Tag Archive for: High School Baseball

VIKINGS PLANT FLAG AGAINST CROSS TIER MVAC LEADER

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By Matt Maher 


LEAVITTSBURG, OH – The Vikings battled the Springfield Tigers in the battle of the top of the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference (MVAC). With good pitching and heavy hitting the Vikings blasted their way past the Tigers 14-4 in 4 ½ innings. 

 

Dylan Simpson got the start for LaBrae and looked solid in his only inning pitched. Simpson found 1 strikeout and gave up 1 hit in 5 batters faced in the frame. Kolton Ruark gave the Tigers a full inning as well but was not as successful as his counterpart Simpson. Ruark gave up 3 straight hits including a leadoff double from Owen Boone and a RBI double from Landon Brunstetter immediately after. Simpson found a RBI single in the 3rd spot but the first out would be found when Brogan Collins struck out swinging.

 

The inning continued with RBIs from Austin Rowe and Aiden Doll and 2 more Ks on Jacob Ellis and Owen Boone to end the 1st. LaBrae opted to relive Simpson with Brunstetter who sat down the Tigers in order including 2 Ks! The Tigers countered with Parker Dobson who started the inning by finding 2 outs on the first 2 batters but had trouble from there when LaBrae scored 3 runs off of 4 hits before Dobson finally sat them down with a strikeout looking on Doll.

 

The final pitching change for LaBrae came in the 3rd when Austin Rowe took over. Rowe would concede the first 3 runs of the game for Springfield thanks to a RBI triple from Blake Jefferies, a RBI single from Ruark and an RBI single from Jackson Easley before a 6-3 double play finally ended the inning. The Tigers would make their last pitching change in this inning too when they put Liam Wylie out on the bump. 3 more runs scored thanks to a Boone RBI double, a Brunstetter sac-fly and another Rowe RBI single.

 

The Tigers woes continued into the 4th where Rowe had a nice bounce back inning, only facing 4 batters giving up 1 hit and earning his first K along the way! Wylie gave up the final 2 runs. With 1 away Collins hit a fly ball to deep left field and Boone scored. Rowe would bring in Simpson on a short single to 3rd base. Wylie ended the inning with a strikeout on Lucas Glaser. 

 

The Tigers needed 2 more runs to keep the game alive for at least a full inning and after 2 straight hits after the first out was recorded the odds looked good. Ensley came to the plate with 2 runners in scoring position and flew out to center but then Parker Dobson stepped up and hit a double into left field but only 1 run was able to score. Rowe had to face Wylie one more time and after a few pitches, Wylie grounded a ball softly to Glaser at 1st and the game came to its end.

 

The Vikings have been red hot all season and that continued thanks to the combined efforts from Simpson, Brunstetter and Rowe on the mound and the perfect 4-for-4 day from Rowe who hit an RBI single every time he stepped up! The Tigers (12-6) will move on to face Poland on the road on May 7th at 5PM while LaBrae (14-4) will be back at home on May 6th hen they host Garfield at 5PM.

HERALDS REMAIN UNBEATEN IN COUNTY PLAY

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Conneaut, OH- The St. John Heralds displayed their grit and determination on Saturday, emerging victorious in a hard-fought 13-8 battle against the Conneaut Spartans. Will Anderson led the charge for the Heralds, delivering a stellar performance at the plate with three hits in four at-bats.

The Heralds wasted no time in asserting their dominance, drawing first blood in the opening inning thanks to a pair of timely singles. Bryson Vennitti’s clutch hit drove in two runs, setting the tone for an offensive onslaught.

The Heralds continued to apply pressure in the second inning, with Brady Cole’s single and a costly Spartan error contributing to a two-run outburst. Anderson’s prowess at the plate shone through in the third inning, as his single added two more runs to the Heralds’ tally.

While the Spartans mounted a valiant comeback effort, scoring five runs in the seventh inning, the Heralds’ early lead proved too daunting to overcome. Lincoln Wade’s two-run single and Thaddeus Huya’s two-RBI knock provided a glimmer of hope for the Spartans, but the Heralds’ resilience ultimately carried the day.

Ryan Williams set the tone on the mound for the Heralds, striking out six batters and allowing just one unearned run over three impressive innings. Dylan Philip shouldered the burden for the Spartans, but the Heralds’ potent offense proved too much to contain.

The Heralds’ offensive onslaught was a true team effort, with Vennitti and Aaron Wychock contributing multiple hits apiece. AJ Henslee’s keen eye at the plate resulted in three walks, exemplifying the Heralds’ disciplined approach. The baserunning prowess of Cole and Wychock further compounded the Spartans’ woes, as the duo combined for multiple stolen bases in a display of aggressive baserunning.

