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JFK ENDS IT IN EXTRAS

NILES OH- Warren JFK delivered an edge-of-your-seat performance on Thursday, capping off an exhilarating game with a walk-off victory against Geneva in a hard-fought 5-4 win that went into extra innings.

Dominic Ryan proved to be the hero of the night, coming through in the clutch with a game-winning single to seal the deal for Warren JFK. His 2-for-4 performance at the plate, coupled with an RBI, was instrumental in securing the victory.

But Ryan wasn’t the only standout for JFK. Andrew Lapolla and Michael Bartoe also came up big, each going 2-for-4 with an RBI of their own, adding firepower to the team’s offense.

On the mound, Warren JFK’s pitching staff was lights out, racking up a total of 7 strikeouts throughout the game. Lapolla led the charge, pitching the bulk of the game with 4.2 innings of stellar performance, allowing zero earned runs on just 4 hits while striking out 3 batters. Taggart Carflangia provided crucial relief, tossing 2.2 innings and striking out a pair to help secure the win.

With their collective effort on the mound and at the plate, Warren JFK showcased their resilience and determination, proving that they have what it takes to come out on top in the toughest of matchups.

VIKINGS WALK IT OFF AGAINST HUBBARD

LEAVITTSBURG OH- What a thrilling softball showdown! LaBrae pulled off an exciting walk-off victory in the bottom of the seventh inning, edging out Hubbard 3-2 in a nail-biter.

It was Mariah Jones who played the hero, delivering the game-winning hit that sent the Vikings into a frenzy and sealed the deal for LaBrae. But she wasn’t the only standout of the game.

Rylee McDonough came up clutch for the Vikings, knocking in two crucial RBIs, while Shelby Bragg set the tone at the top of the lineup with a stellar 3-for-4 performance.

On the mound, Leah DeArmitt got the start for LaBrae, tossing five solid innings and striking out seven while giving up just two earned runs on four hits. Riley Rowe came in for relief and finished strong, earning the win with two scoreless innings and one strikeout.

For Hubbard, Phoebe Rusnak led the charge at the plate with a 2-for-3 performance, while Lauren Komorek and Kaylee Schultz contributed RBI hits.

Rusnak also held it down in the circle for the Eagles, going 6.2 innings and giving up just three runs on seven hits while striking out five.

It was a hard-fought battle on both sides, but in the end, it was LaBrae who emerged victorious, thanks to some late-game heroics and a gritty team effort that secured the walk-off win.

GRADISHAR AND PERFECTION GO HAND IN HAND

GARRETSSVILLE OH-  Champion came out blazing hot and left Garfield in the dust with an impressive 17-0 victory, thanks in large part to the incredible pitching and hitting of Gabby Gradishar.

Gradishar was an absolute powerhouse, tossing a perfect game while striking out 10 batters and smashing not one, but two home runs! Talk about a one-woman wrecking crew.

But she wasn’t the only star of the show. Champion’s offense was firing on all cylinders, with Hailey Householder leading the charge with four RBIs and three hits, including a solo homer of her own. Addison Warzala and Gradishar also had three hits apiece, while Grace Hadley and Sam Strock chipped in with multiple hits of their own.

The Golden Flashes wasted no time asserting their dominance, jumping out to an early lead in the first inning and never looking back. They piled on the runs inning after inning, with every player contributing to the offensive onslaught.

And let’s not forget about the defense. Champion was flawless in the field, committing zero errors and making play after play to support Gradishar’s perfect game.

With performances like this, the Golden Flashes are proving to be a force to be reckoned with on the softball field. Watch out, because they’re just getting started.

CARDS SEEING RED IN BOARDMAN

BOARDMAN OH- What a stellar performance on the softball diamond! Canfield came out swinging and never looked back, shutting out Boardman with a commanding 6-0 victory.

Leah Figueroa was the standout for Canfield, notching three hits in four at-bats and driving in a crucial run in the first inning to set the tone for the game. And let’s not forget about Malena Toth, who was an absolute force on the mound, striking out an impressive 14 batters while keeping Boardman’s offense at bay with just three hits allowed over seven solid innings.

Boardman’s Tori Strines did her best to keep pace in the circle, but Canfield’s relentless offense proved to be too much to handle. Despite a valiant effort, Strines surrendered five runs over five and one-third innings.

Canfield’s bats were on fire, tallying 11 hits in the game, with Jenna Triveri contributing two of her own. And with Figueroa leading the charge in the field with 11 chances and no errors, Canfield’s defense was rock-solid all game long.

Boardman had some bright spots too, with Alex Ward leading the charge with two hits, but Canfield’s dominance on both offense and defense ultimately sealed the deal. With performances like this, Canfield is definitely a team to watch out for as the season heats up.

WARRIORS GET REDEMPTION IN FALCONS REMATCH

Story by Larry Jennings

Jefferson, OH- In a game marked by solid execution and skill, the Edgewood Warriors secured a convincing 6-0 win against the Jefferson Area Falcons on Thursday. The Warriors demonstrated their strength and ability on the softball field throughout the matchup.

