Tag Archive for: Ashtabula County

SPARTANS SPLIT THE SEASON SERIES WITH DRAGONS

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Ashtabula, OH- In a rematch of Monday’s gams, the Conneaut Spartans emerged victorious with a narrow 5-4 win over the Lakeside Dragons on Tuesday, seizing the lead late in the game to secure their triumph.

The game reached a critical juncture in the top of the sixth inning when J.R. Hutchison delivered a clutch single, bringing in a crucial run to break the tie and propel the Spartans ahead. Earlier in the contest, the Spartans had laid the groundwork for their victory, getting on the scoreboard in the third inning courtesy of a double by Bryce Spurlin and a single by Anthony Rivera, each driving in a run.

Although the Dragons fought back, knotting the score in the fourth inning thanks to a line out by Gage Tome and an error, the Spartans refused to relent. Conneaut surged ahead once more in the fifth inning, with Rivera’s single giving them a narrow 3-2 lead.

Yet, the resilient Dragons answered back, with Matt Wagner’s timely single in the bottom of the fifth inning propelling Lakeside ahead 4-3. However, the Spartans countered yet again in the following frame, reclaiming the lead with Kyler Dean and Hutchison each delivering pivotal RBI singles.

Spurlin, the Spartans’ starting pitcher, proved instrumental in securing the win, delivering a strong performance on the mound. Despite facing pressure from the Dragons’ offense, Spurlin showcased his composure, allowing just six hits and four runs over seven innings while striking out eight batters.

On the offensive side, Rivera and Spurlin led the charge for the Spartans, each collecting two hits and contributing crucial RBIs to fuel their team’s victory. Hutchison, Dean, and Spurlin all played pivotal roles in driving in runs for the Spartans, further solidifying their offensive effort.

For the Lakeside Dragons, Wagner emerged as a standout performer, leading the team with two RBIs while also tallying two hits in the contest.

With this hard-fought victory secured, the Conneaut Spartans now turn their attention to their upcoming road matchup against the Hubbard Eagles on Thursday, aiming to maintain their momentum and continue their winning streak.

DRAGONS ROAR IN ROAD WIN OVER CONNEAUT

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Conneaut, OH- In a scorching display on the mound and in the box, the Lakeside Dragons showcased their prowess on the diamond, securing an impressive 8-2 victory over the Conneaut Spartans on Monday. Spearheading their triumph was starting pitcher Anthony Wooten, who delivered a masterful performance on the mound, striking out an astounding 15 batters while allowing just four hits and two runs over seven innings of play.

From the outset, the Dragons asserted their dominance, with the bottom of their lineup proving to be particularly potent. Tristan Westerfield, Chase Newsome, and Zion Thomas combined for four hits, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive onslaught.

Lakeside wasted no time in taking control of the game, opening the scoring in the first inning when Alex DiSalvatore drew a walk, crossing the plate to give the Dragons an early lead. They further extended their advantage in the second inning, capitalizing on wild pitches to add two more runs to their tally.

Despite their best efforts, the Spartans struggled to contain the Dragons’ offensive firepower. Conneaut’s pitcher, Hutchison, faced a formidable challenge, surrendering eight runs on eight hits over seven innings of play.

Matt Wagner emerged as a key offensive contributor for the Dragons, driving in two runs to lead the team in RBIs. Meanwhile, Chase Newsome showcased his batting prowess, collecting three hits in three at-bats and making the most of his opportunities at the plate.

Dyln Newsome also made significant contributions, tallying two hits and joining Chase Newsome in stealing multiple bases, highlighting the Dragons’ aggressive base-running strategy.

For the Spartans, Hutchison led the offensive effort with two hits, while Spurlin drove in one run, but their efforts were not enough to overcome the Dragons’ dominant performance.

With this commanding victory secured, the Lakeside Dragons look ahead to their next matchup, a home game against Conneaut on Tuesday. As they continue their season, the Dragons remain determined to build upon their success and maintain their momentum on the baseball diamond.

