Tag Archive for: Baseball

CANFIELD SHUTS DOWN PERRY

MASSILLON, OH- It hasn’t been easy to get games in over the last couple weeks, but when they’ve played, the Canfield Cardinals have made it count.  In a thrilling showdown on Saturday, the Cardinals soared to victory over the Perry Panthers with a commanding 4-0 win. The Cardinals wasted no time making their mark, with an explosive first inning setting the tone for the rest of the game.

It was a display of skill and determination from the Canfield squad right from the start. Zain Jadallah’s solid single set the stage, followed by a daring steal of home by Michael Patellis, each contributing to the team’s early lead.

The pitching prowess of Canfield was on full display, with Noah Anzevino leading the charge to secure the win. Anzevino’s stellar performance saw him giving up just one hit and zero runs over three impressive innings, striking out an impressive seven batters and walking none.

Meanwhile, Jack Kintz of the Perry Panthers Varsity faced a tough outing, as the Cardinals’ offense proved to be too much to handle. Despite a valiant effort, Kintz took the loss after going four innings, surrendering zero runs on two hits.

Patellis took the mound first for Canfield, showcasing their versatility on the field. With precision and control, Patellis held the Panthers at bay, allowing just one hit and zero runs over two solid innings.

The Canfield bullpen continued to dominate, with Jadallah and Will Murphy stepping in to close out the game and secure the victory.

At the plate, Jadallah’s performance was nothing short of stellar, going 2-for-3 and driving in a crucial run for the Cardinals. It was a testament to the team’s depth and talent across the board.

Looking ahead, the Canfield Varsity Cardinals are poised for another exciting matchup at Cene Park on Field 1, facing off against Howland at 7pm on Monday. 

CARDS TURNING A CORNER

YOUNGSTOWN, OH- In a heated battle on Saturday, Trent Litman showcased his batting prowess, collecting three hits in four at-bats and propelling the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals to a well-deserved 13-8 triumph over Triway.

Litman’s standout performance included a powerful home run to left field in the second inning, followed by timely singles in the fourth and sixth innings, contributing significantly to his team’s offensive onslaught.

Cardinal Mooney drew first blood in the opening frame, capitalizing on a fielder’s choice induced by Triway’s Wyatt, resulting in one run crossing the plate. However, Triway quickly responded, taking the lead in the bottom of the first inning with a clutch single from Patterson that drove in two runs.

Undeterred, the Cardinal Mooney Varsity Cardinals turned the tide in the top of the second inning, exploding for six runs on five hits, highlighted by Litman’s towering home run that plated two runs.

The offensive barrage continued as Cardinal Mooney extended their lead in the third inning, with Kaden Reese, Ben Oddis, and Vince Gentile all contributing to the scoring drive.

On the mound, Oddis earned the win for the Cardinals, delivering a solid performance over three innings, while Gentile provided two innings of no-run relief, showcasing his pitching prowess.

Cardinal Mooney Varsity Cardinals piled up an impressive 14 hits, with Gentile leading the charge with three RBIs, while Reese and Jonathan Brenner contributed multiple hits to the offensive onslaught.

Taco Verroco added to the Cardinals’ dominance with two stolen bases, highlighting their aggressive approach on the basepaths.

For Triway, Patterson led the offensive charge with three RBIs, supported by strong performances from Schag and B. Snyder, who each contributed multiple stolen bases.

Looking ahead, Cardinal Mooney Varsity Cardinals are set to face Austintown Fitch on Monday, aiming to carry their winning momentum into the upcoming clash.

 

OFFENSE REIGNS AS WARRIORS AND RAIDERS DO BATTLE

BELOIT, OH- In a gripping showdown on Saturday, Hunter Shields showcased his offensive firepower with four RBIs on two hits, but it wasn’t enough to secure victory for the West Branch as they fell to the South Range in a thrilling 14-12 encounter.

Despite the Warriors outhitting their opponents 14 to 12, they couldn’t stave off the Raiders’ relentless offense. Aaron Tucker led the charge for West Branch with an impressive three-hit performance.

The Warriors drew first blood in the bottom of the first inning, with Shields igniting the offense with a crucial double that drove in two runs, followed by a groundout from Jeremiah Thomas, adding another run to their tally.

However, the Raiders swiftly responded, leveling the score in the top of the second inning courtesy of a single by Logan Baxter and a fielder’s choice by Tyler Wardle.

