Tag Archive for: Cardinals

TOTH’S LAST STAND

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CANFIELD OH- If you’re a fan of softball in northeast Ohio, you understand great pitching is everywhere, Malena Toth has carved her niche as one of the very best. Her journey is a testament to her unwavering competitive spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Playing softball in a region teeming with high-caliber pitchers has only fueled Toth’s determination to be the best. As a senior, she now shoulders the most responsibility as a leader, setting the stage for Canfield’s success both on and off the field. Her leadership extends far beyond the diamond, inspiring her teammates to greatness and ensuring the program’s future success.

Toth’s confidence in her teammates is palpable, bringing out the best in each and every one of them. Her unwavering belief in their abilities serves as a catalyst for success, uniting them in pursuit of a common goal.

But it’s Toth’s unparalleled work ethic that truly sets her apart. Despite her already impressive success, she continues to seek ways to improve, pushing herself and her teammates to new heights. Her dedication is unmatched, a shining example of what it means to strive for greatness.

In recent seasons, Toth has discovered a newfound love for her offensive game. Previously underutilized at the plate, she’s emerged as a formidable hitter, showcasing her versatility and adaptability. It’s yet another testament to her tireless work ethic and commitment to excellence.

On the mound, Toth’s dominance is undeniable. With an ERA of 0.861 and 83 strikeouts in just seven starts, she’s a force to be reckoned with, instilling fear in the hearts of opposing batters with every pitch. And at the plate, her .300 batting average adds another dimension to her game, further solidifying her status as a true all-around player.

As Toth prepares to take her talents to the collegiate level at Buffalo, her legacy at Canfield is already firmly cemented. Her impact on the program will be felt for years to come, a testament to her leadership, dedication, and unwavering passion for the game of softball.

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RARIFIED AIR

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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

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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

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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.

 

CANFIELD TAKES THEIR SHOT, SNAPS FALCONS LONG WIN STREAK

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By Ty Bartell 

CANFIELD, Ohio — The Austintown-Fitch varsity softball team suffered its first loss since May 28, 2022, ending a remarkable streak of 682 calendar days and 28 games without defeat in a drenching-thunderstorm ending 2-1 setback to All-American Conference neighboring rival Canfield.

The showdown unfolded Tuesday at Field #7 at McCune Park, where mother nature intervened with two outs in the Fitch 7th inning. Junior second baseman Sam Severn stood at third base, carrying the tying run. Severn had reached base with an infield single, advanced to second on a sacrifice, and then moved to third on a wild pitch by Canfield’s senior pitcher Malena Toth. As sophomore pinch-hitter Lily Stevens battled Toth in a tense at-bat, the skies opened up with intense thunder, lightning, and rain, forcing the umpires to clear the field. After a 10-minute delay and no signs of the weather letting up, the game was called due to at least five full innings being completed.

The last time Fitch faced a non-win was a 1-1 tie against Canfield on May 29, 2023. Both teams later competed in State title games on June 3, 2023, with Fitch clinching the Division I championship and Canfield coming up just short to Tallmadge.

The game showcased a classic pitcher’s duel between Lady Cardinal senior Malena Toth (7-1) and Lady Falcon junior Sydnie Watts (4-1). Toth, who secured her first win against Fitch in six career starts, was instrumental in both of Canfield’s runs, drawing a leadoff walk in the 2nd inning and hitting a crucial double in the 6th inning. Canfield’s sophomore designated player, Caylee Ortiz, and catcher Leah Figueroa were pivotal in driving in the runs.

Despite a valiant effort from Watts, who struck out nine batters over six innings, she could not slam the door shut with two down in the bottom of the sixth. Watts yielded five hits and two earned runs, while Toth allowed four hits and one earned run while striking out six.

Figueroa emerged as the hero for Canfield, delivering the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning. Her clutch performance earned her Player of The Game honors.

With this loss, Fitch moves to a 4-1 record, while Canfield improves to 7-1. Canfield will next host the Boardman Spartans (5-3) on Wednesday, April 10th, while Fitch will seek to bounce back against conference opponent, the Warren Harding Raiders, also on Wednesday in Warren, Ohio.

Stay updated with Austintown-Fitch and Canfield softball all season long with live games, scores, stats, stories, and more on YSN!

