Tag Archive for: Ashtabula County

WARRIORS BOUNCE BACK WITH WIN OVER FALCONS

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Story by Larry Jennings
Jefferson, OH- In a clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Edgewood and Jefferson battled it out on the diamond, delivering a rollercoaster of emotions and a flurry of runs. The scoreboard flickered like a faulty light as the two teams showcased their offensive prowess, ultimately culminating in a dramatic finish that left spectators breathless, with Edgewood holding on for a thrilling 15 – 13 win.  Logan Kray drove in five runs on three hits to lead Edgewood, while Tony Hall drove in three and scored three runs.  Zane Naylor also had a 3 for 4 night, scoring one and batting in one.
The game kicked off with Logan Kray of Edgewood setting the tone in the top of the first inning, drilling a single to center field, driving in Tony Hall and Aiden Hernandez. But Jefferson quickly answered in the bottom of the inning as Logan Saksa smashed a double to right field with the bases loaded, notching three crucial runs.
As the innings progressed, both teams traded blows like heavyweight contenders. Tate Hudson’s single to right field in the bottom of the second inning extended Jefferson’s lead, only for Jefferson’s Logan Padgett to capitalize on an error in the third, narrowing the gap.
However, it was the fourth inning that truly ignited the fireworks. Geno Measel and Logan Kray spearheaded Edgewood’s comeback, each contributing RBIs before Zane Naylor’s single tied the game at six apiece. But Jefferson wasn’t ready to cede ground just yet. Toby Dixon’s run on a wild pitch followed by Hudson’s clutch hit to center field restored their lead at 8-6 by the end of the fourth.
Edgewood refused to be outdone, mounting another offensive surge in the top of the fifth. Tony Hall’s timely double brought in two runs, paving the way for Kray to drive in another with his single, propelling Edgewood ahead 9-8. However, Jefferson’s resilience shone through once more as Padgett’s run on a groundout leveled the score.
The seesaw battle continued into the sixth inning, with Edgewood exploding for six runs. Highlighted by timely hits and costly errors from Jefferson, Edgewood surged ahead 15-9, putting the game seemingly out of reach. But Jefferson wasn’t ready to concede defeat, mounting a valiant comeback attempt in the bottom of the sixth. Luke Lambert’s double to center field sparked hope as they closed the deficit to 15-13 by the end of the inning.
With the game hanging in the balance, both teams entered the final inning with everything on the line. Jefferson fought tooth and nail, with Michael Rifle’s double to left field offering a glimmer of hope. However, Edgewood’s Logan Kray slammed the door shut, securing the save and sealing a hard-fought 15-13 victory for his team.
In a contest defined by offensive firepower and unwavering determination, Edgewood emerged victorious, showcasing their resilience and tenacity in the face of adversity. While Jefferson may have fallen short, their never-say-die attitude ensures that they’ll be back with a vengeance in the battles to come.  Edgewood’s next opponent will be against Perry at the Pirates’ home field, in a night game, while Jefferson travels to Berkshire on Thursday.

HERALDS OVERPOWER TROJANS AT THE PLATE

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Ashtabula, OH- The St. John Heralds opened their OHSAA softball playoff run with a dominant 13-3 victory over the Sebring Trojans on Monday. Isabelle Holler, the Heralds’ right-handed pitcher, was the star of the show, striking out an impressive 13 batters in five innings of work.

The Trojans drew first blood in the top of the first inning. Keira Berger smacked a double, driving in two runs, and Kristal Giron followed with an RBI single to give Sebring an early 3-0 lead. However, the Heralds responded swiftly in the bottom half of the frame, as Nadia Lagoa drew a walk, and Caitlyn Carney singled to tie the game at 3-3.

The second inning proved to be the turning point, as the Heralds erupted for five runs on five hits to seize an 8-3 advantage. Alyssa Cevera delivered the decisive blow, a triple that plated one run. The Heralds added another run in the third when Emma Hutchins worked a walk, extending their lead to 9-3.

Holler was masterful on the mound, allowing just four hits and three runs while issuing only one free pass. Allison Hoschar, Sebring’s starting pitcher, struggled with her control, surrendering 10 hits and 13 runs (nine earned) in four innings, striking out one and walking 11.

Rylee Frasure led the Heralds’ offensive charge, driving in three runs while going 2-for-2 at the plate. Cevera, Frasure, and Carney each collected two hits apiece, while Holler, Gianna Torres, and Frasure displayed patience at the plate, drawing two walks each. The Heralds’ aggressive baserunning also paid dividends, as they swiped seven bases, with Holler and Frasure accounting for multiple steals.

