lapolla tried to hold the line, but the small gaps in defense and a couple of wild pitches contributed to their challenges.

Mogadore walks away with the win, but both teams displayed plenty of heart and hustle. JFK will look to bounce back in their next game which is scheduled Thursday away against Boardman.

HERALDS 4TH INNING FIREWORKS LEAD TO WIN OVER LAKERS

Ashatbula, OH- In a thrilling showdown, the St. John Heralds emerged victorious over the Pymatuning Valley Lakers with a resounding 11-6 triumph on Tuesday. Brady Cole led the charge with a flawless performance, collecting three hits in as many at-bats, including a crucial double in the fourth inning and two timely singles.

The Lakers struck first, with Drake Haines delivering a pivotal single in the top of the first inning, putting them on the scoreboard early. However, the Heralds wasted no time responding, as Ryan Williams’ double and an error leveled the score in the bottom half of the inning.

The momentum swung decisively in favor of the Heralds in the fourth inning, as they erupted for seven runs on four hits, seizing a commanding 9-2 lead. Cole’s double proved to be the highlight of the inning, driving in three crucial runs.

Will Anderson anchored the Heralds on the mound, delivering a solid performance over five innings, surrendering just one earned run while striking out nine batters. Meanwhile, Smith started for the Lakers, enduring a challenging outing over four innings.

Offensively, the Heralds showcased their firepower with 10 hits in the game, with Anthony Severino and Williams leading the charge with multiple hits each. Severino’s speed was on full display as he swiped three bases, contributing to the Heralds’ aggressive baserunning, which resulted in six stolen bases overall.

Defensively, the Heralds executed flawlessly, turning a crucial double play to stifle any Lakers’ rally attempts.

Despite the loss, the Lakers found some success at the plate, with Wludyga driving in three runs and Haines and Ryan Croston each collecting two hits.

Looking ahead, the Heralds will carry their winning momentum into their next matchup against Badger on Wednesday, aiming to maintain their dominance on the field. As for the Lakers, they’ll hit the road to face the Chalker Wildcats, eager to bounce back and secure victory in their upcoming game.

DRAGONS HOT AT THE PLATE IN WIN OVER WARRIORS

Story by Larry Jennings

Ashtabula, OH- In a baseball showdown characterized by offensive fireworks, the Edgewood Warriors found themselves on the wrong end of a 14 to 12 slugfest against the Lakeside Dragons on Tuesday at Edgewood Senior High School. Both teams showcased their hitting prowess, combining for an impressive total of 28 runs on 28 hits.

The Lakeside Dragons wasted no time asserting their dominance, opening the scoring in the top of the first inning courtesy of a pair of well-timed singles. Gage Tome’s RBI single set the tone for Lakeside’s explosive offensive display.
However, it was in the second inning that the Dragons truly unleashed their offensive onslaught, tallying six runs on three hits to extend their lead. Contributions from players like Zach Palmer, who delivered a clutch double, and Chase Newsome, who drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, propelled Lakeside to an early advantage.
Despite the deficit, the Edgewood Warriors refused to back down, mounting a spirited comeback effort fueled by standout performances from players like Tony Hall. Hall’s remarkable display at the plate, which included five hits and three RBIs, served as a beacon of hope for the Warriors as they battled to narrow the gap. Also contributing significantly was Zane Naylor’s performance, as he was two for four and drove in three.  Leadoff batter Aidan Hernandez was two for three and scored three runs.
In a game marked by momentum swings and offensive fireworks, both teams traded blows, with neither willing to concede defeat easily. However, it was ultimately the Lakeside Dragons who managed to maintain their edge, fending off the Warriors’ late rally to secure the hard-fought victory.
Anthony Wooten emerged as the hero for Lakeside, earning the win on the mound with a gutsy performance. Despite facing pressure from the Warriors’ lineup, Wooten showcased composure, allowing nine hits and four runs over 5 2/3 innings while striking out five and issuing no walks.
On the other side, Anthony Ciesicki endured a tough outing for the Edgewood Warriors, shouldering the loss after surrendering nine runs, only one earned, over three innings of play. Despite the challenges on the mound, Ciesicki  demonstrated resilience, striking out four batters in his efforts to keep the Warriors within striking distance.
Offensively, the Warriors put up a formidable fight, piling up 13 hits throughout the game. Aiden Hernandez and Logan Kray were among the standout performers for Edgewood, each collecting multiple hits to contribute to the team’s offensive effort.
For the Lakeside Dragons, players like Alex DiSalvatore, Dylan Newsome, and Chase Newsome led the charge, each driving in two runs to bolster their team’s offensive output. With contributions from players up and down the lineup, Lakeside showcased their depth and versatility at the plate.
Despite the loss, the Edgewood Warriors remain undeterred as they look ahead to their next challenge against Ashtabula St. John, on Thursday. Buoyed by their resilience and fighting spirit, the Warriors are determined to bounce back and return to the win column in their pursuit of success on the baseball diamond.

