Turocy takes Canfield into regionals

The Cardinals meet Canton South Thursday at 2 p.m. in Hudson.

By PETE MOLLICA

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

CANFIELD — Canfield High senior Drew Turocy hadn’t pitched in nearly a week and was heading into the Cardinals’ biggest game of the season last Friday against rival Poland.

Turocy, who helped the Cardinals win the Metro Athletic Conference championship, was ready to take on the Bulldogs in the Division II district championship game at Cene Park.

It was a late game, getting started at nearly 8 p.m., and the temperature was dropping into the 40s by game time.

Turocy struggled with the Bulldogs in the top half of the first inning — if struggling means giving up a base hit and walking a batter. He struck out the other three batters he faced.

Near perfect in district

That would be as close to a struggle as Turocy would get against Poland, as he retired the next 18 batters over the final six innings, struck out 12 and didn’t allow another hit or walk the rest of the way in a 5-0 victory.

He did allow another runner to reach base, or rather his teammates did when the Cardinals committed an error in the third inning, but quickly made up for it with an inning-ending double play.

Now Turocy and the Cardinals get ready to face Canton South in the Division II regional tournament Thursday at 2 p.m. in Hudson.

Three other area teams — Austintown Fitch, Ursuline and Badger — are also playing Thursday.

The Canfield ace is just taking things one game at a time.

“We went down and watched Canton South play last week and they were pretty impressive, a very good team,” Turocy said.

The Cardinals are hoping to make a better showing at the regional tournament then they did a year ago when they were ousted in the opening round.

“We probably learned a little from last year’s experience and we know it’s going to take a complete effort to keep this thing going,” he said.

Turocy, who has compiled a 6-1 pitching record and one of the team’s top batting averages, will take his game to the next level next season.

To join brother at Akron

He’ll also get to join his brother, Frank, when he begins his college education at the University of Akron next year, and that had a lot to do with his choice of schools. Frank is in his sophomore season with Akron.

“Akron is a great school and has a good baseball program, but definitely getting an opportunity to play college ball with your brother played a big factor in my decision,” Turocy said.

The Zips recruited the youngster as both a pitcher and an outfielder, which is just fine with Turocy.

“When I’m hitting the ball well I enjoy playing every day,” he added. “I’m sure we’ll start out that way and see how things go from there.”

His coach at Canfield, Matt Koenig, doesn’t foresee any problems Turocy will have in college.

“He’s one of the best I’ve seen and I’d put him up against anybody in the state,” Koenig said.

Future lies on the mound

Turocy feels that his future in the game will be on the mound.

“If I get to another level in this game I’m sure it will be with pitching and I’m OK with that,” he said.

“For right now playing in the regional tournament is just outstanding, then next year will be like a dream come true being reunited with my brother at Akron. After that, anything that happens will be icing on the cake.”

mollica@vindy.com