CLIPPERS BATTLE THROUGH TOUGH WEEKEND

PERRY, OH-  Columbiana (8-13) traveled to Perry, Ohio Saturday afternoon for the 6th Annual Perry High School Wood Bat Classic.  The Clippers faced Mentor Lake Catholic in game one falling by a 9-5 score and were defeated 7-6 in game 2 by Beachwood.

In game one, the Clippers would battle all game taking a 5-4 lead into the 5th but just didn’t have quite enough against the Division 1 Cougars.  Leading the way for the Clippers was Erik Hopfenziz who went 2-3 with 2 RBI’s and a double.  Steven Anderson also added a double and an RBI along with Ryan Fahs who knocked in 2 in the 1st with a 2 run single.

In game two, the Clippers took an early 2-0 lead but Beachwood would take the lead for good with a 4 run fourth inning.  Columbiana battled back scoring 4 runs in the top of the 7th but would leave the tying run on base falling 7-6.  The Bison turned three inning-ending double plays under the lights that ultimately did the Clippers in.  Evan Kenneally pitched a complete game striking out 5 while giving up 7 runs (4 earned).  Offensively, Erik Hopfenziz continued his strong afternoon adding another hit while walking twice.  Chase Franken and Zach Fahs each doubled while Ryan Fahs singled 3 times and knocked in 3 runs.

Tyler Andersen had a strong day defensively playing both shortstop and 2nd base.  Andersen had 5 assists and 2 putouts including a nice turn on an inning-ending double play against Lake Catholic.

Columbiana returns home Monday for Senior Night to take on Leetonia in EOAC action.  The first pitch is scheduled for 5:00 PM with Senior Night activities taking place before the game at 4:50.

**Reported by Ryan Wolf