Three local teams set for regionals

Youngstown's 15, 14 and 13-year-old teams open play today.
VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT
The Youngstown Babe Ruth League all star state championship teams will begin regional competition today.
At Granger, Ind., the 15-year-old stars, who finished fifth at last year's World Series, are defending regional champs and will go against Illinois in a first-round game at 11:30 a.m.
Jamee Shepharo of Hermitage, Pa., leads the squad with a .540 batting average, and has two home runs and six RBIs.
Pitchers Corey Hill of Crestview, Todd Kibby of Springfield, Pat O'Brien of Boardman and Shawn Roman of Ursuline are each 1-0.
14-year-old stars
Joe Shrodek of Howland is manager of the 14-year-old team, which will take on Illinois in a first round game at 12:30 p.m. in Jasper, Ind.
"We worked our way up through the loser's bracket last year, eliminating six out of the 10 teams at last year's regional," said Shrodek.
"The kids defeated Dyrer, Ind., 16-0, then lost the championship, 5-4, to Dyrer," said Shrodek.
The 14-year-old team (4-0) beat Mount Vernon 10-3 for the 2006 state title with Jake Thomas (2-0) of Struthers tossing a five-hitter.
Shortstop Joe Aulizia of Howland has a .855 batting average with four doubles, while third baseman Anthony Raschilla of Niles is hitting .700.
Adam Shrodek of Howland and Shane Parks of Boardman, who has thrown a no-hitter in the state tournament, are both 1-0.
13s
The 13-year old all stars (4-0) will face Illinois at 1:30 p.m. in Eau Claire, Wis.
"Its a fun bunch of kids who really have jelled well together," said manager Mike Popio.
He said pitching and defense were outstanding in the state tournament, as the team only gave up five runs and committed only two errors.
Sutton Whiting (2-0) of New Wilmington, Pa., was the winning pitcher as the team defeated Newark 12-2 for the state title.
Whiting and Danny Popio have been the leading hitters during the tournament. Ryan Gallagher of Boardman has pitched one of the wins, while Josh Saverko of Columbiana has two saves.