The game took a dramatic turn in the top of the third as the Raiders exploded for six runs on three hits, seizing a commanding 9-3 lead, highlighted by a clutch three-run single from Konnor Brogan.

Not to be outdone, the Warriors mounted a spirited comeback in the bottom of the fifth, rallying for five runs on four hits to snatch a narrow 10-9 lead, with Shields once again delivering a timely single that drove in two runs.

The seesaw battle continued as the Raiders fought back to tie the game at 10 in the top of the sixth, before the Warriors reclaimed the lead 12-10 in the bottom half of the inning thanks to a clutch single from Boston Mulinix.

In a nail-biting finale, the Raiders refused to back down, knotting the score at 12 apiece in the top of the seventh with a single from Jake Shumate. They then surged ahead in the top of the eighth, scoring two crucial runs to secure the hard-fought victory.

Jake Shumate earned the win on the mound for the Raiders, while Jaxon Robb suffered the loss for the Warriors.

Both teams displayed offensive prowess, with the Warriors racking up 14 hits, led by Beau Alazaus, Mulinix, Anthony Perry, and Thomas, while the Raiders capitalized on key opportunities, with Brogan emerging as the standout performer with four RBIs.

Looking ahead, the Warriors will regroup as they prepare to face off against the Girard in their next home game on Sunday, aiming to bounce back from the tough loss and return to winning ways.

SOUTH RANGE BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH JIM HANEK

CANFIELD, OH- South Range’s baseball team has long been a force to reckon with in high school sports, and Coach Jim Hanek is a significant reason why. With the 2024 season well underway, Coach Hanek shared his thoughts on what constitutes a successful season, the development of young talents, and his coaching philosophy on the first episode of SOUTH RANGE BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER with DJ Yokley.

For Coach Hanek, the team’s recent trip to Myrtle Beach wasn’t merely about wins and losses, though they returned with an impressive 4-1 record. He elaborated, “Wins and losses, yes. I mean, it’s… Those are important, but… the team building, the camaraderie that you get from a trip like that… it just really brings the team closer together.” The importance of team cohesion can often be undervalued, but for teams aiming for the top, it’s clear that Hanek considers it essential.

Fostering a winning culture isn’t just about celebrating victories on the field—it’s also about appreciating the lighter moments. Coach Hanek described the team’s traditional Rios night vividly, recounting moments of lighthearted competition: “There were a few kids that… tried to out eat each other. It didn’t end very well late in the evening,” he chuckled, noting even he had to pass up dessert to focus on the “main course” of the night.

When asked about cultivating standout players like senior Tyler Wardle, Coach Hanek’s pride was evident. “He’s worked hard. I mean, he continues to work hard… and I think he’s a, he’s strong in his faith, you know? And I admire him for the fact… I think that strong faith base he has… that calms him,” he shared, stressing the significance of personal development alongside athletic prowess. For Hanek, inspiring athletes to be well rounded, responsible adults is a key aspect of his coaching duties.

Coach Hanek is also known for his analytical approach to the game, digging deep into data to make informed decisions. Yet he acknowledges the role of intuition. “A lot of… in-game decisions… you just kind of see how the game’s evolving… it’s a mix,” Hanek explained. There’s a dance between following the statistics and trusting one’s instincts that Hanek seems to have mastered over his coaching tenure.

Reflecting on the pressures of winning state championships, Coach Hanek offered perspective: “I think if you’re judged solely on that and you’re looking at that as the ultimate goal and nothing else matters, I think you’re missing a lot.” He emphasized the journey over the destination, the growth of players over wins, and the broader impact a coach can have on young lives.

As South Range’s baseball season progresses, the community will be watching Coach Jim Hanek, not just for his strategic play-calling but for the way he continues to mold a group of young athletes into a tight-knit team poised for success both on and off the diamond. His depth of experience, blended with his thoughtful approach to coaching, makes each game a learning opportunity for his players and a master class for everyone watching. Keep an eye on the Raiders this season as they implement the lessons from Myrtle Beach under the steady guidance of a coach who truly understands the heart of baseball.

