Veteran Spartans roll, 10-0

Senior Armani Johnson led the way going 4-for-4 against GlenOak.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
BOARDMAN -- As the Boardman High baseball team gathered in the outfield for tarp duty on Friday, Spartans coach Scott Knox yelled for senior Armani Johnson to meet him at the dugout.
"I know you don't want to come in, but get over here," Knox said.
Johnson looked at his teammates, broke into a big smile and jogged in.
One of the big reasons Boardman was able to beat the rain -- and beat Canton GlenOak -- on Friday was Johnson, who went 4-for-4, scored three runs, drove in two runs and stole a base.
"The last couple games, he's done a great job at the plate," said Knox, whose team won 10-0 in five innings. "We're real happy with him in the leadoff position."
Johnson is one of four three-year starters for the experienced Spartans (11-4, 5-1 Federal League), who started six seniors and three juniors against the Eagles.
O'Brien has 3-hitter
Another senior, pitcher Rich O'Brien, threw a three-hitter to improve to 4-0.
"He got into his rhythm right away," Knox said of O'Brien, who struck out the first two batters he faced. "He had great command."
Three years ago, Knox put the four sophomores into the lineup, knowing they'd struggle at times, but also knowing they'd be better for it in the long run. Johnson, along with Anthony Porter (second-team all-Federal League last year), Kevin Sikora (first team all-Federal League) and Joe Iacobucci, now form the foundation of a Boardman team that hopes to go deep in the tournament.
"They had a learning curve, like anyone else," Knox said. "But they paid their dues and now it's paying off. We have a veteran team."
Added Johnson, "I've pretty much seen all the pitches. The pitches get faster, but there's really nothing new."
Wants to play in college
Like most of the Spartans, Johnson (6-0, 185) plays summer baseball, although he played football in the fall. He's hoping to play baseball in college, with Cincinnati being the likely destination.
But for now, his focus is on this season.
"We're capable of doing anything," Johnson said. "If we set our minds to it, we can be one of the best teams in the state.
"We've just got to play up to our potential."
The Division I district is the most balanced it's been in four years, Knox said, which means the Spartans won't have an easy path. (Fitch, Warren Harding, Howland and Ashtabula Lakeside all have winning records.)
Tough Federal League
But playing in the Federal League, where there are no weak teams, will pay dividends later on, Knox said.
"It's a very balanced league," Knox said. "In this league, if you don't play your best, you're gonna get beat.
"I compare it to the Big Ten in football. In that league, you've got to show up every Saturday."
After nearly blowing a 6-0 lead against GlenOak on Thursday (Boardman eventually won 9-6), the Spartans made quick work of the Eagles on Friday.
Sikora homers
Sikora, who bats third, hit a three-run homer in the first and finished with four RBIs.
Junior Joe Bako singled and walked three times and seniors Ed DeLuca and Mark Cartwright each scored twice.
Most games won't be as easy as Friday's, but Knox is confident the regular season will leave the Spartans battle-tested.
"The Federal League prepares us well," Knox said. "By tournament time, we've seen just about everything."
Ryan Murname (1-4) gave up seven runs in four innings to get the loss for GlenOak (2-8, 1-5).
scalzo@vindy.com