WARRIORS WIN A DEFENSIVE BATTLE OVER MUSTANGS

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Story Coverage By Larry Jennings

Orwell, OH- In a showdown that Mother Nature tried to dampen, the Edgewood Warriors and the Grand Valley Mustangs had to change fields from Edgewood’s home field to Grand Valley’s. Originally slated for a doubleheader, the unpredictable weather forced a venue change, but it did little to deter the Warriors’ spirits.

Sophomore sensation Geno Measel emerged as the hero of the day, commanding the mound with finesse and determination. Despite the slick conditions, Measel delivered a masterful complete game performance, stifling the Mustangs’ offense with a blend of precision and power. With 120 pitches under his belt, the right-hander struck out 8 batters and surrendered a mere 5 hits, ensuring a hard-fought victory for the Warriors.

However, the game wasn’t without its nail-biting moments. In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Mustangs threatened with runners in scoring position, but Measel showcased his composure, striking out crucial batters and extinguishing the potential rally with remarkable poise.

Grand Valley managed to break the silence in the fifth inning, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to notch a run. But the Warriors answered back fiercely in the sixth, as Aidan Hernandez and Logan Kray ignited a rally with back-to-back doubles, propelling their team to a decisive lead. Measel once again rose to the occasion in the bottom frame, snuffing out the Mustangs’ hopes with a timely strikeout.

The Warriors solidified their triumph in the seventh, adding an insurance run courtesy of Drew Hlavtur and Hernandez, who continued to shine with their offensive prowess. Despite the Mustangs’ valiant efforts, highlighted by Aidan Baker’s impressive performance at the plate, they couldn’t overcome the relentless resolve of the Warriors.

As the dust settled on the field, the Warriors celebrated a hard-earned victory, setting their sights on upcoming divisional clashes. With momentum on their side, they eagerly anticipate their next challenge against the Geneva Eagles, ready to showcase their dominance once again. Meanwhile, the Mustangs look to regroup and rebound as they gear up to face the Wickliffe Blue Devils in their quest for redemption.

WARRIORS WIN IN TIGHT BATTLE AGAINST EAGLES

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Story by Larry Jennings:

Geneva, OH- In a thrilling softball showdown, the Edgewood Warriors emerged victorious, defeating the Geneva Eagles with a final score of 4-2 on Friday at Geneva High School. Spearheading Edgewood’s impressive performance was right-handed pitcher Lucianna Paolillo, who delivered a stellar pitching display to lead the Warriors to victory.

Paolillo showcased his dominance on the mound, striking out an impressive 12 batters over seven innings of play. Despite facing formidable opposition, Paolillo  remained composed, allowing six hits and two runs while issuing three walks throughout the game.
The Warriors wasted no time asserting their presence on the scoreboard, with Paolillo  leading the charge in the top of the first inning. A sacrifice fly by Paolillo  and a groundout by Makenna Rhodes each contributed to Edgewood’s early lead, setting the tone for the rest of the game. The Warriors continued to add to their lead in the second inning, with Paolillo’s single driving in another run, bringing the score to 3-0 in favor of Edgewood.
Geneva fought back in the bottom of the 4th inning, as Alyssa Palmisano’s homer to left field scored two runs, narrowing the gap in the scoreline. However, their efforts fell short as Edgewood maintained their lead until the final out.
Despite the loss, Geneva’s pitcher, Annabelle Bragg, put up a commendable performance, pitching a complete game and giving up only four runs, three earned, on 10 hits. She struck out four batters and issued two walks.
Offensively, Edgewood displayed their prowess at the plate, accumulating a total of 10 hits throughout the game. Paolillo  played a crucial role in the lineup, driving in two runs for the Warriors while going 1 for 3 on the day. Natalie Ianetta, Carly Kray, and Avery Vencill each collected two hits, further solidifying Edgewood’s offensive dominance.
Defensively, the Warriors were impeccable, turning one double play and committing zero errors in the field. Natalie Ianetta made the most plays with 13, showcasing Edgewood’s sure-handedness and defensive prowess.
For Geneva, Alyssa Palmisano  and Caidyn Siegel emerged as formidable offensive threats, collecting two hits each while batting back-to-back in the lineup. Palmisano  led Geneva with two runs batted in, providing a significant contribution to their offensive effort.
With this impressive victory secured, the Edgewood Varsity Warriors look ahead to their next challenge as they prepare for a game against West Geauga on Saturday. As they continue their season, the Warriors aim to build upon their success and maintain their momentum as they strive for further victories on the softball diamond.  The Geneva Eagles look to rebound against the Madison Blue Streaks on Saturday.

