Howland’s Kirin finds victory lane

Hubbard was ousted while Champion’s softball team edged LaBrae.

STRUTHERS — Jared Kirin tossed a two-hitter for his first win, leading the Howland High baseball team to an 11-0 victory over Struthers Friday in a Division II tournament game at Cene Park.

Kirin (1-5) tossed a two-hitter, striking out seven and walking four. Kirin had three hits and two RBIs, and he scored twice.

Joe Auluzia’s two hits included a triple for the Tigers (14-12). Matt Preston also had two hits. Howland will play Mooney in next week’s Division II district semifinal.

For Struthers, Jake Thomas and Ben Habuda had hits.

Crestwood 5, Hubbard 3

STRUTHERS — Fred Baldwin had two doubles and one RBI to lead Crestwood. David ázerny added a triple and single for Crestwood while David Lilley (3-3) pitched an eight-hitter.

Mike Carnahan had a triple and single for Hubbard (18-6).

Marlington 19, Southeast 1

ALLIANCE — A 10 run first inning ignited Marlington as it cruised over Southeast.

Anthony Pennington, Anthony Cierci and Matt Bright hit singles for the Pirates (8-15). John Lucore, Jon Putt and Rob Bowser each homered for the Dukes (20-6).

Softball

SEBRING — Chantel Fox had four hits, including a two-run double, to lead Sebring over Leetonia, 10-0, in a Div. IV sectional final. Fox had three RBIs and scored a run.

Jillian Faudree’s two hits included a double and she scored twice for the Trojans (16-11). Also with two hits were winning pitcher Kirsten Schaffer (12-6) and Dani Seidel.

At the Lakeview High district next Thursday, the Trojans will play the Lordstown-Warren JFK winner.

For Leetonia, Clarissa Perkins, Bobbie Miller and Alexis Tittle singled.

Champion 4, LaBrae 3

CHAMPION — Morgan White struck out 16 and allowed just two hits for the Golden Flashes (16-5), who advanced to a Div. III district semifinal next Thursday.

Champion scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to break a 1-1 tie, then held off LaBrae’s seventh-inning rally after two runs.

Emily Potter hit a double for LaBrae (11-13).

On Thursday, Champion defeated Newton Falls 10-0. Katie Saluga hit a grand slam as part of a six-run second inning and finished with three hits and five RBIs. Amanda Sain, who drove in two runs, and Ashley Rabie each had two hits.

Newton Falls finished with a 9-14 record.

Hoover 2, Boardman 0

BOARDMAN — North Canton ace Jessica Simpson (22-1) tossed a two-hitter, striking out 17 batters in a regular season game.

Ali Lindeman homered while Felicia Houtz, Megan Lilley and Sarah Gerber doubled for the Vikings (23-1, 10-1 Federal League).

For the Spartans (14-10, 4-6), Lizzie Padgitt doubled and Brooke Meenachan singled. Alex DiDomenico struck out seven batters and walked one.

Poland 11, Campbell 1

POLAND — Brittany Gamble’s three hits included a home run. She scored twice and drove in two runs for the Bulldogs (20-7) in a regular season game.

Megan Hirschbeck’s two hits included a triple as she drove in three runs.

Winning pitcher Jessica D’Apolito (4-0) had two hits. Also with doubles were Nicole White and Jenna Barnhart.

For the Red Devils, LaTonya Butler doubled. They scored their run after singles by Karyssa Opencar and Kaylynn Flowers.