 

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RARIFIED AIR

CANFIELD, OH- The Canfield Cardinals, known for their reputation in grooming remarkable talent, have once again proven their prowess with their shining senior, Trent Rarick, a star both on the pitcher’s mound and in leadership. In the latest episode of the YSN podcast, we sit down with Trent, fresh off his commitment to Geneva College, to talk about his journey, his role as a senior leader, and his aspirations for the future.
Trent stepped onto the podcast with the same grace he carries onto the field, sharing insights into his decision to commit to Geneva College: “It was super welcoming. I visited coach Sumner there…and then a couple of weeks ago, I decided to go to Geneva.” This young man’s dedication to his craft and his thoughtful consideration of his collegiate future promises great things ahead.

Being one of Canfield’s elite pitchers, Trent emphasizes the focus required in his role, saying, “It’s super good for me…just to focus on stretching and just get my arm ready to throw.” He’s embraced the specialization, understanding the commitment necessary to excel and acknowledging the previous seniors who mentored him into the pitcher and person he is now.

The Cardinals’ ethos of dedication, hard work, and team spirit is something Trent takes seriously, and he is keen on instilling these values within the ranks of younger players. “Every single practice, every single game, we’re gonna, we’re gonna go full 110%” Trent remarks about demonstrating what Canfield baseball is all about.
When talking about leadership, Rarick details how he and co-senior Michael Patellis step up: “Me and Mike this year have really taken that next step to becoming leaders,” further explaining the importance of leading a team with a substantial freshman class and showing them “how to play Canfield baseball and be a teammate.”

On maintaining a competitive edge against top-tier competition, Rarick shines again with his relentless spirit: “Energy is always up and… we’re going to make it mostly just kind of uncomfortable for teams to want to play us.” This relentless competitiveness is a testament to the culture and strength of Canfield’s baseball program.
Rarick also didn’t miss an opportunity to express gratitude towards those who have fueled his journey. He gives a heartfelt shoutout, “Coach Matt Weimer… Beck and Connor Miller… and… Mike, who I’ve been with playing Canfield baseball since freshman year.” In these acknowledgments, you hear the sincere appreciation for a community that has helped shape him into the athlete and person he has become.

Family also plays a central role in Trent’s journey. He lovingly credits them with unwavering support: “It’s just great to have parents and family who are gonna show up and take time, out of their days and lives to support me.”

Looking forward, Trent eyes the chance to challenge himself at the collegiate level: “to play on a college diamond and play for that next level,” while he’s yet to decide on a major, indicating his openness to exploring academic opportunities alongside his athletic career.

Trent Rarick’s story isn’t just one of personal achievement but also about passing the torch and inspiring those following his footsteps. He hopes his legacy resonates beyond his skills, embodying leadership and determination for future generations. As those in Canfield and beyond will attest, Trent Rarick is indeed the pitcher with a heart of cardinal red, whose spirit, discipline, and teamwork set the gold standard for aspiring athletes everywhere.

Viewers of the YSN podcast had the privilege to peer into the life of a young man who has not only excelled in throwing the fastball but has also knocked it out of the park with his leadership and commitment to his community. As Trent gears up for his senior season, one thing is clear—the Cardinals are flying high on the wings of a legacy that promises more than just victories; they fly on the promise of great character.

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ALL IS WELL WITH PATELLIS

CANFIELD, OH — Michael Patellis, the Canfield Cardinals’ baseball sensation, is making headlines not only for his exceptional performance on the diamond but also for his leadership and work ethic. In a recent in-depth interview on the YSN podcast with host DJ Yokley, Patellis shared insights into his high school career and his ambitions for the future.

With a batting average soaring over .400 and an on-base percentage eclipsing 1.000, Patellis has established himself as one of the state’s premier players. His versatility shines as he steps onto the mound, becoming a dual threat as pitcher and catcher, and driving his team forward with unmatched dedication.

“The ultimate teammate,” as Yokley aptly described him, Patellis contributes beyond the stat sheet. As one of two seniors on the Cardinals, he’s taken on the mantle of mentorship, guiding underclassmen through the beginnings of their varsity experience. He praised junior standouts like David Murphy for stepping up and expressed his hopes for a strong team performance against their Ohio rivals.
The Cardinals, known for their tenacity, have faced challenges following their trip from Myrtle Beach. Patellis highlighted the importance of maintaining focus and not playing down to competition, a lesson gleaned from previous postseason experiences.

Off the field, his homegrown values resonate. Patellis attributes his success to the unwavering support of his family, crediting them for his deep-rooted passion and commitment to baseball. With his father introducing him to the sport and his mother’s dedication, his familial backbone has been integral to his rise.