WARRIORS GET A DOUBLE DOSE OF VICTORY IN DOUBLE HEADER

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Photo Credit: Edgedwood Warriors

Story by Larry Jennings

GAME 1:

East Ashtabula, OH- In a thrilling showdown that spanned multiple days, the Edgewood Warriors emerged victorious over the Conneaut Spartans in a hard-fought battle that showcased the Warriors’ resilience and determination. The game, which commenced on Tuesday and concluded on Friday, saw the Warriors clinch a decisive win with an impressive display of skill and teamwork.

Right from the start, the Warriors asserted their dominance, wasting no time in establishing an early lead. Alex Sperduto set the tone with a sacrifice fly in the first inning, scoring a crucial run for Edgewood. The Warriors extended their advantage in the second inning, capitalizing on a Conneaut error to tally two more runs.

Edgewood’s offensive prowess continued to shine in the third inning, with Sperduto delivering a pivotal double to help bolster the team’s lead. Caleb Johnson and Aiden Hernandez also contributed with key hits, further solidifying the Warriors’ position.

On the pitching front, Sperduto showcased his versatility by delivering a stellar performance on the mound, ultimately earning the win for Edgewood. His strong outing, combined with solid relief pitching from Riley Baldwin, helped stifle Conneaut’s offense and secure the victory for the Warriors.

Offensively, the Warriors showcased their depth and resilience, with multiple players making significant contributions at the plate. Tony Hall, Drew Hlavtur, and Johnson each collected two hits, while Baldwin and Hlavtur drove in crucial runs for Edgewood. Additionally, Geno Measel demonstrated patience and discipline, drawing three walks to further bolster the Warriors’ offensive effort.

Defensively, the Warriors remained solid, committing just a single error while making numerous plays in the field to support their pitching staff. Hall’s exceptional defensive performance, highlighted by 10 plays, underscored Edgewood’s sure-handedness and defensive capability.

Despite the loss, Conneaut put up a valiant effort, with several players contributing offensively and defensively. Dylan Philip, Ty Covill, and Lincoln Wade stood out with their efforts at the plate, while Thaddeus Huya, Kyler Dean, and others showcased their defensive prowess.

With this victory in hand, the Edgewood Warriors now set their sights on the second game of the doubleheader, as they look to maintain their momentum and secure another win against Conneaut.

GAME 2:

In a commanding performance that showcased their talent and determination, the Edgewood Warriors continued their winning ways with a resounding victory over the Conneaut Spartans in the second game of their doubleheader showdown.

Right from the start, the Warriors wasted no time in establishing control of the game, taking an early lead in the third inning. Tony Hall drew a pivotal walk, setting the stage for Alex Sperduto’s clutch double, which drove in two runs and propelled Edgewood ahead.

As the game progressed, Edgewood’s offense continued to shine, particularly in the fifth inning, where they exploded for six runs on three hits. Zayne Naylor and Aiden Hernandez contributed with key hits, while the Warriors’ aggressive baserunning and smart playmaking helped extend their lead and secure the win.

On the pitching front, Logan Kray delivered a standout performance for Edgewood, showcasing his skill and composure on the mound. With strong support from Riley Baldwin in relief, the Warriors’ pitching staff effectively shut down Conneaut’s offense and preserved the victory.

