FALCONS CAN’T MATCH WEST BRANCH OFFENSE

AUSTINTOWN, OH- Last Friday turned into a tough outing for the Austintown-Fitch Falcons as they fell 5-1 to the West Branch Warriors.

The game started off slow, but West Branch got things rolling in the second inning when Jeremiah Thomas knocked a single to put the first run on the board. Not to be outdone, Mason Petridis responded for the Falcons with a homer to left field after battling through a 7-pitch at-bat, tying the game up at one apiece in the bottom of the second.

However, the Warriors quickly regained their lead in the third thanks to Hunter Shields, who ripped a double to bring in another run, pushing West Branch ahead 2-1.

Anthony Perry was the standout on the mound for West Branch, giving up just one run on six hits over nearly seven innings, striking out five and walking one. Over on the Falcons’ side, Nik Kyprianou took the loss after giving up two runs in just over two innings of work. Carter Owens started the game for the Falcons, pitching two solid innings and Gavin Bell closed it out to earn the save for the Warriors.

Petridis had a good day despite the loss, going 2-for-3 and driving in the Falcons’ only run. Frank Senediak also had a pair of hits, showing some resilience in the Falcons’ lineup.

West Branch, meanwhile, showcased their aggressive baserunning, stealing five bases throughout the game. Aaron Tucker and Boston Mulinix were particularly pesky on the paths, each snagging multiple bases. The Warriors’ defense was on point too, with Tucker involved in six plays, helping his team to keep a clean sheet without any errors.

West Branch’s lineup had a strong showing at the plate, racking up nine hits. Shields was especially effective, driving in three runs and going 2-for-4.

The Falcons are looking to turn things around in their next game against the Boardman Spartans on Monday. They’ll be hoping to tighten up their game and get back on the winning track.