Steel Valley Storm

Photo credit: Joclyn Nicholas

Ashtabula, OH- Will Anderson’s commanding performance on the mound propelled the St. John Heralds to a resounding 11-0 victory over the Medina Christian Knights in the sectional final of the OHSAA playoff tournament on Thursday. Anderson struck out 11 batters, allowing no hits and no runs over five innings while walking only one batter.

The Heralds wasted no time in asserting their dominance, getting on the board in the bottom of the first inning. After a Knights error, Ryan Williams singled, and Anthony Severino doubled, each scoring a run to give the Heralds an early 2-0 lead.

The offensive onslaught continued in the bottom of the second inning as the Heralds scored five runs on two hits. Brady Cole singled, driving in two runs, Ezra Campbell was struck by a pitch, bringing in another run, Bryson Vennitti was also hit by a pitch, scoring another run, and Aaron Wychock drew a walk, adding another run to the Heralds’ tally.

The Heralds added to their lead in the bottom of the third inning when Campbell singled, and Severino hit a sacrifice fly, each scoring a run to make the score 9-0.

Tyler Jones took the mound for the Knights but struggled to contain the Heralds’ potent offense. The right-hander allowed six hits and 10 runs (nine earned) over three innings, striking out five and walking three.

The Heralds collected nine hits in the game, with Cole and AJ Henslee each contributing two hits. Cole, Severino, and Campbell each drove in two runs, while Anderson showcased his baserunning prowess, stealing two bases. The Heralds swiped four bases in total and did not commit a single error in the field, with Kyle Hejduk handling a team-high 11 chances.

With their dominant performance, the Heralds will move on to face the McDonald Blue Devils in the District Semifinals of the OHSAA playoff tournament on Tuesday at Cuyahoga Community College, with first pitch scheduled for 2 pm.