Tag Archive for: NAC

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

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.

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.

SMOOTH SAILING FOR LAKERS IN WIN OVER BRISTOL

Bristolville, OH- The Pymatuning Valley Lakers delivered a stunning offensive surge in the top of the seventh inning, rallying for five runs on five hits to secure a commanding victory. Mackenzie Kribbs ignited the rally with a powerful solo home run to center field, setting the tone for the Lakers’ late-game heroics. Kendall Gray’s clutch single drove in another run, while Mckenna Jordan’s double plated two more, and Haines contributed with a groundout to add another run to the Lakers’ tally.

Saige Payne led the charge from the pitcher’s circle, pitching a complete game and earning the win for the Lakers. Despite conceding seven hits and seven runs (six earned), Payne showcased her resilience, striking out nine batters and walking just one.

For the Bristol Panthers, Mackin endured a tough outing on the mound, surrendering nine runs (three earned) over three and two-thirds innings, resulting in the loss. Despite tallying three strikeouts, Mackin struggled to contain the Lakers’ potent offense.

Offensively, the Lakers dominated the game, amassing an impressive 16 hits. Clark, Jordan, and Gray each contributed three hits apiece, while Payne and Kribbs also made significant contributions with multiple hits. The Lakers’ disciplined approach at the plate was evident, as they accumulated eight walks throughout the game.

Despite the loss, Bristol found some success at the plate, with Mackin driving in two runs and M Workman leading the team with two hits.

On the basepaths, Imhoff showcased his speed with two stolen bases for the Lakers, while Bristol managed to swipe four bases in the game.

Looking ahead, the Lakers will carry their momentum into their next home game against Conneaut on Tuesday, aiming to continue their winning streak and maintain their dominance on the field.

HERALDS BASEBALL CAGES THE WILDCATS

Southington, OH- In an impressive display of pitching dominance, Ryan Williams led the St. John Heralds to a commanding 11-1 victory over the Chalker Wildcats on Wednesday at Chalker High School. Williams showcased his skills on the mound, tallying an impressive 11 strikeouts while allowing just two hits and one run over four innings of work, setting the tone for the Heralds’ dominant performance.

The Heralds wasted no time asserting their offensive prowess, particularly in the third inning, where they exploded for seven runs to seize control of the game. Contributions from Anthony Severino, Ezra Campbell, Nick Karr, Bryson Vennitti, and Brady Cole fueled the scoring spree, with each player playing a crucial role in driving in runs and extending the Heralds’ lead.

St. John got on the board early in the first inning, with Campbell’s double driving in two runs and Cole drawing a walk to add another run to their tally.

On the mound for the Chalker Wildcats, Vince DelVecchio faced a tough outing, surrendering five runs (four earned) over two innings, while Aaron Wychock provided solid relief pitching for the Heralds, tossing one inning of scoreless ball.

Offensively, the Heralds showcased their depth, collecting nine hits throughout the game. Severino and Campbell proved to be a formidable duo in the lineup, each driving in three runs, while Cole contributed two hits in two at-bats. The Heralds’ disciplined approach at the plate was evident, as they drew eight walks, with Wychock, Williams, and Will Anderson leading the team with two free passes each.

The Heralds’ aggressive baserunning added to their offensive onslaught, as they swiped four bases during the game, while their solid defensive play was highlighted by a well-executed double play.

Despite the Wildcats’ efforts, including hits from Del Vecchio and Zach Pack, they were unable to overcome the Heralds’ dominant performance.

Looking ahead, the St. John Heralds will carry their momentum into their next challenge on the road against the Windham Bombers on Thursday, aiming to continue their winning streak and maintain their position as a formidable force in the NAC.

LAKERS BRING THE PAYNE IN WIN OVER ROCKETS

Maplewood, OH- In a commanding display of offensive prowess, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers secured an impressive 8-2 victory over the Maplewood Rockets on Wednesday, fueled by the stellar performance of Saige Payne at the plate.

Payne’s bat was on fire, delivering three hits in as many at-bats, including a crucial double in the fourth inning and singles in the third and sixth innings, setting the tone for the Lakers’ offensive onslaught.

The Lakers wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Macie Payne driving in the opening run with a single in the top of the first inning. Saige Payne extended the Lakers’ lead to 3-0 with another timely single in the third inning, paving the way for their commanding victory.