Looking ahead, Patellis is set to join Tiffin University, a decision influenced by the camaraderie and compatibility he felt with the team. Yet his aspirations soar beyond collegiate play, with plans to study exercise science and potentially enter the world of sports training.

Canfield’s star leaves a simple yet powerful message for his peers and fans: “Always be a competitor.” As he transitions from his storied high school career to collegiate athletics, Michael Patellis’s legacy as a relentless worker and contributor to Canfield’s community promises to continue inspiring the next generation of athletes.

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YOUNG CARDS LEAD BY EXAMPLE IN WIN OVER URSULINE

STRUTHERS, OH- In a thrilling Holy showdown on Tuesday at Bob Cene Park, Jonathan Brenner showcased his pitching prowess, striking out an impressive 11 batters to propel the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals past Ursuline with a 3-1 victory. Brenner delivered a stellar performance, allowing just two hits and one run over seven innings while issuing five walks.

The matchup featured a display of formidable pitching from both teams. Cardinal Mooney’s hurlers collectively recorded 11 strikeouts, while Ursuline’s pitchers managed to sit down six Cardinal hitters.

Ursuline seized an early lead in the first inning when Brenner induced Thomas Pesa to hit into a fielder’s choice, allowing one run to cross the plate. However, Cardinal Mooney quickly responded in the bottom half of the inning, with Ben Oddis delivering a crucial single to tie the game at one apiece.

The momentum swung in Cardinal Mooney’s favor in the bottom of the third inning. Oddis once again stepped up, connecting with another single to drive in a run and give his team a 2-1 lead.

Ursuline’s CJ Frasco absorbed the loss on the mound, enduring three and two-thirds innings and conceding three runs on five hits while striking out four and issuing two walks.

Oddis emerged as a standout performer for Cardinal Mooney, driving in two crucial runs and finishing the day with a 2-for-3 batting performance.  Kaden Reese delivered an RBI insurance policy for Mooney, and also added a stolen base to his resume in the win.

For Ursuline, Rowan Urbach and Frasco contributed with one hit each, hitting back-to-back in the lineup. Pesa led the team with one RBI.

Looking ahead, Cardinal Mooney Cardinals will hit the road for their next matchup against Chaney on Wednesday, aiming to carry the momentum from this victory into their upcoming game.

 

BOMBERS LIGHT UP THE SCOREBOARD AGAINST CHALKER

WINDHAM, OH- In a commanding display of offensive firepower, the Windham Bombers secured a dominant 17-3 victory over Chalker on Saturday, with Jack Eye leading the charge with a flawless three-hit performance.

Eye showcased his hitting prowess throughout the game, going a perfect 3-for-3 at-bats. He kicked off the offensive onslaught with a double in the first inning, followed by singles in the second and fourth innings, setting the tone for the Bombers’ relentless attack.

While Chalker managed to get on the board early in the first inning, the Bombers quickly turned the game in their favor with a remarkable five-run surge in the bottom half of the inning. Anthony Paolella’s crucial walk with the bases loaded proved to be the turning point, driving in two runs and igniting the Bombers’ offensive explosion.

Windham continued to extend their lead in the following innings, with Eye and his teammates delivering key hits and taking advantage of Chalker’s defensive miscues. The Bombers capitalized on every opportunity, scoring runs in multiple ways to keep the pressure on their opponents.

On the mound, Eye also shone brightly, earning the win as the starting pitcher. He showcased his versatility by surrendering just two hits and three runs over five innings while striking out an impressive nine batters and issuing only four walks.

Despite a tough outing for Chalker’s pitcher, identified as D, the Bombers’ relentless offense proved to be too much to handle. D endured a challenging performance, allowing 11 runs on five hits over two innings, ultimately taking the loss for Chalker.

Offensively, Paolella emerged as a standout performer for the Bombers, leading the team with four RBIs, while Dylan McCune and Eye each contributed three hits to bolster Windham’s offensive barrage.

The Bombers demonstrated exceptional discipline at the plate, drawing a total of 14 walks throughout the game, with Jordan Ridenbaugh and Jacob Cody leading the team with three free passes each. Windham’s aggressive baserunning also paid dividends, with Ridenbaugh, Eye, and Austin Cales collectively stealing multiple bases to keep the pressure on Chalker’s defense.

