Pitcher is convicted of beaning a fan in fight

DAYTON (AP) — An Ohio judge has convicted a minor league pitcher of injuring a fan when he threw a baseball that went into the stands during an on-field melee in Dayton last year.

Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Connie Price on Tuesday found Julio Castillo guilty of felonious assault causing serious physical injury. The judge acquitted the 22-year-old of a second charge of felonious assault with a deadly weapon.

Price announced her decision without comment.

Castillo, of the Dominican Republic, was pitching for the Peoria Chiefs — a Class A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs — against the Dayton Dragons when the bench-clearing brawl broke out. Castillo threw a ball that gave a fan a concussion.

He faces a possible 2 to 8 years in prison when he is sentenced Thursday, but the judge could alternatively sentence him to probation.

“We are pleased that this paves the way for some sense of accountability for what happened, and for the victim to be recognized that what happened to him could happen to anyone,” said assistant county prosecutor Tracey Tangeman.

Defense attorney Dennis Lieberman said the verdict contained both “good news and bad news” but declined further comment.

During last month’s trial, fan Chris McCarthy testified that Castillo appeared angry when he hurled the ball toward the Dragons’ dugout. He said the ball came into the stands, striking him in the temple area.

McCarthy, 45, of Middletown, said the seams of the baseball left a mark on his scalp, and he suffered a throbbing headache for days. He said the swelling in his head became so severe that he couldn’t wear a hard hat required for part of his job.

McCarthy did not attend the verdict hearing on Tuesday. A message left at a number listed for a Chris McCarthy in Middletown was not immediately returned.