PALOMINO: BIG GAME CHASE COMES THROUGH FOR YOUNGSTOWN

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LAREDO, TX- Facing elimination and seeking revenge for a heartbreaking loss to Puerto Rico on Saturday night, Coach Don Pletcher handed the ball to the battle-tested young man with a championship pedigree, and Chase Franken again displayed the mettle that has earned him a long list of big game victories as Youngstown defeated Puerto Rico 6-3 here Sunday night.

After a shaky start that saw Franken uncharacteristically walk two in the first inning, leading to two runs for Puerto Rico, he found his groove retiring 14 of 15 batters at one point.  He went the distance allowing 3 runs on five hits while striking out six and walking three. 

Offensively, the Astro Falcons took an early 1-0 lead as Franken started the game with a base hit and scored on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Justin Miknis.  They tied the score at 2-2 in the second when Bobby Lane scored on a balk. Then trailing 3-2 in the fourth, Lucas Gulczinski led off with a single and was moved along by a Ricky Havrilla base hit.  Brandon Gelpi drew a walk, setting the stage for the night’s biggest blow. Brayden Beck delivered a bases-clearing triple to right giving Youngstown a 5-3 lead. Franken then drove home Beck to finish the scoring.

Youngstown now faces Puerto Rico for the rubber match tomorrow morning here at Uni-Trade in Laredo.  Once again, YSNlive.com will bring you the game at 11:00 a.m. EST. The winner of that game plays Chinese-Tapei for the 2019 Palomino World Championship at 8:00 p.m. EST. 

 

*Contributed by Mark Franken

PALOMINO: JACK IS KING IN LAREDO

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LAREDO, TX- Jack Kartsonis kept Youngstown’s hopes for a championship alive.  In an East versus West rematch, the Youngstown Astro Falcons again defeated the Santa Clara Red Sox 3-0 here Sunday afternoon.  Santa Clara came to Laredo with a bullseye on their backs as five-time champions of the Palomino World Series. Youngstown Coach Don Pletcher marked them as the team to beat again this year.

Game two was more of a pitcher’s duel than the first encounter.  Kartsonis spun a complete game shutout scattering six hits, striking out four, and walking none.  He allowed just one baserunner into scoring position while pounding the strike zone throughout. He credited his changeup and breaking ball saying he really didn’t have his best fastball.  

Santa Clara used three pitchers to limit the Astro Falcons to just three hits.  But two of those hits were triples in the second inning. Lucas Gulczinski started the inning with a three-bagger and scored on an Andrew Sabella ground out.  Then after two walks, Chase Franken drilled the gap in left-center to complete the three-run frame. And that’s all Kartsonis would need.

Youngstown earned a rematch with Puerto Rico as they look to avenge the heartbreaking loss Saturday night. 

 

*Contributed by Mark Franken

 

 

Post Game Interview with Youngstown Manager, Don Pletcher

 

Post Game Interview with Jack Kartsonis

PALOMINO: YOUNGSTOWN STUNS SANTA CLARA

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LAREDO, TX- After a long, hot battle with the West Zone champion, Santa Clara Red Sox, Youngstown’s Astro Falcons won it going away 9-4 here Saturday afternoon.  The Astros jumped on Santa Clara’s starter headed to San Jose St., Trevor Allen, for two runs in the top of the first as Braeden O’Shaughnessy double and scored on a base hit by the sizzling Burke Camper.  Camper then scored on a two-out single by Lucas Gulczinski.

The Red Sox scored three in the second and led 3-2 heading to the fourth when Gulczinski singled and scored on a Brandon Gelpi double to tie it up at 3-3.  Youngstown broke it open in the fifth. An error opened the door to a five-run outburst keyed by hits from Bobby Lane and O’Shaughnessy. Taking an 8-3 lead into the bottom of the fifth, A.J. Clegg who pitched 3 ⅓ innings in relief of starter Brayden Beck, gave way to Chase Franken.  

Franken took the hill with the bases loaded and one out after Santa Clara had cut the lead to 8-4.  He shut down the uprising and pitched 2 ⅓ innings of shutout relief to lock down the victory. Youngstown’s final run came in the seventh when Franken’s double scored Gelpi.  

The Red Sox were held to just 4 hits but drew 12 of the 19 walks in the contest.  Devin Baddo had two singles.

 

*STORY CONTRIBUTED BY MARK FRANKEN

SETTING UP CAMP

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When a coach or manager looks for intangibles in a catcher, he’s looking for: Command, IQ, defensive ability, arm strength, and toughness.  With Hampton’s Burke Camper, the Youngstown Astro Falcons added speed, a rocket arm, big bat, a magnet for a glove, high character, and a top-notch teammate to that list.

Point blank, Burke Camper is a nightmare for his opposition.