On the mound, Payne showcased her versatility, not only delivering at the plate but also earning the win with a solid pitching performance, surrendering just one earned run on four hits over seven innings, while striking out an impressive nine batters and demonstrating excellent control.

Maplewood’s E Perline faced a tough outing, absorbing the loss after allowing eight runs on 13 hits over seven innings, while striking out two and walking six.

Saige Payne wasn’t alone in her offensive prowess, as Allison Clark, McKenna Jordan, and Rylee Young also made significant contributions with multiple hits for the Lakers. The Lakers’ lineup proved formidable, with both Paynes driving in three runs each, showcasing the depth and power of their batting order.

The Lakers exhibited patience at the plate, drawing six walks throughout the game, while also capitalizing on their speed with seven stolen bases, led by Clark and Jordan.

Despite Maplewood’s efforts, including a run batted in by R Krieg and solid hitting from E Nevinski, the Lakers’ dominant performance proved too much to handle.

Looking ahead, the Lakers will carry their momentum into their next matchup against the Grand Valley Mustangs on Thursday, aiming to continue their winning streak and further solidify their position as a force to be reckoned with in the league.

WILDCATS CLAW PAST HERALDS

Southington, OH- In a hard-fought battle on Tuesday, the St. John Heralds encountered a setback, falling 10-7 to the Chalker Wildcats despite an impressive offensive display that saw them out-hit their opponents 10 to eight.

Leading the charge for the Heralds was Rylee Frasure, who showcased her hitting prowess with a stellar three-hit performance. Frasure’s consistency at the plate proved vital for the Heralds throughout the game, with impactful hits in crucial moments.

Despite a strong start from Chalker in the opening inning, highlighted by key hits from Nieves, Hromada, and Cox, the Heralds managed to claw their way back into contention, tying the game in the third inning thanks to a triple from Isabelle Holler and clutch hits from Frasure and Isabelle Stern.

However, Chalker regained the lead in the bottom of the third inning, powered by Hromada’s homer that drove in two runs, shifting the momentum in their favor.

Undeterred, the Heralds surged ahead once again in the fifth inning, capitalizing on opportunities created by Frasure, Ava Knowlton, and Sofia Park, reclaiming the lead with determined offensive efforts.

However, a defensive miscue allowed Chalker to level the score in the bottom of the fifth, setting the stage for a tense conclusion. In the decisive sixth inning, Chalker seized the opportunity, breaking the tie with timely hits from Kron and a wild pitch that extended their lead to 10-7.

Despite a valiant effort, Alyssa Cevera, the starting pitcher for St. John, faced a tough outing, ultimately taking the loss after five innings of work, during which she battled through seven hits and seven runs, while striking out seven.

Offensively, the Heralds showcased their hitting prowess, with Holler and Stern contributing multiple hits to the team’s effort. Their aggressive baserunning, highlighted by four stolen bases, kept the pressure on Chalker throughout the game.

For Chalker, Hromada emerged as a key offensive force, driving in three runs, while Kron led the team with an impressive 3-for-4 performance at the plate.

Chalker’s disciplined approach at the plate, drawing eight walks during the game, underscored their determination to secure the victory.

Looking ahead, the St. John Heralds will regroup for their upcoming matchup against Windham on Thursday, eager to bounce back from this hard-fought loss and return to the win column.

ST. JOHN BASEBALL STARTS OFF WITH A BANG

Ashtabula, OH- The St. John Heralds dominated the Mathews Mustangs with a resounding 12-2 victory on Monday, led by an outstanding performance from Will Anderson, who drove in four runs on two hits. Anderson’s impact was felt throughout the game as he doubled in the fifth inning, bringing home two runs, and drew a walk in the fourth inning, scoring another.

The scoring action began early for St. John when Aaron Wychock executed a steal of home in the bottom of the second inning. Ryan Williams extended their lead to 2-0 with a timely single in the third inning.

The Heralds showcased their offensive prowess with a five-run outburst in the fifth inning. Anthony Severino’s walk brought in one run, followed by Anderson’s double which plated two more. Ezra Campbell contributed with a sacrifice fly, adding another run, and Williams capped off the inning with a double of his own, driving in one more.

On the mound, Williams started strong for St. John, allowing only three hits and two runs over five innings while striking out nine batters. Gabe Pesa started for Mathews, conceding six hits and five runs (two earned) over three and two-thirds innings.

Anderson also made a significant impact in relief, pitching one shutout inning, striking out three batters, and not allowing any hits.