Offensively, Edgewood’s depth and versatility were on full display, with multiple players making significant contributions at the plate. Sperduto once again led the charge with two RBIs, while Kray and others chipped in with key hits to fuel the Warriors’ offensive onslaught.

Defensively, the Warriors remained solid, committing just a single error while making numerous plays in the field to support their pitching staff. Hall and Naylor showcased their speed and agility on the basepaths, contributing to Edgewood’s dominant performance.

Despite the loss, Conneaut fought valiantly, with several players making notable contributions both offensively and defensively. JR Hutchison, Bryce Spurlin, and others stood out with their efforts at the plate, while Anthony Rivera displayed patience and discipline, drawing three walks to help bolster the Spartans’ offense.

With another convincing victory secured, the Edgewood Warriors now turn their attention to their upcoming matchup against Grand Valley, as they look to maintain their winning streak and continue their pursuit of success on the baseball diamond. Meanwhile, the Conneaut Spartans aim to regroup and bounce back in their next contest against Hawken.

HAGAN’S EXTRA INNING HIT PUSHES MUSTANGS PAST FALCONS

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Photo Credit: Jocyln Nicholas

Orwell, OH- Friday’s showdown between the Grand Valley Mustangs and the Jefferson Falcons proved to be a heart-stopping affair, with the Mustangs claiming a dramatic 6-5 victory after a late-game surge. The Falcons, despite a valiant effort, saw their lead slip away in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Grand Valley seized an early advantage in the bottom of the first inning, capitalizing on an error to put themselves on the scoreboard. The Mustangs extended their lead with two more runs in the third inning, courtesy of RBI singles by Kamden Cottrell and Justin Hagan.

However, the Falcons fought back fiercely, reclaiming the lead in the top of the sixth inning. DJ Partridge and Braden Dietrich came up clutch with back-to-back doubles, each driving in two runs to swing the momentum in favor of the Jefferson Mustangs.

Not to be outdone, Grand Valley rallied once more, with Cottrell’s crucial double in the bottom of the seventh knotting the score at five apiece, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.

The game-deciding moment came in the bottom of the ninth when Justin Hagan delivered a walk-off single, securing the victory for the Grand Valley Mustangs and leaving the Falcons with a bitter taste of defeat.

Eric Ellsworth emerged as the winning pitcher for Grand Valley, delivering a stellar relief performance by shutting down the Falcons in the crucial final inning. On the opposite side, Braden Dietrich suffered the loss for the Jefferson Mustangs, despite a solid effort on the mound.

Contributions were spread across both teams, with hitters from both sides making notable impacts. For the Jefferson Mustangs, players like Michael Riffle, Luke Lambert, Giovanni Matticola, Partridge, Logan Saksa, and Dietrich each recorded hits, while Partridge and Dietrich stood out with two RBIs apiece.

Meanwhile, Cottrell led the offensive charge for Grand Valley, driving in three runs and contributing to the Mustangs’ hard-fought victory. Payton Plizga and Justin Hagan also made significant offensive contributions, with Plizga leading the team in hits and Hagan delivering the game-winning hit.

With this thrilling win under their belts, the Grand Valley Mustangs look ahead to their next challenge, while the Jefferson Mustangs regroup in preparation for their upcoming matchup against Madison on Monday.

STERN’S 5 RBI GAME LEADS HERALDS PAST DRAGONS

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Ashtabula, OH- Isabelle Stern’s outstanding performance, driving in five runs on four hits, propelled the St. John Heralds to a decisive 10-5 victory over the Lakeside Dragons on Thursday. Stern’s contributions were pivotal as she doubled twice, singled twice, and played a significant role in securing the win.

The Heralds wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, with Alyssa Cevera and Stern each driving in a run in the bottom of the first inning. However, the Lakeside Dragons responded, narrowing the gap to 3-2 in the top of the third inning, courtesy of Brooke’s double and an opposing error.