GRONER HAS ALL THE RIGHT STUFF IN CARDINALS SHUTOUT

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By Matt Maher


BOARDMAN, OH – The rain may not have stayed away but it did take its time to show up and in that time the Canfield Cardinals got to work and put up 5 runs and kept the host Spartans off the board for 5 ½ innings.

 

The Cardinals got off to a quick start with Tanner Stricko leading off the game with a single to shallow right field. With Stricko aboard, Michael Patellis was able to hit one to short stop where it was bobbled and allowed Patellis to get on board and Stricko to come home. 3 more runs were scored in this inning with 1 being brought in with another error and the final two coming in from a beautiful 2-run double from Bobby Levonyak. 

 

Both teams continued to play an even game with few hits given up from both Collin Resetar from Boardman and Anthony Groner from Canfield. Groner played all 5 completed innings with 0 Runs, 3 BB, 1 Hit and 7 Ks. Resetar Went 6 Innings with 4 Ks, 8 Hits and 5 Runs with the 5th coming in the 5th thanks to an RBI single from David Murphy who put one shallow into left field and allowed Patellis to go home.

 

These two teams played a tough game and Boardman had several opportunities to score leaving 7+ runners aboard, which was thanks to some clutch pitching from Groner. The game was expected to go 7 innings but Mother Nature had other plans and brought a thunder storm that stopped and eventually canceled the remaining innings. Both teams are scheduled to rematch each other tomorrow (April 10th) at 5PM at Canfield weather permitting. 

CARDINALS BATTLE UNTIL THE END WITH GEORGETOWN

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MYRTLE BEACH, SC- In a tightly contested matchup on Friday, both Canfield Cardinals and Georgetown showcased their pitching prowess, but it was Georgetown who edged out a narrow 2-1 victory over the Cardinals.

Michael Patellis took the mound for Canfield and delivered an impressive performance, recording a total of 18 outs. His strong pitching kept the Georgetown batters at bay for much of the game, showcasing his skill and determination on the bump.

Despite falling behind, Canfield remained resilient throughout the game, staying right in the thick of the action until Georgetown broke the tie with a crucial single in the sixth inning.

The Cardinals got off to a strong start, taking an early lead in the second inning when Jake Dovich executed a sacrifice bunt that brought in a run, putting Canfield ahead on the scoreboard.

However, a defensive error in the fifth inning allowed Georgetown to knot the game at one apiece, setting the stage for a tense battle in the later innings.

Chappell Miller earned the win for Georgetown with a stellar pitching performance, allowing just one hit and one run over seven innings while striking out six batters and issuing only one walk. Despite the loss, Patellis showcased his pitching prowess for Canfield, surrendering two runs (zero earned) on four hits over six innings of work.

Offensively, Dovich led the charge for Canfield with a crucial RBI, while David Murphy contributed with one hit in three at-bats, keeping the Cardinals’ hopes alive in the game.

Georgetown’s depth was on full display, with the number eight hitter, Adams, leading the team with two hits in three at-bats. The team’s sure-handedness in the field and error-free performance played a crucial role in securing the victory, with Adams making several key plays at six.

Despite the tough loss, Canfield Varsity Cardinals displayed grit and determination throughout the game, showcasing their resilience against a tough opponent. The Cards will look to bounce back as they prepare to face Boardman on Monday.

LADY CARDS FIGURE IT OUT AT THE BEACH

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MYRTLE BEACH, SC- In a spectacular display of power hitting, Leah Figueroa led the Canfield Cardinals to a convincing 10-0 win over Spring Mills  Cardinals on Thursday at North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex.

Figueroa’s bat was on fire as she smashed two home runs, totaling four RBIs on the day. Her impressive display of hitting prowess came in the third and sixth innings, leaving the opposition struggling to contain her explosive offense.

Pitcher Malena Toth was equally outstanding in the circle,  delivering a masterclass and perfect performance with 16 strikeouts. Toth’s dominance stifled the opposing batters, as she kept them at bay with zero hits and zero runs allowed over six innings, issuing no walks in the process.

The Canfield Cardinals wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Faith Morell igniting the offense in the third inning with a triple that brought in a run. An error further contributed to the Cardinals’ early lead before Figueroa’s first home run of the game added two more runs to the scoreboard.

In the sixth inning, Canfield continued to pile on the runs, with Alexa Ignazio and Jessica Shugart contributing RBIs before Figueroa once again showcased her power with another towering home run.

The Cardinals’ offense was firing on all cylinders, amassing an impressive 12 hits throughout the game. Sydney Lutz and Faith Morell led the charge with multiple hits each, providing ample support for Figueroa’s offensive onslaught.

