STRUTHERS, OH- In a punch, counter-punch battle for the USSSA Ohio State Championship-Youngstown’s Knightline was able to throw one last haymaker to knockout IVL.  It came down to the last play, but IVL 17U was on the wrong end of a 6-5 defeat to Knightline on Sunday. The game was tied at five with Knightline batting in the bottom of the seventh when an error scored one run for Knightline.

After IVL 17U scored three runs in the top of the sixth, Knightline answered with three of their own. IVL 17U scored when Zack Scalf doubled on a 1-2 count, scoring two runs and Anthony Staimpel singled on a 1-1 count, scoring one run. Knightline then answered when Zach Yasulka singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run, Tim Herberger singled on a 0-1 count, scoring one run, and Joe Kozlina doubled on a 1-0 count, scoring one run.

Knightline reliever Anthony Cinicola and Matt Harper entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief.  Cinicola would be credited for the pitching victory when he walked off Knightline with a chopper to short.  Sam Nicodemus took the loss for IVL 17U. He surrendered three runs on four hits over one inning, walking zero.

Tom Pitko started the game for Knightline. He surrendered three runs on three hits over five and two-thirds innings, striking out five Luke Bosley started the game for IVL 17U. He went five innings, allowing two runs on five hits, striking out one and walking zero

Scalf went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead IVL 17U in hits.

Knightline collected ten hits. Herberger and Colton Stoneman each managed multiple hits for Knightline. Hershberger led Knightline with three hits in three at-bats. Knightline was sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error.

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