VIKINGS WIN STREAK GOES TO THREE

By Matt Maher 


STRUTHERS, OH – The Vikings are on a 3-game winning streak thanks to an absolutely fantastic effort Tuesday night against Lowellville at Bob Cene Park. The Vikings pounced early and often in their 10-0 victory over the Rockets that ended in just 5 innings.

 

Lowellville started Tyler Tuscano on the mound and he had his troubles early with a leadoff single from Aric may and then 2 RBI groundouts later in the first from Kyle Werbeck and Landon McClain. Tuscano continued in the 2nd inning giving up 3 more runs with a 2-run double from Werbeck and an RBI single from Austin Hurst as well as 3 walks in the inning.

 

Lowellville opted for Zak Sargent in the 3rd where he pitched .2 inning with 4 runs given up but the Rockets first strikeout of the night. Cody Nolfi found the 3rd out in the 3rd and pitched the entire 4th only surrendering 1 run off a RBI double from Trevor Simons. Braylon Bolger would finish off the game and end the night with the only shutout inning for the Rockets.

 

Kyle Werbeck was starter for Waterloo and went 3 full innings racking up 5 Ks and allowing just 1 hit and not conceding any runs. Mason Sweitzer finished off the game finding 2 Ks and giving up just 1 hit and finishing off the shutout for the Vikings.

 

Lowellville continues to struggle to start off the season and drops to 0-6 on the season and 0-5 in conference play. Waterloo increases their win streak to 3 and improve to 3-3 overall and 3-2 in conference play.

FALCONS LOSE A CLOSE ONE IN REMATCH WITH EAGLES

Photo Credit: Tanya Jean Photography

Geneva, OH- The Jefferson Falcons found themselves in a hard-fought battle against the Geneva Eagles, ultimately falling short in a heart-wrenching 7-6 loss on Tuesday, decided in the final moments of the game. With the score knotted at six in the bottom of the seventh, Geneva’s Kean Arkenburg sealed the victory with a decisive line-out, driving in the winning run.

Geneva wasted no time setting the tone, jumping out to an early lead with a pair of singles in the bottom of the first inning, courtesy of Andrew Oros’s clutch hit.

The Eagles continued to press their advantage, extending their lead to 5-2 in the third inning thanks to a timely single by Shea Arkenburg.

Undeterred, the Falcons rallied back in the top of the fourth, leveling the score at six apiece with a crucial walk by Tate Hudson and a well-executed play off a passed ball.

However, Geneva quickly regained the lead in the bottom of the fourth, capitalizing on a Falcons error to edge ahead 6-5.

Jefferson refused to go down without a fight, knotting the score once again in the top of the seventh, courtesy of Michael McGraw’s groundout.

Ultimately, it was Geneva’s Logan Queen who emerged as the hero, earning the win on the mound with a stellar performance, surrendering zero earned runs over three and two-thirds innings, while striking out five.

For the Falcons, Toby Dickson endured a tough outing, pitching six and two-thirds innings and allowing three earned runs on eight hits, despite his valiant effort.

Offensively, Dickson led the charge for the Falcons, going 3-for-4 at the plate, while Hudson provided crucial support with three walks.

Despite the loss, the Falcons showcased patience and discipline at the plate, accumulating seven walks throughout the game.

On the Eagles’ side, Queen, Hewitt Wilt, and Oros each collected two hits, while Arkenburg and Queen proved to be a formidable offensive duo, driving in two runs apiece.

As the Falcons regroup for their next matchup against Pymatuning Valley, they’ll look to channel their resilience and determination, aiming to bounce back and secure victory on Thursday.

SPARTANS BASEBALL STUMBLES AGAINST BLUE STREAKS

Madison, OH- The Conneaut Spartans faced a formidable challenge against the Madison Blue Streaks, succumbing to an 11-1 defeat on Tuesday at Madison High School.

Madison wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Evan Smith’s single driving in the opening run in the third inning.

The Blue Streaks continued to pour on the pressure, exploding for five runs on four hits in the fourth inning. Alexander Davis, Landon Tomco, and Ben Amos delivered clutch hits to extend Madison’s lead.

On the mound, Eddy Gvora showcased his pitching prowess for the Blue Streaks, allowing just one hit and one unearned run over six innings, while striking out an impressive 11 batters.

J.R. Hutchison endured a challenging outing for the Spartans, surrendering six runs (two earned) over three and two-thirds innings, despite tallying six strikeouts.

