Banna's slam lifts Cards to final

Canfield will meet Poland in today's district title game.
By MARK W. MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
STRUTHERS -- A grand slam by Kyle Banna in the bottom of the sixth inning gave Canfield High School a 9-5 victory over Hubbard Thursday in a Division II district semifinal baseball game.
The victory elevated the Cardinals into tonight's Division II district championship game against Poland. The game is slated to be played at 6:30 p.m. at Cene Park Field 1.
The Cardinals fell behind 3-0 going into the fourth inning. Then with the score tied 4-4, the Cardinals (22-5) rallied for five runs in the seventh on three walks, an error and Banna's grand slam.
"Obviously, that was a huge hit, Canfield coach Matt Koening said. "But he been consistent all year with key hits in big games.
"We've been down early in games before this season and nobody panicked," the first-year manager said. "Everyone was involved and capitalized on their mistakes that kept us in the game. Kyle's big hit at a crucial time changed the outlook for us.
"We are 2-0 this season against Poland, but we expect a close ballgame," Koenig said.
Early lead
Hubbard (15-10) took a 2-0 lead in the second inning on a single by Frank Rosile, a sacrifice bunt, a wild pitch and singles by Mike Carnahan and John Madeline.
The Eagles added a run in the third on a triple by Corey Hitt, who had two hits, and a groundout.
Canfield, which scored a run in the third inning, got back in the game in the fourth inning as it took advantage of two Hubbard errors, a hit batter, a stolen base, a double by Joe Rosko and a single by Banna to take a 4-3 lead.
The Eagles tied in the fourth on a walk to Rosile and a hit-and-run double by Ed Palestro.
Joe Fox pitched 6 1/3 innings with eight strikeouts to pick up the win for the Cardinals. Banna also had two singles.
Hitt and Carnahan led the Eagles with two singles apiece.
Division III
In semifinals, Ursuline defeated Garrettsville Garfield, 8-7, while Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary defeated Girard, 11-1.
Today at 4:30 p.m., Ursuline and SVSJ will play for the district title.
Also in Div. III, Woodridge defeated Springfield, 11-1. Woodridge plays the Mooney/East Palestine winner at 4:30 p.m.