For the Trojans, Berger provided a bright spot, going 1-for-2 with two RBIs. Raegan Wynn, Blake Thomas, Berger, and Giron each recorded one hit in the losing effort.

With the victory, the St. John Heralds advance to the Sectional Finals of the OHSAA playoffs, where they will face the Canton Central Catholic Crusaders on Wednesday.

BLUE STREAKS STRIKE DOWN DRAGONS

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Ashtabula, OH- On Monday, the Lakeside Dragons couldn’t keep up with the Madison Blue Streaks and fell 8-0. Madison got on the board in the fourth inning after Anthony Wooten induced Dom Lawrence to hit into a fielder’s choice, resulting in one run scored. Nolan Thomas earned the win for the Madison Blue Streaks, pitching a stellar game. The starting pitcher surrendered just two hits and no runs over seven innings, striking out 12 batters and issuing four walks.

Anthony Wooten took the loss for the Lakeside Dragons, pitching six innings and giving up five runs (four earned) on five hits, while also striking out five and walking three. Despite the outcome, Zion Thomas and Wooten managed to collect one hit each for Lakeside.

Thomas stood out for the Madison Blue Streaks, going 2-for-4 at the plate, leading the team in hits. Eddy Gvora and Ben Amos contributed with two runs batted in each for the Madison Blue Streaks, while Lawrence showcased his speed with two stolen bases. The Madison Blue Streaks displayed aggressive baserunning throughout the game, tallying a total of five stolen bases.

The Madison Blue Streaks’ defensive effort was solid, committing no errors in the field, with Gvora particularly active with 12 chances. Lakeside Dragons will have an opportunity to bounce back as they travel to Madison for their next game scheduled on Tuesday.

LAKERS GET THE EDGE ON MUSTANGS

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Photo Credit: Kelly Summers Photography

Orwell, OH- Both the Grand Valley Mustangs and Pymatuning Valley Lakers had strong pitching performances on Monday, but the Pymatuning Valley Lakers were slightly more effective at the plate in their 2-1 victory over the Grand Valley Mustangs.

Justin Hagan started on the mound for the Grand Valley Mustangs and recorded 15 outs. The Grand Valley Mustangs were in a close game until the Pymatuning Valley Lakers scored a run in the seventh inning.

The Pymatuning Valley Lakers opened the scoring in the fifth inning after Ferrie singled, driving in one run. Blake Taylor singled for the Grand Valley Mustangs in the bottom of the fifth, which helped them tie the game at 1-1.

Wludyga earned the win for the Pymatuning Valley Lakers, allowing five hits and one run over seven innings while striking out seven and walking one. Austin Hall took the loss for the Grand Valley Mustangs, pitching two innings and surrendering one run on two hits, striking out four and walking two. Hagan started on the mound for the Grand Valley Mustangs, allowing four hits and one run over five innings with six strikeouts and two walks.

Taylor and Hagan were productive in the lineup for the Grand Valley Mustangs, each collecting two hits while batting back-to-back. Taylor drove in the lone run for the Grand Valley Mustangs, going 2-for-3 at the plate.

For the Pymatuning Valley Lakers, Haines, Wudyga, Ferrie, Sounders, Croston, and Paul each recorded one hit. Wludyga and Ferrie each had one run batted in.

The Grand Valley Mustangs will host Mathews on Tuesday for their next game. The Lakers will take on the Lakeside Dragaons at home for their next game.

 

SPARTANS STRUGGLE AGAINST EAGLES

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Geneva, OH- The Geneva Eagles defeated the Conneaut Spartans 7-0 in a CVC baseball game on Monday at Geneva High School.

Geneva took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning when Calvin Yeager grounded out, allowing a run to score. They added two more runs in the third inning on an RBI double by Andrew Oros and an RBI single by Shea Arkenburg.

Hewitt Wilt pitched five innings for the win, allowing just one hit and no runs while striking out 10 and walking two. J.R. Hutchison took the loss for Conneaut, giving up seven runs (two earned) on six hits over six innings, with six strikeouts and four walks.

Anthony Rivera, Hutchison, and Bryce Spurlin each had one hit for Conneaut. Calvin Yeager drove in two runs for Geneva, while Kean Arkenburg went 2-for-3.

Geneva stole six bases in the game and turned two double plays defensively.

The two teams are scheduled to play again on Tuesday.