Stern’s pivotal double in the bottom of the third inning tied the game at three apiece before the Heralds exploded for four runs in the fourth inning, seizing a commanding 7-3 lead. Rylee Frasure’s triple, Isabelle Holler’s triple, and another clutch double from Stern highlighted the offensive surge.

Pitching prowess was also on display for the Heralds, with Holler delivering a stellar performance on the mound. The right-handed pitcher struck out 11 batters over six innings, conceding only seven hits and no earned runs.

Jules Lavender endured a challenging outing for the Lakeside Dragons, shouldering the loss after allowing 10 runs, seven of which were earned, on nine hits over five innings.

Despite Lakeside’s efforts, the Heralds’ offensive dominance prevailed, backed by a solid defensive display. Frasure and Holler’s offensive contributions, along with stellar base-running that saw multiple stolen bases, cemented the Heralds’ victory.

Brooke Dibell led the Lakeside Dragons’ offensive charge, driving in two runs and showcasing a formidable 3-for-4 performance at the plate.

With this impressive win, the St. John Heralds look ahead to their next challenge, a home game against the Maplewood Rockets Varsity Softball team on Friday.

HERALDS SKIP PAST FAIRPORT

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Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas

Fairport Harbor, OH- Ezra Campbell showcased his offensive prowess, driving in four runs on three hits to propel the St. John Heralds to a commanding 19-3 victory over the Fairport Skippers on Wednesday.

Campbell’s bat was on fire throughout the game, as he delivered timely hits to fuel the Heralds’ offense. In the second inning, Campbell’s single drove in one run, and in the fourth inning, he came through again with another single, plating two more runs.

The Heralds surged ahead with a dominant performance in the second inning, where they erupted for 10 runs to seize control of the game. Contributions came from various players, including Anthony Severino, Will Anderson, and Campbell, who all played a part in driving in runs during the explosive inning.

Fairport Harding managed to get on the scoreboard early in the first inning when DJ Dambolena singled, bringing in one run. However, the Heralds quickly asserted their dominance, extending their lead in the third inning with the help of a passed ball and a single by Kyle Hejduk.

Hejduk also showcased his skills on the mound, starting the game for the Heralds and delivering a solid performance, striking out six batters over three innings. Nathan Wright took the mound for Fairport Harding but struggled against the relentless onslaught of the Heralds’ offense.

Anderson provided stellar relief pitching for the Heralds, shutting down Fairport Harding’s offense with two innings of zero-run ball, striking out four batters in the process.

Offensively, the Heralds amassed 13 hits, with Campbell and Anderson leading the charge with three hits each. Severino, Ryan Williams, and Hejduk also contributed multiple hits to the Heralds’ offensive barrage.

The Heralds’ disciplined approach at the plate was evident, as they drew 11 walks throughout the game. Aaron Wychock, Anderson, John Miller, and AJ Henslee displayed patience, each drawing two walks.

On the basepaths, the Heralds wreaked havoc, stealing a total of 10 bases, with Wychock, Campbell, Williams, and Anderson each swiping multiple bags.

Defensively, the Heralds were flawless, committing no errors in the field, with Severino making the most plays with 13 chances.

Fairport Harding’s Elijah Harless led his team with two hits, while Wright, Dambolena, and Harless each drove in a run for the Skippers. Fairport Harding displayed discipline at the plate, tallying eight walks.

The St. John Heralds look to carry their momentum into their next game as they face Chalker at home on Thursday, aiming to continue their winning streak.

HERALDS LOSE LEAD LATE TO FALL TO SKIPPERS

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Fairport Harbor, OH- Despite amassing 12 hits, the St. John Heralds suffered a narrow 9-8 defeat against the Fairport Skippers on Tuesday. Alyssa Cevera stood out for the Heralds, delivering an impressive four-hit performance.

Cevera’s bat was on fire throughout the game, as she went 4-for-4 at the plate, showcasing her hitting prowess. She doubled twice, once in the fourth inning and again in the seventh, and added two singles in the second and sixth innings.

