Tag Archive for: High School Baseball

HAGAN’S EXTRA INNING HIT PUSHES MUSTANGS PAST FALCONS

Photo Credit: Jocyln Nicholas

Orwell, OH- Friday’s showdown between the Grand Valley Mustangs and the Jefferson Falcons proved to be a heart-stopping affair, with the Mustangs claiming a dramatic 6-5 victory after a late-game surge. The Falcons, despite a valiant effort, saw their lead slip away in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Grand Valley seized an early advantage in the bottom of the first inning, capitalizing on an error to put themselves on the scoreboard. The Mustangs extended their lead with two more runs in the third inning, courtesy of RBI singles by Kamden Cottrell and Justin Hagan.

However, the Falcons fought back fiercely, reclaiming the lead in the top of the sixth inning. DJ Partridge and Braden Dietrich came up clutch with back-to-back doubles, each driving in two runs to swing the momentum in favor of the Jefferson Mustangs.

Not to be outdone, Grand Valley rallied once more, with Cottrell’s crucial double in the bottom of the seventh knotting the score at five apiece, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.

The game-deciding moment came in the bottom of the ninth when Justin Hagan delivered a walk-off single, securing the victory for the Grand Valley Mustangs and leaving the Falcons with a bitter taste of defeat.

Eric Ellsworth emerged as the winning pitcher for Grand Valley, delivering a stellar relief performance by shutting down the Falcons in the crucial final inning. On the opposite side, Braden Dietrich suffered the loss for the Jefferson Mustangs, despite a solid effort on the mound.

Contributions were spread across both teams, with hitters from both sides making notable impacts. For the Jefferson Mustangs, players like Michael Riffle, Luke Lambert, Giovanni Matticola, Partridge, Logan Saksa, and Dietrich each recorded hits, while Partridge and Dietrich stood out with two RBIs apiece.

Meanwhile, Cottrell led the offensive charge for Grand Valley, driving in three runs and contributing to the Mustangs’ hard-fought victory. Payton Plizga and Justin Hagan also made significant offensive contributions, with Plizga leading the team in hits and Hagan delivering the game-winning hit.

With this thrilling win under their belts, the Grand Valley Mustangs look ahead to their next challenge, while the Jefferson Mustangs regroup in preparation for their upcoming matchup against Madison on Monday.

DRAGONS QUICK START DOES THE TRICK

NILES OH- On Thursday night, Niles dominated Chaney in an 11-4 victory, fueled by an explosive 8-run first inning.

Niles’ offense came out swinging, led by Kris Hrosar, who went 3-4 with 2 RBI and 3 runs scored. AJ Yost also had a big night at the plate, going 3-5 with 3 RBI, while Landon Turner contributed with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored on a 2-4 performance. Nick Clark added another 2 RBI to the scoreboard.

On the mound, AJ Sgambati delivered a solid performance, pitching 3 innings, allowing just 2 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 3 Chaney batters.

Niles’ hot start set the tone for the game, and their offense continued to produce throughout the night, securing the win.

RIDGE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF PITCHING SHOW

MINERAL RIDGE OH- In a classic pitchers’ duel on Thursday, Mineral Ridge emerged victorious over Lowellville with a tight 2-0 win.

Mineral Ridge’s offense was led by Xavier Klamer, who drove in the only runs of the game. Gino Novello had a solid day at the plate, going 2-3, while Zack Stacy and Jack Gillie each contributed a hit.

But the real star of the game was Mineral Ridge’s pitching. Nick Anderson was outstanding on the mound, tossing a complete game shutout. Anderson allowed just 2 hits, struck out 7 batters, and didn’t surrender any earned runs.

Lowellville struggled to generate offense against Anderson’s dominant performance. Tyler Tuscano and Kasen Smith each managed a hit, but the team couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities.

On the mound for Lowellville, Liam Bartlett also had a strong outing, pitching 6 innings, allowing 2 earned runs on 4 hits, and striking out an impressive 11 batters.

In the end, Mineral Ridge’s stellar pitching and timely hitting secured the win in this tightly contested matchup, keeping their momentum going strong.