Next up, the Heralds will look to carry their momentum into a clash against the Bristol Varsity Panthers on Monday, while the Spartans prepare for a road test against the Geneva Eagles.

JFK SHOWCASES THEIR SKILL

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STRUTHERS OH- Warren JFK showcased their dominance on Friday night with a commanding 6-2 victory over Ursuline.

JFK’s offense was led by Michael Bartoe and Santino Ciambotti, who both went 2-for-3 with Bartoe driving in 2 RBIs and scoring a run, while Ciambotti added an RBI and a run scored. Jaden Rishel, Michael Condoleon, Caleb Hadley, Taggart Carfangia, and Dom Ryan each contributed hits and runs to bolster the Eagles’ offense.

On the mound, Taggart Carfangia delivered a stellar performance, pitching 6.1 innings, allowing just 3 hits and no earned runs while striking out 6 Ursuline batters.

Ursuline’s offense struggled to gain momentum, with Rowan Urbach and Luke Kollar each driving in a run. AJ Snyder and Jake Bednar also contributed with runs scored.

TIGERS TAKE BATTLE OF THE BIG CATS

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HOWLAND OH- The Howland Tigers dominated the battle of the big cats, securing an 8-2 victory over the Struthers Wildcats.

The Tigers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, led by Brendan Ray’s 2 RBIs, going 1-for-4 at the plate. Bode Biggin contributed with a 2-for-3 performance, driving in a run, scoring twice, and drawing a walk. Aidan Anders and Keaton Perry each added RBIs to support the offensive effort.

On the mound, Steven Bubon delivered a strong performance, pitching a complete game with 7 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 6 Struthers batters.

Struthers struggled to generate offense, with Travis McMurray driving in their only run. Eddie Bradley and Anthony Pastella each had 2 hits for the Wildcats.

POTTERS POST EPIC COMEBACK

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EAST LIVERPOOL OH- East Liverpool pulled off a thrilling comeback victory on Friday, stunning Minerva with a walk-off win, 9-8. Trailing 8-4 in the 7th inning, the Potters rallied with 5 runs to seal the dramatic win.

The offense ignited late in the game, led by Anderson Fitch, who drove in 2 runs, going 1-for-4 at the plate. Kasen Ramsey also contributed 2 RBIs with a hit, while Elijah Suznevich went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Evan Tice crossed the plate twice for the Potters.

On the mound, Malachi Reed pitched 5 solid innings, allowing 7 hits and 3 earned runs while striking out 5 batters.

In the bottom of the 7th, with the bases loaded, Aaron Dieringer stepped up and drew a walk-off walk, securing the dramatic win for East Liverpool.

FLASHES OFFENSE STALLS AGAINST HARDING

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WARREN OH- Champion battled hard on Friday but fell short against Warren Harding in a close 3-1 loss.

The offense struggled to get going, with Carson Fife driving in the lone run for Champion, going 1-for-3 at the plate. Zach Morris reached base with a hit and a walk, scoring the only run for his team. Dylan Howell and Carter Chapin each contributed a hit in the effort.

On the pitching side, Carter Boggs delivered a strong performance, allowing just two hits and no earned runs over 5.1 innings. He struck out four batters but was unable to secure the win for Champion.

MOONEY FACES TALL TASK

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STRUTHERS OH- Cardinal Mooney faced a tough challenge on Friday against a formidable Lake Center Christian team, struggling to get their offense going in a 7-0 loss.

Despite their efforts, Mooney couldn’t find success at the plate. Kaden Reese managed a hit and drew two walks, while William Petty, Matt Kay, and Trent Litman each contributed with a hit.

On the pitching side, Ford Stacy put in a solid effort, lasting five innings on the mound. He allowed five hits and two earned runs while striking out four Lake Center Christian batters.

Despite their best efforts, Cardinal Mooney couldn’t overcome Lake Center Christian’s strong performance and fell short in the matchup.

HEARTLAND GETS ONE OVER ON CROSS TOWN RIVALS

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By Joe Eusebio 

COLUMBIANA OH- Columbiana took at 9-3 lead into the 6th inning against Heartland Christian on Friday and were looking forward to celebrating Senior Day with a big win in Franken Bowl 5.  But the Lions had plans of their own and a series of Clipper walks and errors combined with singles from Jake Walker and Seth Walker, lead to an eight-run eruption.  By the time the inning was over, it was Heartland in the lead 11-9 and that’s how this non-conferencegame ended at Legion Field in Columbiana.

It was the fifth time in two years that Head Coaches Bryce Franken of the Clippers and Mark Franken of the Lions have met. After this one, the son, Bryce, still has the advantage over his father Mark, three wins to two.

