BLUE STREAKS SHOCK WARRIORS IN THE LATE INNINGS

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Story by Larry Jennings
Madison, OH- In a thrilling showdown on Tuesday, the Madison Blue Streaks orchestrated a remarkable late-game rally to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, edging out the Edgewood Warriors 4-3 in a nail-biting contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The game commenced with both teams displaying their intent to seize control early on, setting the stage for a captivating battle on the diamond. However, it was the Warriors who drew first blood, capitalizing on an error in the first inning to take an early lead.
As the game progressed, Edgewood continued to assert their dominance, adding another run in the second inning courtesy of Caleb Johnson’s timely single, pushing their lead to 2-0. The Blue Streaks, however, refused to let their opponents run away with the game.
Down 3-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Madison faithful erupted in jubilation as Eddy Gvora delivered a clutch single, driving in two runs and propelling the Blue Streaks into the lead for the first time in the game.
Nolan Thomas emerged as a pivotal figure for Madison, earning the win on the mound with a stellar performance. The right-handed pitcher showcased his prowess, holding the Warriors hitless and scoreless over 3 2/3 innings, while tallying an impressive eight strikeouts without issuing a single walk.
On the other side, Anthony Ciesicki suffered the loss for Edgewood, battling through four innings on the mound, allowing two runs on four hits, while striking out one and issuing three walks.
In a game marked by strategic pitching and clutch hitting, both teams exhibited moments of brilliance. Ben Amos set the tone for Madison, stifling the Warriors’ offense with three hits and three runs allowed over 3 1/3 innings, striking out four and walking three.
Offensively, Aiden Hernandez, Logan Kray, and Caleb Johnson each contributed a hit for Edgewood, with Riley Baldwin and Caleb Johnson driving in one run apiece. The Warriors’ defensive prowess was highlighted by a well-executed double play.
For the Blue Streaks, Alexander Davis and Eddy Gvora led the offensive charge with two hits each, while Davis, Seth Negin, and G’vora each drove in a run. Davis and Negin also showcased their speed on the basepaths, stealing multiple bases to ignite Madison’s offense.
With this hard-fought victory under their belts, Madison looks ahead to a rematch against Edgewood on Wednesday, aiming to carry forward the momentum from their late-game heroics. As for the Warriors, they’ll be eager to regroup and seek redemption on their home turf, determined to turn the tables and emerge victorious in the upcoming showdown.

PIRATES SAIL PAST WARRIORS

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Story by Larry Jennings

Perry, Ohio- In a tough early season softball game for Edgewood the Warriors fell to the Perry Pirates. The Perry Pirates managed to secure a 9-5 victory over the Edgewood Warriors, despite being out-hit by their opponents. The Warriors squad collected a commendable nine hits compared to Perry’s six, but it was the Pirates who capitalized on crucial opportunities, sealing their triumph.

The game’s narrative unfolded swiftly in the early innings, with Perry making their intentions clear right from the onset. Callie Thompson’s grounded out play in the first inning set the tone, putting Perry on the scoreboard early on. As the game progressed, Emma Brainard’s contribution in the second inning extended Perry’s lead to two.

However, it was in the third inning where Perry showcased their offensive prowess, effectively widening the gap. Elise Strahan’s strategic play after tagging up, coupled with Morgan Winters’ powerful double that brought in two runs, and Emma Brainard’s clutch single, added to Perry’s dominance.

Madeline Rupert’s performance on the mound was instrumental in Perry’s victory. Despite conceding eight hits and four runs (three earned) over four and one-third innings, Rupert’s strategic pitching, which included three strikeouts and two walks, ultimately earned her the win.

On the flip side, Lucianna Paolillo took the mound for the Warriors, battling through seven innings. Despite her efforts, surrendering nine runs (seven earned) on six hits, while striking out two and walking five, led to her taking the loss.

For Edgewood, Mackenna Rhodes emerged as a standout performer, driving the middle of the lineup with two crucial runs batted in. Rhodes’ two-for-four performance at the plate injected some momentum into Edgewood’s offense. Juliana Gregory also contributed significantly, collecting two hits in three at-bats.

On Perry’s side, Morgan Winters shone bright, going two-for-four at the plate and leading the team with three runs batted in. Perry’s disciplined approach at the plate, accumulating five walks throughout the game, proved to be a key factor in their victory. Sidney Collins and Callie Thompson notably stood out, each drawing two bases on balls.

With this loss behind them, Edgewood now sets their sights on their next challenge, a game at Conneaut scheduled for Wednesday. As they regroup and refocus, the Warriors will undoubtedly look to bounce back from this defeat and showcase their resilience in the upcoming matchups.