Defensively, Canfield Cardinals Varsity exhibited precision and composure, committing zero errors in the field. Figueroa was particularly active, handling the most chances with 16 opportunities.

With this dominant performance, the Canfield Cardinals have set the stage for further success as they look ahead to their next challenge back in the Buckeye State against Boardman on Tuesday. 

CARDS GET GRITTY IN THE SAND

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MYRTLE BEACH, SC- In a heart-pounding matchup against Waccamaw, the Canfield Cardinals displayed unwavering determination and resilience, defying the odds to secure a thrilling 6-4 victory in Myrtle Beach on Tuesday.

Leading the charge was Michael Patellis, whose remarkable performance at the plate proved instrumental in the Cardinals’ triumph. Patellis showcased his clutch hitting, driving in four crucial runs on three hits, including a pivotal triple in the seventh inning that ignited a game-changing rally.

Despite an early setback as Waccamaw took the lead, the Cardinals remained undeterred, rallying back to tie the game in the third inning, courtesy of Patellis’ timely single. Waccamaw maintained their advantage, capitalizing on an error to extend their lead to 2-1.

However, the Cardinals refused to back down. In a dramatic turn of events in the seventh inning, the Cardinals staged a remarkable comeback, erupting for five runs on three hits to seize control of the game. Patellis once again delivered in the clutch, delivering the decisive blow with his triple that drove in three runs, propelling the Cardinals to a 6-4 lead.

On the mound, Sean Harrington emerged as a hero for the Cardinals, earning the win with a stellar relief performance, while Patellis secured the save to seal the victory.

Despite facing adversity, the Cardinals showcased their grit and determination, refusing to succumb to the pressure. Zain Jadallah also contributed with two hits for the Cardinals, providing crucial support at the plate.

Although Waccamaw put up a strong fight, the Cardinals’ resilience proved too much to overcome. Kerns, Barnett, and Mabus led the offensive charge for Waccamaw, but it was not enough to halt the Cardinals’ momentum.

With this hard-fought victory under their belts, the Canfield Cardinals continue to defy the odds, ready to take on their next challenge as they travel to University for their upcoming game on Wednesday. In the face of adversity, the Cardinals stand united, determined to overcome any obstacle in their path and emerge victorious.

CANFIELD GIRLS HAVE A DAY IN DOUBLE DIP

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MYRTLE BEACH, SC- In an impressive double-header performance, the Canfield Cardinals emerged victorious in back-to-back games on Tuesday at North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, dominating both Pleasure Ridge Park Panthers and Lewisville.

In the first game, Sami Economous showcased her offensive significance, driving in four runs on three hits to lead the Cardinals to a commanding 16-2 victory over the Panthers. Economous ignited the scoring in the third inning with a triple, bringing in two runs, and followed up with a crucial single in the fourth inning, adding two more to the tally.

Canfield wasted no time asserting their dominance as Sydney Lutz’s double in the first inning put them on the scoreboard. Despite a brief tie in the bottom of the first, the Cardinals surged ahead in the second inning with Marina Koenig’s single driving in two runs, setting the tone for the game.

In the circle, Caylee Ortiz delivered a stellar performance for the Cardinals, conceding only two hits and zero earned runs over five innings, securing the win. The Cardinals’ offense was relentless, amassing an impressive 20 hits, with Alexa Ignazio, Koenig, and Economous leading the charge with three hits each.

In the second game, Canfield continued their dominance, shutting out Lewisville with a commanding 10-0 victory. The Cardinals wasted no time establishing their lead, capitalizing on errors in the first inning and extending it further in the second inning with key sacrifices from Caylee Ortiz and Jenna Triveri.

Malena Toth took charge on the mound for the Cardinals, delivering a stellar performance, allowing just two hits over five innings while striking out eight batters.

Triveri emerged as the offensive standout, driving in three runs for the Cardinals, while Toth led the team with two hits in four at-bats. Macey Kalina showcased patience at the plate, drawing two walks, and contributing to the Cardinals’ impressive offensive display.

Defensively, the Cardinals were flawless, committing zero errors, with Leah Figueroa making standout plays with eight chances in the field.

With these impressive victories under their belt, the Canfield Cardinals look ahead to their next challenge against Greenbrier Christian Academy Gators on Wednesday, aiming to maintain their winning momentum.