POLAND STAYS UNBEATEN; CAGES LAKEVIEW
CORTLAND, OH- At Lakeview High School on Tuesday, Aiden Thompson was unstoppable, going a perfect three-for-three at the plate to help Poland Seminary Varsity Bulldogs secure a commanding 9-4 win over Lakeview.
The game started with Lakeview edging into an early lead after Nathan Paolucci knocked a single to drive in a run in the first inning. However, the Bulldogs didn’t let that lead last long. They came roaring back in the second inning, unleashing a six-run barrage highlighted by Carmine Tukalo’s three-RBI double following a gritty 7-pitch at-bat.
Thompson continued his hot streak in the third, adding another RBI single to extend the Bulldogs’ lead to a comfortable 7-1. His consistent batting was a key part of the Bulldogs’ strategy, keeping the pressure on Lakeview throughout the game.
On the mound, Matt Paparodis handled his business effectively, grabbing the win with a solid four-inning outing where he gave up three runs (two earned) and struck out five, despite handing out five walks. Lakeview’s Paolucci, who started, found it rough going against the Bulldogs’ active bats, yielding eight runs over nearly six innings.
The Bulldogs’ lineup showed depth and versatility, racking up a total of 11 hits. Tukalo and Thompson were not the only ones swinging well; Ryan Dilullo and Jacob Hayes also had multiple hits. The Bulldogs were also aggressive on the base paths, stealing six bases, with Thompson and Paparodis each snagging more than one.
Lakeview tried to keep pace, with Paolucci, Isaiah Lantz, and others contributing hits, and Eli Gough working the count for three walks, showing great plate discipline. Despite their efforts and a total of seven walks drawn, the early deficit was just too much to overcome.
Looking ahead, the Bulldogs are set to face LaBrae on Wednesday, riding high from their solid team performance and likely looking to keep their momentum going.