ST JOHN RALLIES PAST RED DEVILS

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Ashtabula, OH- In a thrilling showdown on Monday, the St. John Heralds emerged victorious over the Lordstown Red Devils with a final score of 9-6. Leading the charge was the unstoppable Rylee Frasure, who went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, showcasing her prowess with a double in the third inning and singles in the first and fourth innings.

The Heralds wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, with Isabelle Stern’s triple in the first inning driving in a crucial run. However, Lordstown swiftly responded, seizing a 3-1 lead in the second inning courtesy of Folesler’s timely single and an error.

Despite Lordstown extending their lead to 4-1 in the third inning with Livkwar’s single, the resilient Heralds staged a remarkable comeback in the fourth inning. Frasure’s single coupled with a defensive error allowed St. John to reclaim the lead.

The game remained tense as Berry’s triple for Lordstown tied the score at five in the fifth inning, but Debernardo’s double propelled them ahead 6-5 in the sixth. However, the Fighting Herald spirit prevailed in the bottom of the sixth, with Stern’s single driving in two crucial runs, followed by Caitlyn Carney’s single adding another run to the tally.

Pitcher Isabelle Holler showcased her talent, earning the win after a solid performance, while Alyssa Cevera secured the save for St. John. Our team’s offense was firing on all cylinders, collecting an impressive 12 hits, with Stern and Frasure leading the charge, each securing three hits and contributing significantly to our victory.

With eyes set on the next challenge, the Heralds look forward to their upcoming game against Chalker on Tuesday, poised to carry forward the momentum from this hard-fought win.

HERALDS LEAVE MYRTLE ON A HIGH NOTE WITH A WIN OVER ABBEVILLE

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Photo Credit: JJ Pawlowski

Myrtle Beach, SC- Looking to shake off a shakey start to their first ever Myrtle Beach baseball trip, The St. John Heralds found success on the diamond, securing a solid 5-2 victory over the Abbeville Panthers (SC) this past Sunday.

Despite Abbeville’s early push, with Grady Overholt’s clutch single in the first inning, the Heralds swiftly responded. An error by the Abbeville Varsity Panthers allowed St. John to level the score at one apiece in the bottom of the second inning.

The momentum swung firmly in St. John’s favor in the third inning, as Ryan Williams and Aaron Wychock each delivered sacrifice flies, propelling the Heralds into a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Will Anderson led the charge on the mound for St. John, showcasing resilience through five innings of work, allowing only two runs on five hits while striking out four. Williams provided reliable relief pitching, shutting down Abbeville’s offense with two innings of scoreless ball.

Offensively, Ezra Campbell, Kyle Hejduk, and Anderson contributed hits for the Heralds, while Wychock, Williams, and Anderson each drove in a run. Brady Cole’s speed on the basepaths was evident, swiping two bases, contributing to the team’s collective five stolen bases. Notably, the Heralds’ defense remained sharp, committing no errors throughout the game, with Williams making six key defensive plays.

For Abbeville, players like Easton Townsend, Lohen Nickles, and Dayne Botts notched hits, while Overholt and Thomas Booth drove in runs.

Looking ahead, the St. John Heralds will carry this victory’s momentum into their next matchup at home against Lordstown on Tuesday, aiming to continue their winning streak on familiar turf.

LATE GAME RALLY LIFTS NIGHTHAWKS OVER HERALDS

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Myrtle Beach, SC- The St. John Heralds faced a tough challenge against the West Canada Valley Nighthawks, ultimately falling short with a score of 5-3 this past Saturday. The Nighthawks took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning, capitalizing on two fielder’s choices to get on the scoreboard. Despite St. John’s efforts, West Canada Valley continued to build their lead with another run in the second inning, courtesy of a solid single by Burdick.

St. John’s Varsity Heralds showed resilience, clawing back to tie the game at three in the top of the sixth inning. However, West Canada Valley surged ahead once again in the bottom of the sixth, fueled by doubles from Burdick and Farber, ultimately securing the victory with a 5-3 lead.

Pitching proved crucial for both teams, with Aaron Wychock stepping up for St. John with an impressive relief performance, while Bryson Vennitti took the mound initially, battling through a challenging outing. West Canada Valley’s Farber put up a strong start, holding St. John’s offense in check for five innings.

Offensively, Vennitti contributed at the plate with one RBI, while players like Kyle Hejduk and Ryan Williams chipped in with hits for the Heralds. Defensively, Anthony Severino stood out with eight key plays for St. John.