The Towson University commit entered his second year as an Astro Falcon with an added level of comfort, and it showed in his play.  Especially in the opening game of the Palomino World Series where he drove in 4 RBI’s including a bomb that would make Barry Bonds drop his jaw.  Above all though, Camper is the first to credit his teammates for their contributions.  Camper doesn’t dance in the limelight, and he doesn’t command the attention of the media.  He punches the clock, goes to work and stands in as one of the best on the field at all times.

Our Mark Franken had a chance to sit down with the Pennsylvania Product, Burke Camper in a special Player Profile Presented by R.L. Craig Inc.: SETTING UP CAMP

 

ANSWERING THE BELL

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It’s been a journey in 2019 for Logan Bell, but one that he’s learned from and grown from to become an Ace for seemingly any team he joins.  Lisbon’s standout pitcher rewrote the record books at his now alma mater, and while that was enough to drive him- the chip on his 6’3 200-pound frame comes from the adversity he’s faced.

Bell will tell you that he’s not the naturally gifted type of athlete, he’s worked (and outworked) his opponents to earn everything he’s been afforded to this point.  The early morning workouts, the late-night study sessions to become a Division 1 recruit and eventually landing at the University of Akron to help rebuild their baseball program.

A fourth-generation Lisbon Blue Devil athlete, Bell showed Astro Falcon Manager Don Pletcher all he needed to see both on the mound and in the dugout.  Bell is one of the rare pitchers that show up in support of his teammates on the days he isn’t pitching.  His demeanor, leadership, and commitment to his team has not only solidified the spot on this ultra-talented roster but has earned him the reputation of being one of the best teammates some have ever had.

“Logan’s a sponge, he’s always asking questions and picking the brains of coaches and players between starts,” said Astro Manager Don Pletcher.  “Logan wants the ball, and he’s a gamer but what impresses me is how he’s constantly showing up and asking how he can support the team in any capacity, a manager’s dream,” added Pletcher.

Bell finished the summer session a perfect 9-0 for the Astro Falcons and was able to live out his dream of opening up the Palomino World Series and facing international competition while blanking Mexico.

Our Mark Franken caught up with Logan Bell after an incredible 2-hitter against Mexico in Laredo in this special Player Profile presented by R.L. Craig Inc. : Answering The Bell

 

LEADING BY EXAMPLE: PLETCHER AND LESLIE TEACHING MORE THAN BASEBALL

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It’s hard to argue with facts.  When you look at the rosters of the Astro Falcon organization from 10U up, you see the talent that is raw and moldable.  The chief artists among the top of the franchise are two men who have finally been afforded the opportunity to work together to build something special in Youngstown.  Astro Falcon General Manager, Steve Leslie, and Big B Astro Manager have been friends for years, but just this year have they become teammates.

Pletcher brought his successful reign as a manager of the Baird Brothers franchise to the Astro organization in 2019, along with his band of brothers, Emil Bertolini, and Pitching Coach, Billy McCartney.  The only thing missing was a seasoned coach who bled Blue and Orange and had ties to Astro Falcon yesteryear, and Leslie fit that mold perfectly.

So this year the Astro Falcons returned to glory with the championship of the Class B League, as well as a proud victory in the Bob Cene Memorial Tournament, and capped off with a trip to Laredo, Texas for the Palomino World Series.

“Our goal first and foremost was to create a great culture for our players from the bottom up, and Pletch understands and strives to give our families in the organization the best experience possible,” says Leslie.  “To give these young men an opportunity to represent their country, their state, their neighborhoods against the best competition in the world is something they’ll never be able to replicate.”  added the Astro GM.

Our Mark Franken caught up with both gentlemen for a special YSN Coach’s Corner presentation from Laredo, Texas.

 

Astro Falcon Manager- Don Pletcher

 

Astro Falcon/YSN General Manager- Steve Leslie

PALOMINO: BELL AND BURKE STEAL THE SHOW IN BLANKING MEXICO

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LAREDO, TX-  Youngstown’s Astro Falcons jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back en route to a 10-0 victory over Mazatlan, Mexico here Friday morning.  The game was shortened to six innings due to the mercy rule being in effect. It was the first game of the Palomino World Series, a double-elimination tournament that includes teams from North America, Europe, and Asia.  

Logan Bell was masterful, allowing just two hits over the six innings while striking out six and walking none.  He allowed just two base runners to reach scoring position as the Mexican team struggled to make solid contact throughout.  

PHOTO CREDIT: ALLISON BELL

The Astro offense struck right away in the bottom of the first.  Chase Franken and Ricky Havrilla walked setting the table for Burke Camper who had his first of three hits on the day.  Lucas Gulczinski’s sacrifice fly plated camper to give Youngstown a 3-0 lead. Havrilla then drove in Franken with a two-out RBI single in the second.  Camper then blew the game open in the fifth with a two-run blast over the wall in left scoring Franken who had tripled. The Astro Falcons ended it in the sixth with four more runs.  Braeden O’Shaughnessy and Connor Miller singled before that Camper kid ended it with his third hit and fourth run batted in. Franken scored four runs from the leadoff spot. Bryan Rivas and Leonardo Benites had singles for Mexico.

