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RESERVE BREAKS THROUGH AGAINST MCDONALD

Western Reserve built a 6-run lead in the seventh inning and then held off McDonald’s charge for an 8-6 victory on Tuesday.  McDonald closed the gap by scoring on a single and a double.

Chloeigh Ensdley collected three hits in four at bats in the win. Ensdley singled in the seventh inning, singled in the fourth inning, and singled in the second inning.

The Blue Devils opened the scoring in the top of the first thanks to two singles. They first got on the board when Lindsay Jones singled, scoring one run. They opened it up and scored five runs on six hits in the top of the seventh inning. Jones hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run, Katie Byers doubled, scoring one run, Sophia Reigle doubled, scoring one run, and Ensdley singled, scoring two runs.

Byers earned the win for Western Reserve. The righty surrendered 11 hits and six runs over seven innings, striking out three and walking none. Bella Obrien took the loss for McDonald. The starting pitcher went four and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, striking out six and walking two.

The Blue Devils piled up 14 hits in the game. Ensdley and Allison Jones each collected three hits. Caylee Selley, Aubrey Kutsko, and Byers each collected multiple hits.

McDonald tallied 11 hits in the game. Obrien drove the middle of the lineup, leading with three runs batted in. The pitcher went 2-for-4 on the day. Lauren Oleary went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead in hits. McDonald turned one double play in the game. McDonald was also sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Oleary had the most chances in the field with nine.

WERNER WALKS IT OFF FOR LAKEVIEW

CORTLAND OH A walk-off led the Poland to an 8-7 loss in extra innings to Northeast 8 rival Lakeview.  Kaylsaa Werner singled in the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 8th inning giving Lakeview their second conference win over Poland Seminary.

Although Poland out-hit Lakeview, Kaylsaa Werner and Mackenzie Stowe drove in 5 RBIs for Lakeview at the top of their lineup card.  Izzy Isenberg and Linnea Kovac at the bottom of the order accounted for the 3 other RBIs.  Stowe, Werner and Isenberg each accounted for two hits with Kovac and Isenberg recording doubles.
Poland’s offense was led by middle infielders Elliana Thompson and Kylie Hudran who each had 3 hits.  Leanne Williams, Olivia Horn and Lilian McDonald had 2 hits with McDonald hitting a double for 2 RBIs.  Cassie Blanch had the other double for the Lady Bulldogs.
Ava Bacon earned the win in the circle for Lakeview throwing the last 2.2 innings and giving up 2 earned runs on 4 hits.  Isenberg got the start and went 5.1 innings. She gave up 3 earned runs and struck out 6.  Olivia Horn took the loss in the circle. She went 7.0 and gave up 6 earned runs.  She struck out 3 hitters on the day.

CANFIELD ESCAPES IN EXTRAS

WARREN OH- Canfield bested Howland in an extra inning thriller 7-6 on Tuesday after taking the lead late in the game. The game was tied at six in the top of the eighth when Caylee Ortiz hit a solo home run to center field.

Marina Koenig collected three hits in four at bats in the win. Koenig singled in the first inning, singled in the fourth inning, and singled in the eighth inning. Canfield opened the scoring in the first after Leah Figueroa singled, scoring one run.

Howland made the score 4-1 in the bottom of the first after Maya Kubanscek singled, scoring two runs, Sydney VanNess grounded out, scoring one run, and Calleigh Luman singled, scoring one run. Howland added one run in the third after they scored on a wild pitch.

Canfield returned the favor and scored on a wild pitch, which helped the Cardinals tie the game at five in the top of the sixth.

Canfield took the lead in the top of the seventh. Sydney Lutz singled, scoring one run, to give them the edge, 6-5.

Alyssa Massucci homered to center field, which helped Howland tie the game at six in the bottom of the seventh.

Malena Toth started in the circle for the Cardinals. The right-handed pitcher allowed seven hits and six runs (three earned) over eight innings, striking out nine and walking four. Brooke Tatar stepped in the circle first for the Tigers. The starting pitcher gave up 11 hits and seven runs (five earned) over eight innings, striking out four and walking six.

Canfield collected 11 hits in the game. Sami Economous, Lutz, Toth, Figueroa, and Ortiz each drove in one run. Koenig stole two bases. The Cardinals worked the count all day, accumulating six walks. They also stole four bases in the game. Canfield turned one double play in the game.

