RAIDERS FALL IN DISTRICT FINALS

STRUTHERS, OH- There will be a new champion in Division III Baseball in the great state of Ohio this year. The defending champion, South Range Raiders fell short of returning to Regionals last night when Canton Central Catholic defeated the Raiders 8-6.

Wednesday’s game against Canton Central Catholic was a heartbreaker for the Raiders, as they lost the lead late in an 8-6 defeat. The game was tied at six with Canton Central Catholic batting in the top of the fifth when an error scored one run for Canton Central Catholic.

Despite the loss, Raiders did collect nine hits in the high-scoring affair. Unfortunately, Canton Central Catholic had nine hits as well on the way to victory.

The Raiders captured the lead in the first inning. Brandon Mikos drew a walk, scoring one run, making it 2-1.

Canton Central Catholic scored four runs in the fourth inning. The big inning for Canton Central Catholic came thanks to a walk by Beck and a double by Johnson.

The Raiders knotted the game up at six in the bottom of the fourth inning, when Ben Rivera singled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run.

PHOTO CREDIT: GARY LEININGER

Wassil toed the rubber for Canton Central Catholic. He surrendered six runs on seven hits over three and two-thirds innings, striking out one.

South Range sophomore, Brandon Mikos was on the pitcher’s mound for the Raiders. He went three and a third innings, allowing six runs on five hits and striking out five. Trey Pancake and Sam Brooks entered the game as relief, throwing two and two-thirds innings and one inning respectively.

Ben Rivera and Jake Gehring each racked up multiple hits for Raiders. Ben Rivera went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead the Burgundy and Gold in hits.

Johnson led Canton Central Catholic with two hits in three at-bats.