 

FALCONS FLYING HIGH AFTER WIN OVER WARRIORS

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Photo Credit: Tanya Jean Photography

Story contributed by Larry Jennings

Ashtabula,OH- Tate Hudson was the star of the show for the Jefferson Falcons on Monday, racking up three hits in three at-bats to lead his team to a dominant 9-2 victory over the Edgewood Warriors. Hudson got things started with a single in the first inning, then added another single in the fourth and a double in the third inning.

The Falcons wasted no time taking control of the game, plating four runs in the top of the first. After Hudson’s leadoff single, Logan Saksa smashed a two-run double, and Michael McGraw followed with an RBI groundout.

Jefferson added to their lead in the third when Luke Lambert scored on a tag-up play, and McGraw delivered another RBI single.

On the mound, Toby Dickson was stellar for the Falcons, earning the win with seven innings of two-run (one earned) ball. He allowed seven hits while striking out four and walking just one.

The Warriors’ Sean Lincoln had a rough afternoon, taking the loss after allowing four runs on five hits in just one inning of work without recording a strikeout.

Dickson helped his own cause at the plate, collecting two of the Falcons’ 10 hits on the day. The defense also flashed the leather, turning a double play behind their starter.

For Edgewood, Logan Kray and Alex Sperduto each had two hits, while Tony Hall and Mason Feather drove in the Warriors’ only runs of the day. The two teams will meet again tomorrow in Jefferson for the second game of this early-season conference series, with the Falcons looking to secure the sweep at home.

HERALDS REMAIN UNBEATEN IN COUNTY PLAY

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Conneaut, OH- The St. John Heralds displayed their grit and determination on Saturday, emerging victorious in a hard-fought 13-8 battle against the Conneaut Spartans. Will Anderson led the charge for the Heralds, delivering a stellar performance at the plate with three hits in four at-bats.

The Heralds wasted no time in asserting their dominance, drawing first blood in the opening inning thanks to a pair of timely singles. Bryson Vennitti’s clutch hit drove in two runs, setting the tone for an offensive onslaught.

The Heralds continued to apply pressure in the second inning, with Brady Cole’s single and a costly Spartan error contributing to a two-run outburst. Anderson’s prowess at the plate shone through in the third inning, as his single added two more runs to the Heralds’ tally.

While the Spartans mounted a valiant comeback effort, scoring five runs in the seventh inning, the Heralds’ early lead proved too daunting to overcome. Lincoln Wade’s two-run single and Thaddeus Huya’s two-RBI knock provided a glimmer of hope for the Spartans, but the Heralds’ resilience ultimately carried the day.

Ryan Williams set the tone on the mound for the Heralds, striking out six batters and allowing just one unearned run over three impressive innings. Dylan Philip shouldered the burden for the Spartans, but the Heralds’ potent offense proved too much to contain.

The Heralds’ offensive onslaught was a true team effort, with Vennitti and Aaron Wychock contributing multiple hits apiece. AJ Henslee’s keen eye at the plate resulted in three walks, exemplifying the Heralds’ disciplined approach. The baserunning prowess of Cole and Wychock further compounded the Spartans’ woes, as the duo combined for multiple stolen bases in a display of aggressive baserunning.

Next up, the Heralds will look to carry their momentum into a clash against the Bristol Varsity Panthers on Monday, while the Spartans prepare for a road test against the Geneva Eagles.

CROSTON GOES YARD IN 4-3 VICTORY OVER MUSTANGS

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Photo Credit: Kelly Summers Photography

Andover, OH- In a closely contested matchup, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the Grand Valley Mustangs on Wednesday, despite being out-hit by their opponents.

Grand Valley’s Payton Plizga led the offensive charge for the Mustangs, collecting two hits on the day. Plizga also showcased their pitching prowess, tallying an impressive 12 strikeouts while allowing just three hits and four runs over six innings of play.

The Lakers wasted no time in making their mark on the game, as Croston launched a powerful homer to left field in the first inning, driving in two runs and setting the tone for the match. Pymatuning Valley added another run in the third inning, with Haines delivering a clutch single to extend their lead to 3-1.

On the mound, Croston proved to be a formidable force for the Lakers, pitching a complete game and allowing just four hits and three runs over seven innings. Croston’s stellar performance included nine strikeouts and demonstrated their resilience in high-pressure situations.

Despite the Lakers’ offensive firepower and solid defensive play, Grand Valley managed to keep the game competitive, with Justin Hagan leading the charge with two RBIs. Blake Taylor showcased patience at the plate, drawing two walks, contributing to Grand Valley’s six walks accumulated throughout the game. Plizga’s speed on the bases was evident as they stole two bases during the matchup.