Kubanscek drove the middle of the lineup for Howland, leading the way with two runs batted in. She went 2-for-4 on the day.

FITCH USES STRONG FINISH TO LEAVE NO DOUBT

PAINSVILLE OH- Austintown Fitch hit the road and brought the heat, snagging a solid 8-1 win against Riverside. Things got really interesting in the top of the 7th when Fitch turned up the heat and scored six runs, turning what was a close game into a runaway victory.

Let’s talk standout performers: Kailana Ray came through with a single, an RBI, and a well-timed walk. Ayla Ray nailed a double, drove in a run, and earned herself a walk as well. Then there’s Sydnie Watts, who went yard with a home run and brought in two runs. Morgan Roby was on fire with a double, a single, and a couple of RBIs. Samantha Severn and Lily Stevens also contributed with timely hits to keep the momentum going.

But let’s not forget about Sydnie Watts in the circle. She was absolutely lights out, pitching the whole game and racking up a whopping 17 strikeouts. She only let up one hit and one run, shutting down Riverside like a pro.

With this win, Fitch moves to an impressive 7-1 record. Next up, they’ll be back on their home turf to take on Warren Harding on Wednesday. Time to keep that winning streak alive and show what they’re made of in league play.

HERALDS 4TH INNING FIREWORKS LEAD TO WIN OVER LAKERS

Ashatbula, OH- In a thrilling showdown, the St. John Heralds emerged victorious over the Pymatuning Valley Lakers with a resounding 11-6 triumph on Tuesday. Brady Cole led the charge with a flawless performance, collecting three hits in as many at-bats, including a crucial double in the fourth inning and two timely singles.

The Lakers struck first, with Drake Haines delivering a pivotal single in the top of the first inning, putting them on the scoreboard early. However, the Heralds wasted no time responding, as Ryan Williams’ double and an error leveled the score in the bottom half of the inning.

The momentum swung decisively in favor of the Heralds in the fourth inning, as they erupted for seven runs on four hits, seizing a commanding 9-2 lead. Cole’s double proved to be the highlight of the inning, driving in three crucial runs.

Will Anderson anchored the Heralds on the mound, delivering a solid performance over five innings, surrendering just one earned run while striking out nine batters. Meanwhile, Smith started for the Lakers, enduring a challenging outing over four innings.

Offensively, the Heralds showcased their firepower with 10 hits in the game, with Anthony Severino and Williams leading the charge with multiple hits each. Severino’s speed was on full display as he swiped three bases, contributing to the Heralds’ aggressive baserunning, which resulted in six stolen bases overall.

Defensively, the Heralds executed flawlessly, turning a crucial double play to stifle any Lakers’ rally attempts.

Despite the loss, the Lakers found some success at the plate, with Wludyga driving in three runs and Haines and Ryan Croston each collecting two hits.

Looking ahead, the Heralds will carry their winning momentum into their next matchup against Badger on Wednesday, aiming to maintain their dominance on the field. As for the Lakers, they’ll hit the road to face the Chalker Wildcats, eager to bounce back and secure victory in their upcoming game.

FALCONS FLY BY WARRIORS

Photo Credit: Tanya Jean Photography

Story by Larry Jennings

East Ashtabula, OH- In a hard-fought battle on the softball diamond, the Edgewood Warriors put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against Jefferson Area. Despite a standout performance from Natalie Ianetta, who collected an impressive four hits in as many at-bats, the Warriors succumbed to a 12 to 5 defeat on Tuesday at Edgewood High School.