On the Nighthawks’ side, Burdick led the charge with a 2-for-3 performance at bat, driving in two crucial runs, while Stewart demonstrated patience at the plate, drawing three walks. Overall, West Canada Valley displayed disciplined plate discipline, drawing a total of nine walks throughout the game.

Though the outcome wasn’t in their favor, the St. John Heralds showcased determination and talent, looking ahead to future opportunities to bounce back on the diamond. The Heralds will play their final game of the Myrtle Beach trip on Sunday against the Abbeville Panthers (SC) on the Polo Grounds at the Ripken Experience  in South Carolina.

 

 

HERALDS STRUGGLE AGAINST HUSKIES IN MYRTLE

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Myrtle Beach, SC- In a commanding display of offensive prowess, the Harbor Creek Huskies (WV) triumphed over the St. John Heralds with a resounding 15-0 victory at Griffith Field in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The game, held on Friday, saw the Huskies dominate, especially highlighted by their explosive 11-run third inning.

Harbor Creek seized the lead in the top of the third inning, with a series of well-executed plays. Sam LaFuria ignited the scoring with a crucial single, driving in a run. Aidan Vaughn followed suit, getting hit by a pitch and bringing in another run. Preston Lanagan drew a walk, contributing to the run tally, as did Parker Irwin and Jake Rocky with their respective walks. Caden Folmar and Tyler Burick added to the onslaught with key hits, while additional runs were plated through a combination of groundouts and sacrifice flies. The Huskies exhibited patience at the plate, drawing nine walks throughout the game, further fueling their offensive onslaught.

On the defensive side, Harbor Creek showcased their prowess by maintaining a flawless fielding performance, committing zero errors. Pitcher Sam LaFuria anchored the defense, pitching four solid innings, allowing no runs and striking out five batters. Their dominance extended to the plate as well, with Burick leading the charge with three runs batted in, going a perfect 3-for-3 on the day.

Despite their efforts, St. John struggled to gain momentum against the relentless Harbor Creek offense and stout defense. Starting pitcher Brady Cole faced a tough outing, conceding six runs over two innings. St. John’s offense managed only two hits throughout the game, with AJ Henslee and Bryson Vennitti each contributing one hit.

With this victory, Harbor Creek Huskies showcased their strength and cohesion, asserting themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the competition. St. John Heralds will regroup and aim for a better outcome in their upcoming matchup against West Canada Valley on Saturday.

WARRIORS START OFF BEACH WEEK WITH A BASH

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Photo Credit Dominic Hall

Story contributed by Larry Jennings

Vera Beach, Florida- The Edgewood Warriors commenced their 2024 season with a resounding 13-3 victory, invoking the mercy rule against the Westby Norsemen from Westby, Wisconsin. The clash took place at the former LA Dodgers spring training facility in Vero Beach, Florida.

Despite the Norsemen notching a run in the opening frame, the Warriors swiftly retaliated. Zane Naylor’s bases-loaded hit-by-pitch drove in their first run, followed by Aidan Hernandez’s single, bringing home pinch runner Logan Randolph for Tony Hall. Riley Baldwin’s solid line drive plated two more, with Caleb Johnson’s double extending the lead to 6-1 after the first inning.

In the bottom of the second, Alex Sperduto’s sacrifice fly added another run for the Warriors, while Westby managed to score one more in the top of the third.

As Westby threatened in the fifth, loading the bases and scoring one run, Alex Sperduto replaced Anthony Ciesicki on the mound, striking out the next two batters to halt the momentum.

The Warriors unleashed a barrage of offense in the bottom of the fifth, tallying six more runs through a combination of hits, wild pitches, and walks, sealing the 13-3 victory under the mercy rule.

The game was not without its physical toll, as the Warriors endured a total of seven hit-by-pitches, ensuring they might feel a few bruises come Thursday morning.

Tony Hall and Riley Baldwin led the Warriors in hits with two each, with Baldwin also topping the team with three runs batted in, highlighting their impactful contributions to the team’s triumphant season opener.

 

MUSTANGS MARCH PAST RED RAIDERS IN PAINESVILLE

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Photo Credit: Jocyln Nicholas

Painesville, OH- In a decisive victory over the Harvey Red Raiders in Painesville on Monday, the Grand Valley Mustangs showcased the strength of their bottom lineup, securing a 12-2 win. Trenton Murduck, Justin Hagan, and Gage Mast emerged as key contributors, combining for five of the team’s eight hits while scoring four runs and driving in six.