Right from the start, the Warriors asserted themselves, scoring their first run in the opening inning when McKenna Rhodes grounded out. They continued to build on their lead in the second inning, with Natalie Ianetta’s double adding to their advantage.

Pitcher Lucianna Paolillo played a significant role in Edgewood’s success, effectively limiting the Falcons’ offense. Paolillo’s precise pitching kept Jefferson to just two hits over seven innings, with two strikeouts and no walks.

Jefferson’s pitcher, Ada Sirrine, faced a tough challenge against Edgewood’s lineup. Despite her efforts, Sirrine allowed six runs, three of which were earned, on 14 hits during the game, showcasing her resilience in the face of strong opposition.

Edgewood’s offense was relentless, tallying an impressive 14 hits overall. Luciano Paolillo and Natalie Ianetta stood out with three hits each, contributing significantly to the team’s performance.

The Warriors’ offensive contributions were spread across the lineup, with multiple players driving in runs. Mackenna Rhodes, Luciano Paolillo, Natalie Ianetta, Addison Lamson, and Carly Kray each contributed an RBI, highlighting the team’s collective effort.

Although Jefferson put up a fight, they ultimately couldn’t match Edgewood’s firepower. Gianna Iannetta, McKenna Vencil, and Avery Vencil led the Warriors’ offensive efforts with multiple hits each.

With this win secured, the Edgewood Warriors turn their attention to their upcoming game against Berkshire on Friday, aiming to maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, the Jefferson Falcons will regroup as they prepare to face Howland in their next matchup.

BOARDMAN HOLDS OFF THE BULLDOGS

BOARDMAN OH- What a nail-biter of a baseball game it was at Boardman High School on Thursday night! The Boardman Spartans pulled off a heart-stopping victory in the bottom of the seventh, edging out the Lakeview 4-3 in dramatic walk-off fashion.

It all came down to the wire, with the game tied at three in the bottom of the seventh inning. That’s when Dylan Barrett stepped up to the plate and delivered a clutch sacrifice fly, bringing home the winning run and sending the Spartans into a frenzy.

But let’s backtrack a bit. Lakeview drew first blood in the third inning, but Boardman quickly responded, with Ryan Conti’s single in the fourth knotting things up at one apiece. Then, Grayson Eicher’s single in the fifth gave the Spartans a 3-1 lead, but Lakeview battled back, tying it up in the sixth with some timely doubles.

Ryan Neifer came in clutch on the mound for Boardman, earning the win with a solid relief performance. Meanwhile, Brandon Toot took the loss for Lakeview, despite a valiant effort on the hill.

Eicher was the offensive standout for Boardman, driving in two crucial runs, while Conti and Landon Whippo each collected two hits. The Spartans also made their presence felt on the basepaths, racking up four stolen bases and turning two key double plays in the field.

Lakeview put up a fight with 11 hits, with players like Andrew Brown and Jake Nicholas leading the charge. But in the end, it was Boardman’s day to shine, thanks to some late-game heroics and a gritty team effort that secured the thrilling victory.

LADY LAKERS SUFFER FIRST DEFEAT IN WALK-OFF BY MUSTANGS

Vienna, OH- In a heartbreaking finish, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers found themselves on the wrong side of a 3-2 defeat to the Mathews Mustangs on Thursday, falling victim to a walk-off hit in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Despite the loss, both teams showcased strong pitching performances. Mathews’ pitchers recorded an impressive 18 strikeouts, while the Lakers’ pitching staff managed to retire four Mathews batters.

Mathews took an early lead in the second inning when M. Hufford launched a solo home run to center field. However, the Lakers rallied in the top of the third as Nataleigh Haines delivered a clutch single, bringing in two runs and giving Pymatuning Valley the lead at 2-1.

The game took a dramatic turn in the bottom of the seventh when A. Shugart’s home run tied the score at two runs apiece. Mathews then secured the win in the bottom of the eighth.

O. Matheny earned the win for Mathews, pitching a solid eight innings and striking out 18 batters. Meanwhile, Saige Payne took the loss for the Lakers, pitching seven and one-third innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits.

Haines led the Lakers’ offensive effort with two RBIs, while leadoff hitter Allison Clark contributed three hits in four at-bats.

For Mathews, R. Paddock led the way with two hits from the leadoff position, and Newsome, Hufford, and Shugart each drove in a run.

Despite the defeat, the Lakers displayed solid defense, committing no errors throughout the game. However, Mathews’ strong pitching and timely hitting ultimately decided the outcome.

The Pymatuning Valley Lakers look to bounce back in their next game against Harding on Friday, aiming to turn the tide and secure a victory

DRAGONS FLAME OUT AGAINST HUSKIES

Ashtabula, OH- The Lakeside Dragons struggled tough challenge on Thursday, falling to the Cardinal Huskies with a final score of 7-2.

