AUSTINTOWN, OH- Great pitching.  Timely hitting.  Productive outs.  All of the previous reasons opened doors for the Buckeyes to take the MVAA Baseball League Championship on Monday night over Metro Ice, 9-0.

Another strong offensive performance by the Buckeyes early put them in the driver’s seat when they posted a pair of runs in the first frame, followed by a tally in the second inning as well.

Tyler Rhoads led the way offensively on the night, going 2-2 and driving in a pair of runs.  Dylan Duchek would collect the Baird Brothers Player of the Game honors with a 1-2 performance at the dish, and outstanding defense on the other side of the ball.  Seth Schroeder also was a prized piece of the championship, going 2-3 with a run scored.

On the bump, Jack Rafoth was filthy.  Rafoth went 5 2/3 innings striking out a pair, walking a pair and giving up no runs on 4 hits.  Flamethrower, Dakota Bingham came in to pitch relief, and gave up an hit in an inning and a third while surrendering no runs and fanning one.

Standing out once again for Metro offensively was Marco DeFalco with a 2-3 night at the dish, while Kyle Irish, Nick Capogreco, and Tom Jones each contributed a knock as well.

Jason Irish started for Metro Ice, and took the loss on 3 1/3 innings pitched, giving up 7 (5 earned) while giving up a free pass, and striking out one.  Jake Booth pitched in relief alongside Marcus Masters.  Booth went 1 1/3 while giving up four runs on four hits.  Masters gave up a hit in an inning of work.

Former YSU standout Brad Smith was chosen as the MVP of the series.