Youngstown Christian topples JFK in eighth, 2-1

Lowellville, Leetonia and Columbiana also earned Div. IV baseball victories.

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Christian High baseball team tied the score in the seventh inning and won the Division IV sectional tournament game in the eighth, upending JFK 2-1 on Tuesday.

In the seventh inning Rolando Rojas singled home winning pitcher Eddie Gonda (7-3). In the eighth, John Pecchia singled, went to third on a single by Nate Setnick and scored the deciding run on a single by Josh Bell in the eighth.

Gonda scattered nine hits with 14 strikeouts. JFK’s Eric Gelsomino struck out 12, but Elliot Killen, who came on in relief in the eighth, took the loss.

Youngstown Christian travels to Mathews for a sectional game today at 4:30 p.m.

Lowellville 6, Western Reserve 5

LOWELLVILLE — Lowellville rallied for three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to win.

Mike Demetro’s two-run double pulled Lowellville into a 5-5 tie while Dante Abbas’ single drove in Demetro with the winning run.

Abbas (4-2) finished with two singles and two RBIs and he also was the winning pitcher in relief.

Vince Travaline had two singles and one RBI for the Rockets (17-6), who advanced to play Columbiana today at 4:30 p.m. at Cene Park.

Leetonia 10, Southern 0

LEETONIA — Josh Selway (2-2) pitched a four-hit shutout with seven strikeouts and no walks to lead Leetonia (12-7), which will play Springfield today.

Pat Russell and Jordan Russell each had two singles and an RBI for the Bears, who took a 6-0 lead in the first inning.

Taylor Smith doubled for Southern.

Columbiana 8, Sebring 1

COLUMBIANA — Travis Denmeade had two hits, including a homer, and Tyler Dejong also homered to lead Columbiana (12-12), which got a terrific pitching performance from Josh Saverko.

Ty Denmeade, Josh Weikart and John Ritchey added three hits.

Zach Tieche homered for Sebring (13-11).

Division III

MINERAL RIDGE — Mineral Ridge sophomore Anthony Pannunzio had 10 strikeouts and three walks en route to a three-hitter, leading Mineral Ridge over Brookfield, 6-2.

Jason Ferguson had three hits, while seniors Dominic Armeni and Evan Walton had two hits apiece for Mineral Ridge (11-13).

A third-inning solo home run by Ferguson, also a senior, put the Rams ahead for good, 3-2. Ferguson finished with three RBIs.

Pat Mulligan, Brandon Sweeney and John Haun each had a single for Brookfield (6-15).

Today in Cortland, Mineral Ridge meets Champion at 5 p.m., in a sectional final.

Crestview 20, Lisbon 1

COLUMBIANA — Mike Cervone went 4-for-4 with three RBIs and Crestview put the game away with an 11-run fourth inning.

Josh Orr and Corey Hill each added two hits for the Rebels (8-16), who will face Campbell today at 4:30 p.m.

Aaron Sweeney doubled and scored for Lisbon (6-15).

Pymatuning Valley 9, Newton Falls 8

NILES — Bryan Easton slammed a two-out, two-run single to drive in two runs, cap a three-run rally and give Pymatuning Valley the win at Eastwood Field.

John York had a double, single and two RBIs and Joe Leeworthy two singles to help the Lakers (15-11), who advanced to play Girard today at 4:30 p.m.

Brandon Easton (4-2) got the mound win in relief.

For Newton Falls (4-13), Matt Lubonovic drove in three runs on a single, walk and hit-by-pitch.

Grand Valley 4, LaBrae 1

ANDOVER — Wining pitcher Matt Sielski (4-2) tossed a three-hitter, striking out eight and walking none. He also drove in two runs for Grand Valley (8-15).

Kevin George and Zach Sirrine doubled. Grand Valley advanced to play Ursuline today at Cene Park.