Tag Archive for: Rivalries

DRAGONS HOT AT THE PLATE IN WIN OVER WARRIORS

/in /by

Story by Larry Jennings

Ashtabula, OH- In a baseball showdown characterized by offensive fireworks, the Edgewood Warriors found themselves on the wrong end of a 14 to 12 slugfest against the Lakeside Dragons on Tuesday at Edgewood Senior High School. Both teams showcased their hitting prowess, combining for an impressive total of 28 runs on 28 hits.

The Lakeside Dragons wasted no time asserting their dominance, opening the scoring in the top of the first inning courtesy of a pair of well-timed singles. Gage Tome’s RBI single set the tone for Lakeside’s explosive offensive display.
However, it was in the second inning that the Dragons truly unleashed their offensive onslaught, tallying six runs on three hits to extend their lead. Contributions from players like Zach Palmer, who delivered a clutch double, and Chase Newsome, who drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, propelled Lakeside to an early advantage.
Despite the deficit, the Edgewood Warriors refused to back down, mounting a spirited comeback effort fueled by standout performances from players like Tony Hall. Hall’s remarkable display at the plate, which included five hits and three RBIs, served as a beacon of hope for the Warriors as they battled to narrow the gap. Also contributing significantly was Zane Naylor’s performance, as he was two for four and drove in three.  Leadoff batter Aidan Hernandez was two for three and scored three runs.
In a game marked by momentum swings and offensive fireworks, both teams traded blows, with neither willing to concede defeat easily. However, it was ultimately the Lakeside Dragons who managed to maintain their edge, fending off the Warriors’ late rally to secure the hard-fought victory.
Anthony Wooten emerged as the hero for Lakeside, earning the win on the mound with a gutsy performance. Despite facing pressure from the Warriors’ lineup, Wooten showcased composure, allowing nine hits and four runs over 5 2/3 innings while striking out five and issuing no walks.
On the other side, Anthony Ciesicki endured a tough outing for the Edgewood Warriors, shouldering the loss after surrendering nine runs, only one earned, over three innings of play. Despite the challenges on the mound, Ciesicki  demonstrated resilience, striking out four batters in his efforts to keep the Warriors within striking distance.
Offensively, the Warriors put up a formidable fight, piling up 13 hits throughout the game. Aiden Hernandez and Logan Kray were among the standout performers for Edgewood, each collecting multiple hits to contribute to the team’s offensive effort.
For the Lakeside Dragons, players like Alex DiSalvatore, Dylan Newsome, and Chase Newsome led the charge, each driving in two runs to bolster their team’s offensive output. With contributions from players up and down the lineup, Lakeside showcased their depth and versatility at the plate.
Despite the loss, the Edgewood Warriors remain undeterred as they look ahead to their next challenge against Ashtabula St. John, on Thursday. Buoyed by their resilience and fighting spirit, the Warriors are determined to bounce back and return to the win column in their pursuit of success on the baseball diamond.

DRAGONS FALL TO WARRIORS IN FINAL INNING

/in , /by

Story by Larry Jennings

Ashtabula, OH- In a thrilling showdown on the diamond, Edgewood’s Varsity Warriors clashed with the Lakeside Dragons in a nail-biting baseball matchup that showcased stellar pitching performances and tense moments until the very end. On Monday, both teams brought their A-game, but it was the Edgewood Warriors who emerged victorious, edging out the Lakeside Dragons with a final score of 2-1.

The spotlight shone brightly on the pitchers as Logan Kray took the mound for Edgewood, while Lakeside sent Alex DiSalvatore to the bump. From the outset, it was evident that runs would be at a premium, as both hurlers showcased their prowess on the mound.
Kray proved to be a force to be reckoned with, racking up an impressive 12 strikeouts over six innings of work. Despite facing some pressure, he held Lakeside to just two hits and one run, displaying his command and dominance on the rubber.
Meanwhile, DiSalvatore  kept pace, going toe-to-toe with Kray. He pitched a solid seven innings, allowing just three hits and two runs, one of which was earned. DiSalvatore  showcased his own striking prowess, tallying nine strikeouts while issuing only one walk.
The game remained deadlocked until the late innings when the tension reached its peak. In the second inning, Edgewood managed to scrape across a run thanks to a wild pitch, taking an early lead. However, Lakeside fought back, leveling the score at one apiece in the bottom of the sixth inning with Zach Palmer’s clutch sacrifice fly.
As the game hung in the balance in the top of the seventh, Edgewood seized the opportunity to break the tie. An error by Lakeside allowed the Warriors to push across the decisive run, swinging the momentum in their favor.
Despite Lakeside’s valiant effort at the plate, drawing six walks and displaying aggressive baserunning with four stolen bases, they ultimately fell short in their quest for victory. Zach Palmer’s lone RBI stood as a testament to Lakeside’s resilience, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Edgewood’s pitching prowess and opportunistic offense, with Tony Hall scoring both runs for the Warriors.
The Dragons didn’t go down without a fight, however. Lakeside had the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh with one out, but Alex Sperduto got a pop out and a fly ball out to end the game.
In the end, it was Logan Kray who earned the win for Edgewood, while Alex Desalvator was saddled with the loss for Lakeside. Aiden Hernandez, Logan Rudolph, and Riley Baldwin each contributed with a hit for the victorious Warriors, while Caleb Stitt, Gage Tome, Alex DiSalvatore, and Chase Newsom collected hits for the Lakeside Dragons.
With the dust settled on this thrilling encounter, Edgewood Warriors look ahead to their rematch against the Lakeside Dragons at Walter C Higgins Field at Edgewood High School on Tuesday. As the two teams prepare to square off once again, fans can expect another intense battle on the diamond as both sides seek redemption and bragging rights in this fiercely contested rivalry.

MINERAL RIDGE COACH’S CORNER WITH JEN STITH

/in /by

MINERAL RIDGE, OH-  In a recent interview on the YSN, Mineral Ridge Athletic Director Jen Stith discussed the significance of her hometown community, the evolving landscape of women in sports, and the potential impact of the expansion of divisions in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA).

Stith, who has deep roots in Mineral Ridge as a former student and long-time educator, expressed her personal connection to the community and the special role it plays in the success of the athletic programs. She highlighted the supportive and family-like atmosphere that has contributed to the rise of girls’ sports and the positive relationships between coaches and students.

Addressing the changing perceptions of women in sports, Stith shared her perspective as a woman athletic director in what was traditionally a male-dominated arena. She emphasized the growing recognition of women’s capabilities and the increasing opportunities for women to take on leadership roles in athletics at all levels.

When discussing the OHSAA division expansion, Stith expressed optimism about the potential for more competitive balance, particularly for smaller schools like Mineral Ridge. She hoped that the move would provide opportunities for schools of similar sizes to compete at a level where they can excel and achieve success, suggesting that it could lead to more championships.

Stith also touched on the significance of rivalries within the community, underlining the role of community engagement and support in fostering a strong sports culture.

The interview with Jen Stith provided valuable insights into the intersection of community, women in sports, and the future of high school athletics in Ohio. As Mineral Ridge continues to thrive in its athletic endeavors, Stith’s perspective offers a unique and important outlook on the impact of these interconnected elements on the sports landscape.

Overall, Jen Stith’s reflections serve as a testament to the transformative power of community support, the increasing prominence of women in sports leadership, and the potential benefits of the OHSAA division expansion for schools like Mineral Ridge.

PRESENTED BY