The turning point came with a remarkable seven-run surge in the fifth inning. Kamden Cottrell kicked off the offensive onslaught by drawing a walk, followed by Austin Hall’s single, Trenton Murduck’s double driving in two runs, and Joey DiAlfredi’s fielder’s choice resulting in another run. Gage Mast’s groundout and Payton Plizga’s double added to the scoring frenzy.

The Mustangs had earlier opened the scoring in the fourth inning when Hagan’s single brought in two runs.

Eric Ellsworth delivered a stellar performance on the mound for Grand Valley, earning the win by pitching four scoreless innings, allowing only two hits while striking out eight and walking three. Meanwhile, Trent Hull took the loss for the Harvey Red Raiders, pitching four innings and giving up three runs on five hits, with nine strikeouts and two walks. Plizga made an appearance in relief for Grand Valley.

Murduck and Hagan showcased their prowess in the lineup, each collecting two hits, with Hagan driving in three runs from the eighth spot. The Mustangs demonstrated discipline at the plate, accumulating seven walks, with Blake Taylor, Plizga, and John Foss leading the team with two walks each.

For the Harvey Red Raiders, Aidan Englehart and Brandon Bildstein contributed with one RBI each, while Hull led the team with three hits in four at-bats and stole two bases. Overall, the Red Raiders managed to steal four bases in the game.

With their sights set on another victory, the Mustangs anticipate a rematch against the Red Raiders at home on Tuesday.

ST. JOHN BASEBALL STARTS OFF WITH A BANG

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Ashtabula, OH- The St. John Heralds dominated the Mathews Mustangs with a resounding 12-2 victory on Monday, led by an outstanding performance from Will Anderson, who drove in four runs on two hits. Anderson’s impact was felt throughout the game as he doubled in the fifth inning, bringing home two runs, and drew a walk in the fourth inning, scoring another.

The scoring action began early for St. John when Aaron Wychock executed a steal of home in the bottom of the second inning. Ryan Williams extended their lead to 2-0 with a timely single in the third inning.

The Heralds showcased their offensive prowess with a five-run outburst in the fifth inning. Anthony Severino’s walk brought in one run, followed by Anderson’s double which plated two more. Ezra Campbell contributed with a sacrifice fly, adding another run, and Williams capped off the inning with a double of his own, driving in one more.

On the mound, Williams started strong for St. John, allowing only three hits and two runs over five innings while striking out nine batters. Gabe Pesa started for Mathews, conceding six hits and five runs (two earned) over three and two-thirds innings.

Anderson also made a significant impact in relief, pitching one shutout inning, striking out three batters, and not allowing any hits.

St. John Heralds’ offense was firing on all cylinders, amassing a total of 12 hits in the game. Bryson Vennitti led the charge with three hits in four at-bats, while Brady Cole and Williams also contributed multiple hits.

Vennitti and Kyle Hejduk showcased their speed on the bases, each stealing multiple bases, contributing to St. John’s impressive total of eight stolen bases in the game.

For Mathews, Pesa led the team at the plate with one RBI, going 1-for-2. Dom Toto managed two hits in three at-bats for Mathews.

Looking ahead, the Heralds are set to face the Conneaut Spartans in their next home game on Tuesday, riding high on their commanding victory.

LADY HERALDS HAVE ROUGH START IN OPENER

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Ashtabula, OH- The Fighting Heralds faced a tough challenge against the Mathews Mustangs, succumbing to a 14-0 defeat in Monday night’s matchup. Mathews wasted no time asserting dominance, seizing an early lead in the first inning with Ramsey’s triple followed by Matheny’s double and Hufford’s single, each driving in a run.

In the second inning, Mathews unleashed an offensive barrage, scoring seven runs on six hits. Newsome’s single brought in two runs, while Matheny and Hufford contributed with singles of their own. Shugart’s powerful homer to center field added two more runs, with another run coming in through a subsequent play.

Maintaining their momentum, Mathews tacked on another run in the third inning, with Hufford’s double extending their lead to 11-0. Matheny secured the win on the mound for Mathews, while Isabelle Holler of the Fighting Heralds endured the loss, pitching four and one-third innings and allowing 13 runs, 11 of which were earned.

Isabelle Stern managed to notch a hit for the Fighting Heralds, while Matheny led Mathews with an impressive three hits in three at-bats. Newsome and Hufford emerged as offensive standouts for Mathews, each driving in three runs. Pate contributed two hits for Mathews, and Ramsey drew two walks. Mathews demonstrated discipline at the plate, accumulating six walks overall, while also showcasing solid defense with no errors committed.

Hufford’s stellar performance included eight plays made in the field. Looking ahead, the Fighting Heralds prepare for their next challenge against the Windham Varsity Bombers on Tuesday.