Offensively, Croston also made significant contributions at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two RBIs and demonstrating their versatility as a pitcher and hitter. Croston’s two stolen bases further showcased their athleticism and impact on the game.

The Lakers’ defensive efforts were highlighted by their flawless fielding, as they committed no errors throughout the game. Vickery was particularly active in the field, making the most chances with nine.

Looking ahead, the Grand Valley Mustangs will aim to bounce back as they prepare to face Crestwood on Friday. Meanwhile, the Lakers will hit the road for their next challenge against the Western Reserve Blue Devils on Thursday, seeking to maintain their momentum and secure another victory.

LADY LAKERS MAKE IT 9 STRAIGHT WITH WIN OVER BLOOMFIELD

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Photo Credit: Kelly Summers Photography

Bloomfield, OH- Looking to continue an impressive win streak, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers secured a resounding 8-0 victory over the Bloomfield Cardinals on Wednesday.

The Lakers wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Saige Payne igniting the offense in the first inning by driving in a run with a solid single.

Building on their early momentum, the Lakers surged ahead in the top of the second inning. Allison Clark’s timely single brought in two runs, followed by a powerful triple from Saige Payne, adding another run to the Lakers’ lead. An error by the Cardinals further contributed to the Lakers’ commanding advantage.

The Lakers continued to showcase their offensive prowess in the top of the sixth inning, as Tessa Graves launched a spectacular homer to center field, driving in three runs and extending the Lakers’ lead even further.

On the mound, Mackenzie Kribbs delivered a stellar performance for the Lakers, shutting down the Cardinals’ offense with precision and poise. Kribbs allowed just three hits over seven innings while striking out nine batters and issuing only five walks.

Meanwhile, Bloomfield’s Miller struggled to contain the Lakers’ relentless offense, surrendering 14 hits and eight runs (seven earned) over seven innings of play.

The Lakers’ batting lineup was firing on all cylinders, amassing a total of 14 hits in the game. Macie Payne, Graves, Saige Payne, Clark, and Kasynthia Stockmaster each contributed two hits, with Graves, Saige Payne, and Clark driving in two runs apiece. Kribbs led the Lakers with three walks, while the team demonstrated excellent plate discipline, drawing a total of six walks throughout the game.

In addition to their offensive prowess, the Lakers showcased their speed on the base paths, tallying five stolen bases during the game. Their solid defensive efforts were highlighted by a well-executed double play.

Despite Bloomfield’s efforts, they were unable to match the Lakers’ dominant performance. Gwinn led Bloomfield with two hits, while Doll displayed patience at the plate, drawing two walks.

With this convincing victory, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers extend their winning streak to nine games, improving their season record to an impressive 16-1. The Lakers now set their sights on their next challenge as they prepare to defend their home turf against Chalker on Friday

PIRATES FLUSTER THE FALCONS

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Photo Credit: Tanya Jean Photography

Jefferson, OH- The Jefferson Falcons faced a tough Perry Pirates team on Wednesday at home, ultimately falling short in a 14-1 defeat.

Perry wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Morgan Winters launching a powerful home run to center field in the top of the first inning, setting the tone for the Pirates’ offensive onslaught.

In the second inning, Perry extended their lead with RBI singles from Arianna Rogers and Madeline Infalvi, further cementing their early advantage.

The Pirates continued to pile on the runs in the top of the third, as Rosalyn Tharp’s homer to left field, combined with smart baserunning and errors from the Falcons, allowed Perry to widen the gap.

Jefferson Area Falcons managed to get on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth inning when Kennidie Rogers blasted a solo home run to center field, providing a brief spark of offense for the Falcons.

Ada Sirrine took the mound for the Falcons but struggled against Perry’s formidable lineup, surrendering six hits and eight runs (six earned) over three innings of work.

On the other side, Emma Brainard anchored Perry’s pitching, allowing just one run on five hits over five innings, while striking out four batters and showcasing her command on the mound.

Despite the Falcons’ efforts, they were unable to generate enough offense to overcome Perry’s dominant performance. Allison Hill, Kennidie Rogers, and Gabby Barress each collected hits for the Falcons, with Rogers driving in the lone run for Jefferson.

Meanwhile, Perry’s offense was firing on all cylinders, amassing 12 hits in the game. Sydney Collins and Morgan Winters led the charge with three hits apiece, while Tharp, Collins, Madelyn Rupert, and Winters each contributed two RBIs to Perry’s offensive barrage.

With this commanding victory secured, the Perry Pirates look ahead to their next challenge against the Wickliffe Blue Devils, while the Jefferson Falcons prepare for a road matchup against Madison on Thursday.