FITCH DEFENSE UP FOR THE TASK

STRUTHERS OH- Austintown Fitch ended their week on a high note Thursday night, shutting out Cardinal Mooney with a solid 4-0 victory.

Fitch’s offense was led by Frank Senediak and Jackson Cheeks, each driving in a run. Mason Petridis and Carson Fuller contributed with hits and runs scored, helping Fitch secure the win.

On the mound, Cole Gamy was dominant, pitching a complete game with 7 innings, allowing only 2 hits while striking out 5 batters.

Despite Mooney’s efforts, their offense struggled to produce against Fitch’s strong pitching. Taco Verroco and Ben Oddis managed hits for Mooney, but they were unable to capitalize.

Kaden Reese pitched well for Mooney, going 3.2 innings, allowing 4 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 3 batters.

With this victory, Fitch finished their week with a 3-1 record, showing their strength both on the mound and at the plate.

EAST LIVERPOOL TURNS THE BEAVERS BLUE

EAST LIVERPOOL OH- In a highly anticipated rivalry matchup on Wednesday night, East Liverpool emerged victorious over Beaver Local with a hard-fought 6-4 win.

East Liverpool’s offense came through when it mattered most, with Grant Wright driving in 2 crucial runs on his 1-2 performance at the plate. Elijah Suznevich also contributed with 2 RBI, while Evan Tice went 2-3, scoring 2 runs and drawing a walk. Trent Davis added to the offense with a hit, a walk, and a run scored.

On the mound, Jake Smith delivered a stellar performance for East Liverpool, pitching a complete game with 7 innings, allowing 9 hits and no earned runs while striking out 7 batters.

Beaver Local put up a strong fight, with Keaton Heddleston driving in 2 runs and Evan Stephenson collecting 3 hits, including an RBI and scoring a run. Kristian Lantz also contributed with 2 hits and scoring a run.

Despite Beaver Local’s efforts, East Liverpool’s pitching and timely hitting secured the win in their annual rivalry matchup.

With this victory, East Liverpool maintained their bragging rights in the rivalry, while Beaver Local will look to bounce back in their next contest.

HUBBARD SNEAKS OUT OF PITCHER’S DUEL WITH THE REBELS

HUBBARD OH- In a pitchers’ duel on Wednesday, Hubbard edged out Crestview in a tight 3-1 battle, thanks to a crucial 2-run 4th inning.

Hubbard’s offense came alive when it mattered most, with Johnny Reyes driving in a run and Mathew Bobovnik adding an RBI as well. Gabe Rusnak and Geno Leshnack contributed with multiple hits, with Leshnack scoring a run.

On the mound, Jonny Adamson was outstanding for Hubbard, pitching a complete game with 7 innings, allowing 8 hits and no earned runs while striking out 8 batters.

Crestview’s offense managed to put up a fight, with Zach Davis driving in their only run. Max Hawkins and Isaac Unkefer each contributed with 2 hits for the Rebels.

Braden Devine pitched well for Crestview, going 6 innings, allowing 7 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 2 batters.

In the end, Hubbard’s timely hitting and strong pitching performance from Adamson secured the victory in this tightly contested matchup, giving them the edge over Crestview.

TIGERS KEEP HAVING A GOOD WEEK

NEW MIDDLETOWN OH- Springfield continued their strong week with a commanding 13-3 win over Waterloo, finishing the game in run rule fashion.

The Springfield offense was firing on all cylinders, led by Alec Fusco, who went 2-3 at the plate with 3 RBI and 1 run scored. Noah Troggio also had a standout performance, going a perfect 3-3 with 2 RBI and scoring 4 runs. Kolten Ruark contributed with 2 hits, including 2 RBI and 2 runs scored, while Parker Dobson added a hit and an RBI.

On the mound, Liam Wylie pitched a solid game for Springfield, going 4.1 innings, allowing just 2 hits and 3 earned runs while striking out 8 batters.

Springfield’s offense was relentless, and their pitching held Waterloo in check throughout the game.

With this convincing win, Springfield continued their strong momentum, showcasing both their offensive firepower and pitching depth.

BLUE JAYS BREAK LOOSE

NORTH JACKSON OH- Jackson Milton showcased their dominance on Wednesday as they cruised to a 10-0 victory over rivals Western Reserve.