Ianetta’s stellar batting display was a beacon of hope for the Warriors, as she consistently found success at the plate throughout the game. Her contributions, including a clutch RBI, underscored her importance to the team’s offensive efforts.
Natalie Ianetta also made her presence felt, delivering a standout performance highlighted by a series of key hits. Her efforts, which included a double in the seventh inning, further bolstered the Warriors’ offensive charge.
Despite a promising start that saw the Warriors open the scoring in the bottom of the second inning, courtesy of Faith Vencil’s RBI single, Jefferson Area staged a dramatic comeback in the later stages of the game.
Jefferson’s offense exploded in the top of the fifth inning, capitalizing on opportunities to score six runs on six hits and seize a commanding 7 to 2 lead. The pivotal moment came with a double by Rylee De Mattia, driving in two crucial runs and swinging the momentum in Jefferson’s favor.
Ada Sirrine emerged as the hero for Jefferson, earning the win on the mound with a gritty performance. Despite facing pressure from the Warriors’ lineup, Sirrine  showcased resilience, allowing 11 hits and five runs over seven innings while striking out three and walking one.
On the other side, Lucianna Paolillo endured a tough outing for the Warriors, shouldering the loss after surrendering 12 runs, eight earned, on 13 hits over seven innings of play. Paolillo’s efforts were commendable, as she battled through adversity and notched an impressive 11 strikeouts.
Despite the defeat, the Warriors’ lineup displayed resilience, with Ianetta, McKenna Vencill, Paolillo, Natalie Ianetta, and Faith Vencill each driving in a run. Addison Lampson also contributed with a pair of hits, further showcasing the depth of the Warriors’ offensive arsenal.
For Jefferson, Kennidie Rogers emerged as a standout performer, leading the charge with three runs batted in from the number seven spot in the lineup. Rogers’ timely hitting, combined with contributions from players like Allison Hill, Rylee DeMattia, and Adrianna Brass, proved instrumental in securing the victory.
While Jefferson Area managed to turn one double play during the game, it was their relentless offensive onslaught that ultimately proved decisive in clinching the win.
Looking ahead, the Edgewood Warriors will aim to bounce back from this defeat as they prepare for their next challenge at Madison on Wednesday. Despite the setback, the Warriors remain determined to harness their strengths and continue their pursuit of success on the softball field.  Jefferson will be at Lakeside to take on the Dragons on Wednesday.

VIKINGS WIN STREAK GOES TO THREE

By Matt Maher 


STRUTHERS, OH – The Vikings are on a 3-game winning streak thanks to an absolutely fantastic effort Tuesday night against Lowellville at Bob Cene Park. The Vikings pounced early and often in their 10-0 victory over the Rockets that ended in just 5 innings.

 

Lowellville started Tyler Tuscano on the mound and he had his troubles early with a leadoff single from Aric may and then 2 RBI groundouts later in the first from Kyle Werbeck and Landon McClain. Tuscano continued in the 2nd inning giving up 3 more runs with a 2-run double from Werbeck and an RBI single from Austin Hurst as well as 3 walks in the inning.

 

Lowellville opted for Zak Sargent in the 3rd where he pitched .2 inning with 4 runs given up but the Rockets first strikeout of the night. Cody Nolfi found the 3rd out in the 3rd and pitched the entire 4th only surrendering 1 run off a RBI double from Trevor Simons. Braylon Bolger would finish off the game and end the night with the only shutout inning for the Rockets.

 

Kyle Werbeck was starter for Waterloo and went 3 full innings racking up 5 Ks and allowing just 1 hit and not conceding any runs. Mason Sweitzer finished off the game finding 2 Ks and giving up just 1 hit and finishing off the shutout for the Vikings.

 

Lowellville continues to struggle to start off the season and drops to 0-6 on the season and 0-5 in conference play. Waterloo increases their win streak to 3 and improve to 3-3 overall and 3-2 in conference play.

WILT’S 100TH STRIKEOUT HELPS RAIDERS SWEEP HUBBARD

HUBBARD OH-  They always say it’s hard to beat a team two days in a row. On Tuesday South Range was reminded of this all too well.  Although they dispatched Hubbard without a whimper on Monday, the Eagles pushed the Raiders to the brink in Tuesday’s rematch.  The Raiders had to use a three run 5th to give themselves enough room for a 4-0 win.

Hubbard gave the ball to Ashley Masluk who was making her first career varsity start.  The sophomore kept the Raiders off balanced for all 4 innings she pitched. She was able to even put the high powered South Range down in three pitches in the 2nd.  However, the Raiders are no stranger to close games.  In the 4th the Raiders finally broke through as Anna Aey led off with a double, and Gretchen Bartels knocked her home with a RBI single.  Even though Masluk was able get out of the rest of the inning with no damage, the Eagles made the decision to switch pitchers giving Masluk 4 innings of superb pitching in her first start.

