RESERVE RETIRED BY VANCE, EP MOVES ON TO MEET RANGE

NEW WATERFORD- It’s appropriate that this year’s underdog team has a mascot of a Bulldog. East Palestine continued to stay hot in a 9-6 victory over Western Reserve at Next Level Complex on Tuesday. It was a game that was supposed to be played at Western Reserve, but the field was not suitable for play.

In the second inning, East Palestine got their offense started. Cooper Vance drove in one when he singled. The Bulldogs also scored four runs in the fourth inning. The big bats were led by Sean Helpy, Dalton Vance, and Cameron Wischerman, who each had RBIs in the inning.

Western Reserve scored three runs in the third inning to chip away at the lead. Windham, Slaven, and Brycen Jackson each drove in runs during the frame.

Cooper Vance led the Bulldogs to victory on the hill. He allowed ten hits and six runs over seven innings, striking out six and walking one.

Windham took the loss for Western Reserve. He surrendered eight runs on eight hits over four innings, striking out one.

East Palestine had 11 hits in the game. Brock Cheurco, Vance, and Vance all managed multiple hits for EP. The Vance boys and Cheurco each collected two hits to lead the team.

Western Reserve collected ten hits. Wise and Slaven each racked up multiple hits for Western Reserve. Wise led Western Reserve with three hits in four at-bats.

The Bulldogs will face off on Wednesday against defending State Champions, South Range. First pitch is set for 5 pm.