Cardinal wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, notching a run in the top of the first inning courtesy of hits from Logan Strever and Carter Tucker. They extended their lead in the third inning, with Tucker’s single pushing them ahead 5-1.

Tucker also shined on the mound for Cardinal, going the distance and securing the win. He allowed just two hits and two runs over seven strong innings, striking out eight Lakeside batters. Gage Tome stepped up in relief for the Dragons, pitching four solid innings and conceding only one earned run.

Despite the loss, Lakeside saw some bright spots in their lineup. Alex DiSalvatore and Zack Palmer each contributed with a hit, with Palmer driving in one of Lakeside’s runs. Tristan Westerfield displayed patience at the plate, drawing two walks for the Dragons. Overall, Lakeside showed discipline, earning seven walks throughout the game.

Cardinal’s offense was led by Strever and Tucker, who both collected two hits and drove in two runs each. The Huskies showcased their defensive prowess as well, committing no errors in the field.

Looking ahead, the Lakeside Dragons will aim to bounce back in their next game against the Grand Valley Mustangs on Saturday, as they strive to turn the tide and secure a victory.

GIRARD CONTINUES THE RAIDERS WOES

By Matt Maher 


GIRARD, OH – The battle for 3rd place in the Northeast 8 conference was in full swing on Thursday night with the Indians hosting the South Range Raiders to town. Both pitchers showed excellence and poise on the mound but it would be the Indians bats and Jaden Royals arm that would propel them past the Raiders 8-2 and allow Girard to tie South Range for 3rd place. 

 

The Indians started Jared Royal who kept South Range off of the board until the 4th inning where Tyson Tarajack led things off with a well placed double into center field and then three batters later Luke Gehring would bring him home with a RBI infield single! Royal sat the Raiders down in order in the 5th but in the 6th Julian Tranovich would bat in Brennan Klasovsky off of a long single to center field. Back in the 3rd inning Gaven Nagy ripped a shot down the third base line that was miraculously caught by Cam Herrick with no time to react!

 

Royal pitched a complete game with only 2 earned runs, 5 hits and 7 Ks. 

 

The Raiders started Logan Baxter who also pitched 3 shutout innings but it would be the 4th inning where the Indians would take control and never look back. It all started with a bloop single from Cam Herrick into shallow left field, Kaiden Clare would bat him in during the next at bat with a RBI Single to right. A throwing error from Will Gehrig would later let another run score and then 3 runs came in during Dom Phillips at bat with the first scoring off of a wild pitch and then Phillips bringing in 2 more with a long 2-run single to left center.

 

The Indians also went in order in the 5th but tacked on 3 more runs in the 6th thanks to a RBI groundout from Royal, RBI double from Phillips and a RBI single from Santino Barone.

 

Baxter, in 4 IP, gave up 5 runs off of 5 hits and issued 4 Ks along the way, Jake Shumate took over in the 5th giving up 3 runs off of 4 hits and sitting down the side in order in the 5th.

 

The Indians had everything moving in their huge win against South Range and the spoils of victory ended up being a share of 3rd place in the conference with these Raiders. South Range (7-4, 2-3) will continue their road trip when they visit Niles on April 22nd at 5PM while Girard (5-6, 2-3) hit the road to take on Poland on April 19th at 5PM.

ROCKETS BLAST PAST MUSTANGS

Maplewood, OH- In a closely contested battle on Thursday, the Maplewood Rockets edged past the Grand Valley Mustangs with a 3-1 victory. While both teams showcased strong pitching performances, Maplewood’s hitters found just enough firepower to secure the win.

The game kicked off with Maplewood seizing an early lead in the first inning, capitalizing on an error to score one run.

On the mound, Logan delivered a standout performance for Maplewood, going the distance and allowing only one unearned run on five hits over seven solid innings. His commanding presence included 11 strikeouts and just three walks. Meanwhile, for the Grand Valley Mustangs, Eric Ellsworth took the mound and put up a valiant effort, pitching five innings and surrendering only two earned runs on six hits, while striking out three batters.

Despite the loss, the Mustangs displayed resilience at the plate, with Trenton Murduck, John Foss, Justin Hagan, Ellsworth, and Bryce Meeker each contributing a hit to the offensive effort.

For Maplewood, Eloph emerged as a key offensive force, driving in two crucial runs. Additionally, Erwin and Clover showcased their hitting prowess with two hits apiece. Suba’s disciplined approach at the plate resulted in two walks for the Rockets, contributing to their offensive strategy. Overall, Maplewood demonstrated patience at the plate, accumulating six walks throughout the game, while Clover’s speed on the basepaths was evident with two stolen bases.

Looking ahead, the Grand Valley Mustangs will regroup and prepare for their upcoming matchup against Lakeside on Saturday, aiming to bounce back and secure a victory in their next outing.