Youngstown loses in semifinals

Jefferson (La.) blanked the locals 2-0 on Saturday.
LONGVIEW, Wash. -- Kirk Cunningham hit a two-run home run in the third inning as Jefferson (La.) blanked the Youngstown All-Stars 2-0 in a Babe Ruth (15-16) semifinal World Series game Saturday at Story Field.
The loss eliminated Youngstown, which was presented with a bronze trophy for finishing third in the 12-team tournament.
Youngstown's Corey Collins (1-1) pitched a two-hitter with seven strikeouts in the loss.
"The kids were disappointed. They wanted to repeat," said Youngstown manager Tony Gorvet. "They won the 14-year-old World Series at Quincy, Mass., last year.
"It just shows how difficult it is to repeat, but don't take anything away from them. They are outstanding kids and I would like to coach them again," said Gorvet.
"When your pitcher only gives up two hits and two runs, you are supposed to win."
With one out in the seventh inning, Youngstown's Matt Katich walked and was replaced by pinch runner Joe Koch of Austintown. Nick Turco of New Castle hit a long fly ball that was caught at the warning track in right field. Koch advanced to second on a wild pitch, then Frank Rosile of Hubbard hit a sinking line drive that Jefferson center fielder Brian Seay caught on his knees.
Patrick Holloway (1-0) of Jefferson allowed only two singles and struck out three. Youngstown's Jesse Moses of New Castle and Rosile each had a hit.
Jefferson got its only hits in the third inning. Matt Ryan led off with a single, went to second on a ground out, then Cunningham hit his home run over the left field fence.
"It was a great ball game," said Gorvet. "We represented Youngstown and the Ohio Valley real well. This is a great group of kids.
"They had to play two games [Friday] and again today because of the weather. It rained six straight days.
Youngstown 2, Centralia 0
The Youngstown All-Stars reached the semifinals as Steven Gruver (2-0) of Austintown pitched a complete-game three hitter to pick up the win.
Chuck Olesky led off the first inning with a single, then stole second. With one out Cory Collins walked. Both runners advanced a base on a wild pitch. Olesky then scored on another wild pitch.
The all stars scored their other run in the fourth inning. Cameron Konop of Hermitage walked, Gruver was hit by a pitched ball. Olesky reached base on an error to load the bases. Matt Dado of Shenango singled home Konop.