Fairport got off to a strong start, taking an early lead in the bottom of the first inning courtesy of Justinger’s triple and Phillips’ groundout, each driving in a run.

However, the Heralds fought back, seizing the lead in the top of the fourth inning. Cevera’s double, combined with contributions from Gianna Torres, Caitlyn Carney, and Rylee Frasure, propelled St. John ahead, scoring one run each.

A crucial error by the Heralds allowed Fairport to level the score at four apiece in the bottom of the fifth. St. John responded in the top of the sixth, breaking the tie with Oliveras’ double, driving in two runs, followed by Frasure’s single to extend their lead to 7-4.

Nevertheless, Fairport staged a dramatic comeback in the bottom of the sixth, capitalizing on an error to score five runs on two hits, surging ahead to a 9-7 lead.

Cevera displayed her versatility, starting in the circle for the Heralds. Despite her solid performance, allowing three hits and three runs over four and two-thirds innings while striking out seven, the Heralds couldn’t secure the win. McFadden led the charge for Fairport from the mound, enduring St. John’s offensive onslaught to secure the victory.

Despite the loss, the Heralds showcased their offensive firepower, tallying 12 hits. Oliveras led the charge with a 2-for-5 performance at the plate, driving in three crucial runs. Frasure also made significant contributions, collecting three hits in four at-bats. Cevera’s speed on the basepaths was evident as she stole two bases, while the Heralds collectively swiped six bags throughout the game.

For Fairport, Prioreschi and Justinger led the offensive charge with two hits apiece, each driving in a run. The Skippers demonstrated patience at the plate, drawing eight walks to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Despite the setback, the Heralds remain determined, eagerly anticipating their next matchup against the Lakeside Dragons on Thursday, where they aim to bounce back with a vengeance.

DRAGONS BLAZING BATS LEAD TO WIN OVER FALCONS

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While powering through a cold and windy Wednesday evening, the Lakeside Dragons cruised to a resounding 13-3 victory over the Jefferson Falcons on Wednesday.

The Falcons struck first in the top of the first inning, capitalizing on Luke Lambert’s double and Tate Hudson’s single to take an early lead. Lambert’s heads-up baserunning allowed him to tag up and score, igniting Jefferson’s offense.

However, the Dragons wasted no time responding, unleashing an offensive onslaught in the bottom of the first inning. With six runs plated on just two hits, Lakeside swiftly turned the tide, seizing a commanding 6-3 lead. Caleb Stitt delivered a pivotal single that drove in two crucial runs, setting the tone for Lakeside’s dominance.

Lakeside extended their lead in the bottom of the second inning, with Gage Tome’s groundout pushing the advantage to 7-3.

Matt Wagner showcased his prowess on the mound for the Dragons, earning the win with a stellar performance. The right-hander stifled the Falcons’ offense, allowing just four hits and three runs over five solid innings while notching five strikeouts.

Despite Jefferson’s efforts, they struggled to contain Lakeside’s potent lineup. Anthony Wooten, Stitt, and Alex DiSalvatore each drove in two runs for the Dragons, while Stitt demonstrated exceptional plate discipline with three walks.

Lakeside’s disciplined approach at the plate paid dividends, as they amassed an impressive total of 12 walks throughout the game. Dyln Newsome and Wagner led the charge on the basepaths, each swiping multiple bags to keep the pressure on the Falcons.

In the field, the Dragons were flawless, displaying impeccable defensive execution and committing zero errors. Newsome anchored the defense with five chances, showcasing Lakeside’s commitment to excellence on both sides of the ball.

For Jefferson, Giovanni Matticola, Hudson, Lambert, and Toby Dickinson each contributed with a hit, while Hudson, Michael McGraw, and Lambert drove in one run apiece.

With this commanding victory under their belts, the Lakeside Dragons are primed and ready for their upcoming matchup against South, aiming to carry their momentum forward and continue their winning ways. The Falcons will look to regroup as they play the Grand Valley Mustangs on Friday.