2 Ruth teams advance to regionals

SPRINGFIELD -- Youngstown's 3-0 record in the state 13-year-old Babe Ruth tournament advanced the Mike Popio-managed team to the regional in Wisconsin starting July 28.
Youngstown captured the Ohio state crown by beating Newark, 12-2, Tuesday.
Sutton Whiting and Josh Saverko combined on a two-hitter against Newark. Whiting gave up one hit through the first four innings before Saverko relinquished another hit and picked up the save.
At the plate, Whiting had three hits and scored twice. Mike Lopuchovsky and Ronnie Bovo had two hits, while Tim Cheslik had a three-run triple.
Bovo, Whiting and Dan Popio each had a double.
Youngstown's other players are Garret Blaschak, Kevin Boris, Ryan Gallagher, Carter Hill, Mark Leone, Brock McGivern, Adam Robb, Reese Swatsworth and Mike Werner. Coaches are Mark McGivern, Tom Cheslik and Dan Hill.
Babe Ruth 15s
ZANESVILLE -- Youngstown beat Newark, 9-4, to win the 15-year-old Babe Ruth state championship.
Youngstown's 15-year-old all-stars advance to the regional in Indiana.
On Monday, Youngstown defeated Newark, 12-7, in eight innings.
Todd Kibby pitched seven innings, allowing four hits and striking out three. Shawn Roman closed the game.
Kibby also had three hits, while Jaymee Shepherd and Anthony Franceschelli had two hits and two RBIs each. Corey Hill also had two hits, and Jason Bagoly hit a two-run homer.
Babe Ruth 14s
MOUNT VERNON -- Youngstown will play in the state championship game tonight at 8 p.m.
Youngstown (3-0) will face either Mount Vernon or Newark for the right to advance to the Indiana regional.
On Monday, Youngstown beat Jefferson County, 16-1, behind Adam Shrodek's five-inning two-hitter. On Tuesday, Youngstown pounded Mount Vernon, 12-0, with Shane Parks tossing a four-hitter over five innings.
Top hitters so far have been Joey Auluzia (11-for-15), A.J. Zorrella (10-for-15) and Bo Slemons and Kyle Vaclav (both 10-for-14).
Poland softball
CLYDE -- Led by Karah Pierce's home run, the Poland 11-12 year-old girls beat Wheelersburg 12-2 in four innings in the state Little League tournament.
Erin Gabriel had a single, double, and triple for Poland, while Adriana Sikora and Pierce each had two hits. Maura Bobby, Emily Chandler, Marissa Trevis, and Meredith Testa also added hits. Chandler picked up the win.
Poland plays for the state championship Thursday at 6 p.m. against either Ashtabula or Tallmadge.