Heartland jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Tyler Rarick singled in Drew Gault.  Columbiana answered with two runs, Ian Less tripled and scored on an RBI single from Alex Eusebio then Anthony Hall hit a Sacrifice Fly that plated Devin Daugherty. Heartland responded with two runs in the top of the second when Jake Walker singled, Seth Walker reached on an error that scored both Brett Walker and Jake Walker. That made the score 3-2 entering the bottom of the second when the Clips tied it up on a walk to Dylan Hogan, a Hogan steal of second and an error on a Hunter Davanzo grounder that allowed Hogan to score the tying run.

Columbiana was up 4-3 in the fifth when they broke through with five runs on a Colin Keleman Sac Fly that scored Ian Lessafter he led off with a triple.  Alex Eusebio and Anthony Hall singled, Avery Young walked to load the bases.  Eusebio scored on an error, then Cameron Clancy stroked a bases loaded single to left that scored Hall, Young and Hogan to give Columbiana a seemingly insurmountable 9-3 lead. But then the top of the sixth happened (see above) and Heartland scored those eight runs and that is how it ended up.

For Heartland Christian, Jake Walker, Tyler Rarick and Seth Walker each had two hits with two RBIs apiece for the Walkers and one for Rarick.  Christian Hamilton gets the win, pitching 4 2/3 innings giving up six hits, three walks and striking out one in relief of starter Seth Walker who went the first two innings.  Will Morgan closed it out for the Lions getting the final out of the game.

Columbiana was led by Anthony Hall, Alex Eusebio and Ian Less who each had two hits.  Hall with two RBIs and Eusebio had one.  Cameron Clancy had three RBIs on one hit, Colin Keleman added a hit and a RBI.  Hall started the game on the mound, pitching five innings and striking out five, Sam Inboden went 2/3 of an inning and took the loss while Keleman pitched the final 1 1/3 innings and striking out two.

Heartland Christian (9-10) plays Warren JFK on Saturday while Columbiana (14-9, 10-0 EOAC) heads to Howland to play the Tigers.

WATERLOO’S WALK OFF PUSHES WIN STREAK TO FOUR

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ATWATER OH- In a thrilling contest on Thursday, Waterloo emerged victorious in walk-off fashion against Ravenna, extending their win streak to four games with an 8-7 win.

The hero of the game was Mason Sweitzer, whose clutch hit brought in the game-winning run for Waterloo. Vincent Mori led the offensive charge, going 3 for 4 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Drew Flarida contributed with a hit, an RBI, and a walk, while Aric May added a hit and 2 RBI.

On the mound, Trevor Simons pitched 6 solid innings for Waterloo, allowing 8 hits and 5 earned runs while striking out 9 batters. Austin Hurst came in for relief, pitching a scoreless inning and securing the win.

 

WARRIORS CHARGE ON COLUMBIANA

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By Joe Eusebio

BELOIT OH- Aaron Tucker went 3-4 with two RBIs, while Beau Alazaus doubled and knocked in three runs to lead West Branch to a 12-10 victory over Columbiana on Thursday in Beloit.  The Clipper’s Anthony Hall went 4-4 with four RBIs and Alex Eusebio had two singles and a double that knocked in two runs but it was the eight errors that will haunt Coach Bryce Franken and the team, as Columbiana came up short against the Warriors.  West Branch contributed four errors of their own, but were able to battle through and find a way to get the win.

The intensity of this week’s series of games against the two teams’ biggest rivals, Salem for West Branch and United for Columbiana, likely contributed to the miscues, as both teams struggled at times to maintain their focus.

Boston Mullinix had a double and a single, while Hunter Shields, Anthony Perry, Jaxon Robb and Charlie Biskup all contributed singles to assist the Warriors cause. Columbiana’sIan Less, Colin Keleman, Devin Daugherty, Hunter Davanzo and Dylan Hogan added singles to the Clippers scorecard but it wasn’t enough to catch West Branch.

Jeremiah Thomas went four innings, giving up nine hits, six runs(five earned), two walks and six strikeouts to get the win.  Gavin Bell came on in relief in the fifth and gave up three hits, four runs, one walk and two strikeouts.

The Clippers Reese Roush took the loss, going five innings, giving up 11 runs (five earned), walking four and striking out three.  Avery Young added one inning of relief in which he gave up one run on one hit, two walks and one strikeout.

Columbiana (14-8 overall, 10-0 EOAC) plays Heartland at home on Friday as they celebrate Senior Day.  West Branch (16-5 overall, 6-4 EBC) is at Massillon Jackson on Friday.