The Jackson Milton offense was firing on all cylinders, led by Drew Sloan, who went 2-2 with 2 RBI, 2 runs scored, and a walk. James Croyle added to the offensive onslaught with a hit and 2 RBI, while Dominic Krol contributed with a 2-3 performance, including a walk, an RBI, and a run scored. Cayden Mitchell and Jaidyn Henry also had solid outings, each collecting 2 hits and scoring runs.

On the mound, Landon Workman was outstanding, pitching a complete game shutout, allowing just 2 hits while striking out 8 batters in 5 innings of work.

Western Reserve struggled to generate offense against Workman and the Jackson Milton defense.

With this convincing win, Jackson Milton asserted their dominance over their rivals, showcasing both their offensive firepower and pitching prowess.

POLAND’S PERFECTION STAYS IN TACT

POLAND OH- Poland’s undefeated season continued as they battled South Range to a hard-fought 3-1 win on Wednesday.

The Poland offense was led by Jacob Jenkins, who drove in 2 runs on his 1-2 performance at the plate. Joe Zuccaro contributed with a hit and an RBI, scoring 1 run himself, while Jacob Hayes added a hit and scored a run.

On the mound, Hayes was stellar for Poland, pitching a complete game, allowing just 3 hits and no earned runs while striking out 5 batters.

South Range’s offense struggled to produce against Hayes, with Tyler Wardle driving in their only run on his 1-4 performance. Luke Gehring and Tyson Tarajack added hits for South Range.

Konnor Brogan pitched well for South Range, going 6 innings, allowing 4 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 5 batters.

In the end, Poland’s strong pitching and timely hitting were enough to secure the victory, keeping their undefeated season intact as they continue their dominance in the league.

HERALDS SKIP PAST FAIRPORT

Photo Credit: Joclyn Nicholas

Fairport Harbor, OH- Ezra Campbell showcased his offensive prowess, driving in four runs on three hits to propel the St. John Heralds to a commanding 19-3 victory over the Fairport Skippers on Wednesday.

Campbell’s bat was on fire throughout the game, as he delivered timely hits to fuel the Heralds’ offense. In the second inning, Campbell’s single drove in one run, and in the fourth inning, he came through again with another single, plating two more runs.

The Heralds surged ahead with a dominant performance in the second inning, where they erupted for 10 runs to seize control of the game. Contributions came from various players, including Anthony Severino, Will Anderson, and Campbell, who all played a part in driving in runs during the explosive inning.

Fairport Harding managed to get on the scoreboard early in the first inning when DJ Dambolena singled, bringing in one run. However, the Heralds quickly asserted their dominance, extending their lead in the third inning with the help of a passed ball and a single by Kyle Hejduk.

Hejduk also showcased his skills on the mound, starting the game for the Heralds and delivering a solid performance, striking out six batters over three innings. Nathan Wright took the mound for Fairport Harding but struggled against the relentless onslaught of the Heralds’ offense.

Anderson provided stellar relief pitching for the Heralds, shutting down Fairport Harding’s offense with two innings of zero-run ball, striking out four batters in the process.

Offensively, the Heralds amassed 13 hits, with Campbell and Anderson leading the charge with three hits each. Severino, Ryan Williams, and Hejduk also contributed multiple hits to the Heralds’ offensive barrage.

The Heralds’ disciplined approach at the plate was evident, as they drew 11 walks throughout the game. Aaron Wychock, Anderson, John Miller, and AJ Henslee displayed patience, each drawing two walks.

On the basepaths, the Heralds wreaked havoc, stealing a total of 10 bases, with Wychock, Campbell, Williams, and Anderson each swiping multiple bags.

Defensively, the Heralds were flawless, committing no errors in the field, with Severino making the most plays with 13 chances.

Fairport Harding’s Elijah Harless led his team with two hits, while Wright, Dambolena, and Harless each drove in a run for the Skippers. Fairport Harding displayed discipline at the plate, tallying eight walks.

The St. John Heralds look to carry their momentum into their next game as they face Chalker at home on Thursday, aiming to continue their winning streak.