The Raiders eyes got wide open with a new pitcher in the game.  Kaylee Schultz came in in relief and the Raiders jumped on her for three runs in the 5th.  Giada Pauline got herself a RBI single, and then Aey backed her up with her second double of the game to score another.  Jayli Wilt was able to help her own cause with a single to score Aey to give the Raiders a solid 4-0 lead.

Wilt was phenomenal yet again in the circle for South Range. She went 7 innings gave up just 1 hit, struck out 13 and walked 2.  Wilt’s performance let her eclipse 100 strikeouts on the season.

The Eagles struggled all day at the plate against Wilt, although they did have several hard hit balls that just weren’t in the right spot for a hit. Phoebe Rusnak was the only hitter in the lineup to earn a hit on the day.

South Range improves to 10-1 on the season and will have some time off before they travel to Niles on Monday.  Hubbard is now 3-4 as they’ll host Girard on Wednesday.

 

FALCONS LOSE A CLOSE ONE IN REMATCH WITH EAGLES

Photo Credit: Tanya Jean Photography

Geneva, OH- The Jefferson Falcons found themselves in a hard-fought battle against the Geneva Eagles, ultimately falling short in a heart-wrenching 7-6 loss on Tuesday, decided in the final moments of the game. With the score knotted at six in the bottom of the seventh, Geneva’s Kean Arkenburg sealed the victory with a decisive line-out, driving in the winning run.

Geneva wasted no time setting the tone, jumping out to an early lead with a pair of singles in the bottom of the first inning, courtesy of Andrew Oros’s clutch hit.

The Eagles continued to press their advantage, extending their lead to 5-2 in the third inning thanks to a timely single by Shea Arkenburg.

Undeterred, the Falcons rallied back in the top of the fourth, leveling the score at six apiece with a crucial walk by Tate Hudson and a well-executed play off a passed ball.

However, Geneva quickly regained the lead in the bottom of the fourth, capitalizing on a Falcons error to edge ahead 6-5.

Jefferson refused to go down without a fight, knotting the score once again in the top of the seventh, courtesy of Michael McGraw’s groundout.

Ultimately, it was Geneva’s Logan Queen who emerged as the hero, earning the win on the mound with a stellar performance, surrendering zero earned runs over three and two-thirds innings, while striking out five.

For the Falcons, Toby Dickson endured a tough outing, pitching six and two-thirds innings and allowing three earned runs on eight hits, despite his valiant effort.

Offensively, Dickson led the charge for the Falcons, going 3-for-4 at the plate, while Hudson provided crucial support with three walks.

Despite the loss, the Falcons showcased patience and discipline at the plate, accumulating seven walks throughout the game.

On the Eagles’ side, Queen, Hewitt Wilt, and Oros each collected two hits, while Arkenburg and Queen proved to be a formidable offensive duo, driving in two runs apiece.

As the Falcons regroup for their next matchup against Pymatuning Valley, they’ll look to channel their resilience and determination, aiming to bounce back and secure victory on Thursday.

SPARTANS BASEBALL STUMBLES AGAINST BLUE STREAKS

Madison, OH- The Conneaut Spartans faced a formidable challenge against the Madison Blue Streaks, succumbing to an 11-1 defeat on Tuesday at Madison High School.

Madison wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Evan Smith’s single driving in the opening run in the third inning.

The Blue Streaks continued to pour on the pressure, exploding for five runs on four hits in the fourth inning. Alexander Davis, Landon Tomco, and Ben Amos delivered clutch hits to extend Madison’s lead.

On the mound, Eddy Gvora showcased his pitching prowess for the Blue Streaks, allowing just one hit and one unearned run over six innings, while striking out an impressive 11 batters.

J.R. Hutchison endured a challenging outing for the Spartans, surrendering six runs (two earned) over three and two-thirds innings, despite tallying six strikeouts.

Offensively, Ethan Osborne provided a lone highlight for the Spartans, driving in a run while going 1-for-2 at the plate.

For the Blue Streaks, Tomco emerged as a standout performer, leading the team with three runs batted in, showcasing the depth of Madison’s lineup. Davis also made significant contributions, collecting two hits in two at-bats.

Amos displayed his speed on the basepaths, swiping two bases, while the Blue Streaks collectively wreaked havoc with five stolen bases throughout the game.

As the Spartans regroup for their next matchup against the Perry Pirates, they’ll aim to learn from this experience and come back stronger, determined to turn the tide in their favor on their home turf.