Offensively, Ethan Osborne provided a lone highlight for the Spartans, driving in a run while going 1-for-2 at the plate.

For the Blue Streaks, Tomco emerged as a standout performer, leading the team with three runs batted in, showcasing the depth of Madison’s lineup. Davis also made significant contributions, collecting two hits in two at-bats.

Amos displayed his speed on the basepaths, swiping two bases, while the Blue Streaks collectively wreaked havoc with five stolen bases throughout the game.

As the Spartans regroup for their next matchup against the Perry Pirates, they’ll aim to learn from this experience and come back stronger, determined to turn the tide in their favor on their home turf.

CANFIELD GETS THE LAST LAUGH

Canfield worked their way through a back and forth battle and topped topped Howland 7-4 on Monday.

Howland got on the board in the first inning after an error scored one run. Canfield took the lead in the bottom of the first inning after Ryan Weibling doubled, and David Murphy grounded out, each scoring one run. Dominic Santee grounded out, which helped Howland tie the game at two in the top of the third. A single by Michael Patellis gave the Cardinals the lead, 3-2, in the bottom of the third. Ketan Perry grounded out, which helped Howland tie the game at three in the top of the fourth.

A double by Dylan Mancini gave Canfield the lead right back, 4-3, in the bottom of the fourth. Santino Minniti was struck by a pitch, which helped Howland tie the game at four in the top of the fifth.

In the bottom of the fifth, Canfield broke up the tie when Murphy singled, scoring two runs. Then a passed ball followed to extend the lead to 7-4.

Anthony Groner earned the win for the Cardinals. The starting pitcher gave up two hits and three runs (one earned) over four innings, striking out six and walking five. Brayden Kovarik took the loss for Howland. He went four innings, giving up five runs on eight hits, striking out five and walking none. Weibling collected the save.

Canfield accumulated 11 hits in the game. Murphy provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led with three runs batted in. The infielder went 1-for-3 on the day. Tanner Stricko, Weibling, Groner, and Patellis each collected two hits. The Cardinals ran wild on the base paths, tallying five stolen bases for the game.

Brendan Ray, Luca Fronzaglio, and Bode Biggin each collected one hit for Howland. Santee, Minniti, and Perry each drove in one run. The Tigers had a strong eye at the plate, amassing eight walks for the game. Howland didn’t commit a single error in the field. Aidan Anders had the most chances in the field with 11.

SPARTAN ARMS COME OUT TO PLAY; WIPE OUT HARDING

BOARDMAN, OH- The Spartans edged out Harding in a nail-biter on Monday, winning 2-1 thanks to some stellar pitching and timely hitting.

Collin Resetar took the mound for the Spartans and was a force, handling the Harding lineup with ease. He chalked up 16 outs, held them hitless through over five innings, and allowed just one run while striking out seven.

The Spartans struck first in the second inning when Charlie Young knocked a single to bring in two runs, giving his team the early lead they needed.

Resetar snagged the win for his efforts, while Harding’s starter, who went six innings and surrendered two unearned runs on four hits, took the tough loss. Ryan Neifer also stepped up for the Spartans, throwing one and two-thirds scoreless innings in relief, allowing just one hit and striking out three.

Young, batting ninth, didn’t let his spot in the lineup hold him back, driving in both of the Spartans’ runs on a 1-for-2 day at the plate. He, along with Grayson Eicher, Marty Stachowicz, and Tyler Kirlik, each managed to pick up a hit. Landon Whippo was a threat on the bases, snagging two steals as part of the Spartans’ four total on the day.

The Spartans are back at it against Harding again on Tuesday to decide the season series.

THINGS LOOKING UP FOR LIVERPOOL IN WIN

EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- The East Liverpool Potters rolled past Oak Glen High School with a smooth 6-0 win on Monday.

The action heated up in the fourth inning when Kasen Ramsey stepped up and smacked a single that brought two runners home, kicking off the scoring for the Potters.

On the mound, Jake Smith was nearly untouchable for East Liverpool. He pitched a stellar game, giving up just one hit and no runs across seven innings, striking out eight and only walking one. On the flip side, Christian Chappell had a tougher day for Oak Glen, giving up three runs over four innings on just one hit, with three walks and three strikeouts.

Ramsey wasn’t just a hero at bat; he also led the Potters with two RBIs from the seventh spot in the lineup, despite going 1-for-3.

Hits were hard to come by, with Evan Tice, Trent Davis, and Ramsey each snagging one for East Liverpool. Both teams flashed some defensive skills too, each turning a double play during the contest.

For Oak Glen, Preston Cole managed to eke out a hit in his three at-bats.

Next, the Potters (5-5) are set to face off against Indian Creek on Tuesday.