REGULAR SEASON BASEBALL Canfield rallies in 7th to beat Harding, 8-7

Rick Banna's single in the seventh drove in the winning run.
By BOB ROTH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
STRUTHERS -- Tuesday's Canfield-Warren Harding high school baseball game wasn't a tournament game, but sure felt like one.
The Cardinals scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to rally past the Raiders 8-7 in a regular season game at Cene Park.
Canfield's Dan Leonard hit a one-out double in the seventh inning. One out later, Mike Turjanica followed with an RBI single to tie the game.
After Josh Geric walked, Rick Banna hit an RBI single to score Turjanica with the game-winner.
"This was a great team effort," Canfield coach Tony Ross said. "The kids really competed today and this game really gives us a competitive edge for tournament play."
Harding ties game
Harding (15-11-1) trailed 6-5 entering the sixth, but Sean Lucas coaxed a bases-loaded walk to tie the game and Dimitrios Makridis followed with an RBI single to score Tyson Rowland.
Cecil Haynes tried to score on Makridis' hit, but Canfield's relay throw nailed him at home.
Junior Chad Baker (4-0), who came on in relief in the sixth inning, retired the Raiders in order in the seventh.
The Cardinals (18-6) had 10 hits, including four doubles. The teams combined for 14 walks, four wild pitches and a passed ball.
Junior Justin Kucek and senior Tim Dewberry each doubled in the fourth inning as the Cardinals scored two runs to take a 6-3 lead.
John Flamino, Harding's starting pitcher, finished with a double and three RBIs, reaching base three times. Ethan Taylor had one of Harding's six hits and was also on base three times.
"If we had come out early ready to play it might have been a different ending for us," Harding coach Joe Smarrella said. "I am very proud of the way our guys battled back from three-run deficits twice against a very good Canfield team."