SIXTH INNING PROVES THE DIFFERENCE FOR HOWLAND

HOWLAND, OH- The Howland Tigers took down Salem 9-4 on Monday in a game that really heated up in the later innings.

The Tigers kicked things off in the first inning with Dominic Santee driving one home and Aidan Anders bringing in another run with a sacrifice fly, setting the stage early.

Luca Fronzaglio then amped up the lead to 3-0 in the second inning with a crisp single.

The real action unfolded in the fifth inning when Howland erupted for six runs. Santee and Brayden Kovarik each slapped singles to bring in runs, Richie Ansel worked a bases-loaded walk, Keaton Perry forced in a run on a fielder’s choice, Fronzaglio took another walk that scored a run, and a wild pitch let another runner scamper home.

Brendan Ray was solid on the mound for Howland, pitching a full seven innings, giving up four runs (two earned) on five hits while striking out five. On the other side, Salem’s Riesen struggled, surrendering nine runs (eight earned) on 10 hits over four innings.

At the dish, Howland totaled 11 hits with Santee and Ray each grabbing a couple. The lineup showed balance with runs batted in from Fronzaglio, Santee, Kovarik, Anders, Ansel, and Perry. The base paths were busy too, with Fronzaglio and Santee swiping multiple bags as part of six total steals.

For Salem, Gibson knocked in two runs, highlighting a lineup where several managed to get hits, but couldn’t string enough together to challenge Howland’s lead. Despite the loss, Salem was flawless in the field, with Colbert getting involved in several plays.

Howland is gearing up to face Cardinal Mooney next Wednesday, hoping to carry over their momentum.