DOGS TAKE A BITE OUT OF LEETONIA

NEW WATERFORD, OH- East Palestine Bulldogs clinched a solid 9-2 victory over Leetonia on Monday, with the action kicking off early in the game.

Tommy Beatty got things rolling for East Palestine with a ground out that brought in the first run in the bottom of the first. Leetonia quickly responded with Brown singling to tie the game at one in the top of the second.

Kyler Bourne stepped up in the third, knocking a single that reclaimed the lead for East Palestine at 2-1. However, Brown was at it again in the fourth, walking to help Leetonia draw level at two apiece.

The Bulldogs didn’t let that tie last long. They broke the game open in the fourth, jumping to a 5-2 lead thanks to Beatty’s single, a walk by Phoenix Marvin, and Bourne getting hit by a pitch, each contributing to the scoring.

Beatty not only contributed on the field but also dominated on the mound, earning the win with a strong performance over seven innings, where he gave up eight hits and two runs while striking out six and walking three. Faulkner, on the other hand, struggled for Leetonia, surrendering nine runs (only two earned) over nearly five innings, despite striking out 10 and walking five.

Bourne, Beatty, Peyton Rutledge, Cale Moraski, and Marvin each bagged a hit for East Palestine, with Bourne, Beatty, and Rutledge driving in two runs each. Moraski also showed off his speed, stealing two bases.

For Leetonia, Brown had a run batted in and a 1-for-2 day at the plate. Brock and Evans added two hits each, and both Faulkner and Evans snagged multiple steals, contributing to Leetonia’s total of seven stolen bases.

East Palestine is back in action at home against Wellsville on Tuesday in another matchup within the EOAC.