Youngstown will face the West Zone champion Santa Clara tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. CST.  Win or lose they will play a second game later in the day. You can catch all the action at YSNlive.com as we will live stream Youngstown throughout the tournament.

 

*Story Contributed by Mark Franken

CLASS B: YOUNGSTOWN STARS TAKE EAST ZONE CHAMPIONSHIP, HEAD TO LONE STAR STATE TO TAKE ON THE WORLD

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STRUTHERS, OH-  Youngstown’s Astro Falcons punched their ticket to the Palomino World Series in Laredo, TX by defeating Creekside Fitness 12-2 in the East Zone Championship here at Bob Cene Park on Saturday.  Andrew Russell pitched a complete game five-hitter allowing just two runs while striking out four over five innings as the game ended in accordance with the mercy rule. 

After Vince Armeni put the Astro Falcons ahead 1-0 with a two-out rbi single in the second, Creekside quickly answered.  BJ Arnold’s bunt single was followed by consecutive rbi hits by Zack Hansen and Kyle Wetzel to put Creekside ahead 2-1, but Russell survived the inning and cruised the rest of the way after the Falcons had an answer of their own.  A seven-run outburst in the bottom of the third paved the way for the Astros. They tacked on four more in the fourth to complete the route. Vince Armeni had two hits while Justin Miknis added two, one of which was a triple. Chase Franken also tripled while Burke Camper doubled.  

Coach Don Pletcher’s crew now heads deep into Texas for the World Series, a truly international event.  The double-elimination tournament features teams from Chinese-Tapei, Germany, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Youngstown action will be live-streamed by Your Sports Network (YSN).  

Check YSNlive.com for details.

 

 

*Contributed by YSN’s Mark Franken

NABF: CREEKSIDE FALLS JUST SHORT OF NABF TITLE, NEW YORK 9 ARE CROWNED

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STRUTHERS, OH-  The New York Nine sits atop of the NABF Senior mountain top after a 5-0 victory over Creekside Fitness in the World Series finale!

New York started the scoring in the top half of the opening inning.  Reynaldo Angeles, Albery Pichardo, and Jean Carlos Morillo all hit consecutive singles to load the bases.  Justin Peralta promptly unloaded them with a bases-clearing triple to take a quick 3-0 lead.  Peralta finished his trip around the bases by scoring on a wild pitch from Ryan Sullivan.  New York leads 4-0.

Pitching and defense took over until New York plated one more run in the top half of the seventh inning.  Griffin Arnone got on base with a single.  Colm O’Shea wasted no time in bringing him in with an RBI double.  The lead for New York grew to 5-0.

Tyler D’Amico finished off what he started, completing the shutout and the World Series-clinching effort!

D’Amico scattered five hits in his complete-game shutout, striking out nine and not walking a single batter.  Ryan Sullivan took the loss for Creekside, yielding four runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings pitched, striking out two and walking only one.  Peralta had the big blow of the game with the three-run triple, and scoring his subsequent run on the wild pitch.  O’Shea slugged an RBI double for New York in the win.  Nick Guarnieri led Creekside with a pair of hits in the contest.

                             123 456 7  R H E
NY              (6-1) 400 000 1   5 8 1
Creekside (5-2) 000 000 0   0 5 2
Tyler D’Amico and John Garcia; Ryan Sullivan, Brady Hansen (5) and Nathan Stutz; WP: D’Amico; LP: Sullivan; 2B: Colm O’Shea (NY); 3B: Justin Peralta (NY)
New York Nine 5 – 0 Creekside Fitness
*Contributed by Rob Harvischak

NABF: IT’S UP TO YOU, NEW YORK; NY NINE PUNCH TICKET TO SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP

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STRUTHERS, OH- The Astro Falcons run to another NABF Senior World Series title fell short as they lost to New York Nine 6-1.

Bryce Warwick suffered the loss for Astro, allowing all six runs (five earned) on seven hits in six innings of work while striking out nine and walking five.  Robert Bradley picked up the win for New York, tossing three shutout innings in the game.  Josh Hoffman hit an RBI single, driving in Ricky Havrilla for the only run of the game for Astro.

Reynaldo Angeles led the way for New York with two hits, two runs scored and an RBI.  Albery Pichardo hit a two-run single and scored twice in the game.

                    123 456 7  R H E
NY     (5-1) 230 100 0   6 7 0
Astro (3-3) 001 000 0   1 5 1
Robert Bradley, Cesar Devarez (4) and John Garcia; Bryce Warwick, Chase Franken (7) and Justin Miknis; WP: Bradley; LP: Warwick
New York Nine 6 – 1 Astro Falcons
*Contributed by Rob Harvischak