Defensively, the Bombers were flawless, committing no errors in the field, with McCune making the most plays with 10.

While Chalker High School put up a valiant effort, the Bombers’ dominant performance proved too much to overcome. With this convincing victory under their belts, the Windham Bombers will carry their momentum into their next matchup as they prepare to face Fairport Harding High School on Tuesday. 

FALCONS KEEP WINNING WAYS IN THE GRAND STRAND

MYRTLE BEACH, SC- The Fitch Falcons were on full flex with their offensive firepower, Carter Owens propelled the Austintown Fitch Falcons to a resounding 12-3 victory over the Ashland Tomcats 2024 on Friday.

Owens showcased his hitting prowess throughout the game, collecting an impressive three hits in four at-bats. His contributions at the plate proved instrumental in the Falcons’ offensive onslaught, as he singled in the third, fifth, and seventh innings, keeping the pressure on the Tomcats’ pitching staff.

Fitch wasted no time establishing their dominance, jumping out to an early lead in the top of the first inning. Jackson Cheeks drew a walk, Carson Fuller scored after tagging up, and Hayden Warmouth delivered a key RBI single, each contributing to the Falcons’ early scoring spree.

The Falcons continued to add to their lead in the third inning, with Jake Wallace’s double and Owens’ single driving in additional runs, further solidifying Austintown-Fitch’s control of the game.

On the mound, Anthony Wibert delivered a solid performance for the Falcons, earning the win as the starting pitcher. Wibert surrendered seven hits and two runs over five innings, striking out five batters and issuing just one walk. The Falcons’ pitching staff held firm against the Tomcats’ offense, stifling their scoring opportunities and preserving Austintown-Fitch’s commanding lead.

While the Tomcats fought valiantly, Drew Kelley endured a tough outing on the mound, taking the loss after giving up five runs on six hits over two and one-third innings. Austintown-Fitch’s relentless offensive attack proved too much to handle for the Ashland pitching staff, as they struggled to contain the Falcons’ potent lineup.

Offensively, Austintown-Fitch was firing on all cylinders, amassing an impressive 16 hits in the game. Cheeks led the charge with three RBIs, while Fuller, Frank Senediak, and Ross Harris also contributed with multiple hits each. Mason Petridis displayed patience at the plate, drawing two walks to keep the Falcons’ offense rolling.

Defensively, Austintown-Fitch was solid, turning one double play and committing no errors in the field. Wallace showcased his defensive prowess with the most chances in the field at eight, ensuring the Falcons’ victory remained secure.

With this convincing victory under their belts, the Fitch Falcons finish their beach party with a 3-1 record and are primed and ready for their next challenge as they prepare to face Harding on Monday. 

RAIDERS STAY THE COURSE IN VICTORY OVER ABBEVILLE

MYRTLE BEACH, SC-In a nail-biting showdown on Thursday night, both South Range Varsity Raiders and Abbeville Varsity Panthers showcased their pitching prowess, but it was the Raiders who emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win.

Konnor Brogan took the mound for the South Range Raiders and delivered an exceptional performance, recording an impressive 21 outs throughout the game. Despite facing tough opposition, Brogan remained composed under pressure, stifling the Panthers’ offense with his precise pitching.

The game remained deadlocked until the top of the seventh inning when Tyler Wardle came through in the clutch, smashing a crucial single that drove in the game-winning run for the Raiders, breaking the scoreless tie.

Brogan’s stellar pitching earned him the win for the South Range as he held the Panthers to just four hits and zero runs over seven innings, while striking out seven batters and issuing five walks. On the opposing side, Thomas Booth suffered the loss for the Abbeville Varsity Panthers, surrendering one run on six hits over two innings.

Hunter Overholt kicked off the game on the mound for the Panthers, delivering an impressive performance with 10 strikeouts over five innings, but ultimately falling short as the Raiders capitalized on their opportunities late in the game.

Offensively, the Raiders managed to amass nine hits, with Jake Shumate and Andrew Brian leading the charge with two hits each. Wardle’s game-winning RBI proved to be the decisive moment in the game, highlighting the Raiders’ ability to capitalize on key scoring opportunities.

Defensively, the Raiders were flawless, committing no errors in the field, with Will Gehring showcasing his defensive prowess with the most chances at eight.

South Range will wrap up their trip to the south and welcome St Johns on Friday at 1:30 on YSN.