St. John Heralds’ offense was firing on all cylinders, amassing a total of 12 hits in the game. Bryson Vennitti led the charge with three hits in four at-bats, while Brady Cole and Williams also contributed multiple hits.

Vennitti and Kyle Hejduk showcased their speed on the bases, each stealing multiple bases, contributing to St. John’s impressive total of eight stolen bases in the game.

For Mathews, Pesa led the team at the plate with one RBI, going 1-for-2. Dom Toto managed two hits in three at-bats for Mathews.

Looking ahead, the Heralds are set to face the Conneaut Spartans in their next home game on Tuesday, riding high on their commanding victory.

LADY HERALDS HAVE ROUGH START IN OPENER

Ashtabula, OH- The Fighting Heralds faced a tough challenge against the Mathews Mustangs, succumbing to a 14-0 defeat in Monday night’s matchup. Mathews wasted no time asserting dominance, seizing an early lead in the first inning with Ramsey’s triple followed by Matheny’s double and Hufford’s single, each driving in a run.

In the second inning, Mathews unleashed an offensive barrage, scoring seven runs on six hits. Newsome’s single brought in two runs, while Matheny and Hufford contributed with singles of their own. Shugart’s powerful homer to center field added two more runs, with another run coming in through a subsequent play.

Maintaining their momentum, Mathews tacked on another run in the third inning, with Hufford’s double extending their lead to 11-0. Matheny secured the win on the mound for Mathews, while Isabelle Holler of the Fighting Heralds endured the loss, pitching four and one-third innings and allowing 13 runs, 11 of which were earned.

Isabelle Stern managed to notch a hit for the Fighting Heralds, while Matheny led Mathews with an impressive three hits in three at-bats. Newsome and Hufford emerged as offensive standouts for Mathews, each driving in three runs. Pate contributed two hits for Mathews, and Ramsey drew two walks. Mathews demonstrated discipline at the plate, accumulating six walks overall, while also showcasing solid defense with no errors committed.

Hufford’s stellar performance included eight plays made in the field. Looking ahead, the Fighting Heralds prepare for their next challenge against the Windham Varsity Bombers on Tuesday.

MAPLEWOOD ROCKETS PAST HERALDS IN SECTIONAL

Photo Credit: Mickey Zheng Photography

In a challenging playoff encounter, the St. John Heralds battled against the Maplewood Rockets but ultimately fell short with a final score of 52-81. Despite a valiant effort from standout player Vin Narducci, the Heralds struggled to contain the Rockets’ offensive onslaught throughout the game.

QUARTER SCORES
St. John Heralds: 9 | 19 | 14 | 10 = 52
Maplewood Rockets: 26 | 25 | 16 | 14 = 81

St. John Heralds Total Points:

  • Vin Narducci: 26
  • Anthony Severino: 9
  • Aaron Wychock: 7
  • AJ Henslee: 4
  • Donald Crawford: 2

Maplewood Rockets Total Points:

  • Alex Donaldson: 31
  • Brandon Hoffstetter: 16
  • Andrew Barnett: 12
  • Seth Roper: 7
  • Brighton Roper: 4
  • Andrew Donaldson: 3
  • Jimmy Stander: 3
  • Tom Dahman: 3
  • Ethan Nevinski: 2

Despite facing a significant deficit, Vin Narducci led the charge for the Heralds with an impressive 26 points, showcasing his offensive prowess and determination on the court. However, the Rockets’ strong defensive efforts limited the Heralds’ scoring opportunities throughout the game.

For the Rockets, Alex Donaldson delivered a standout performance with an impressive 31 points, leading his team to victory. Brandon Hoffstetter added 16 points, while Andrew Barnett contributed 12 points, highlighting the Rockets’ balanced offensive attack.

With this loss, the St. John Heralds conclude their season with a final record of 3-19. Although their playoff journey has come to an end, the Heralds can take pride in their efforts throughout the season and look to build upon their success in the future.

As for the Maplewood Rockets, they advance to the next round of the OHSAA playoffs, where they will face the Warren JFK Eagles in the sectional final on 3/1/24. With their dominant performance against the Heralds, the Rockets will look to carry their momentum forward and make a statement in the postseason.

Although the outcome may not have been what the Heralds had hoped for, they showcased determination and resilience throughout the game. As they reflect on their season, the Heralds will look to learn and grow from their experiences, setting the stage for future success on the court.