Poland, Canfield win state games

Staff report

CARTHAGE, Mo.

Representing Ohio, the Poland 11-12 year-old Little League softball team beat Indiana, 3-1, in its opener at the central regional.

Aleah Hughes went the six-inning distance, allowing four hits and striking out nine including the final out with tying runs on second and third.

Pool play continues today at noon when Poland meets South Dakota.

On Monday, the locals will face Minnesota at 8 and play Illinois on Tuesday at 6.

After the 13 teams conclude the pool portion of the tournament, the top two from each pool advance to the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

The Little League softball world series awaits the central regional champion.

LL 9-10 girls

PORTSMOUTH

Jillian Pennman, Carly Lattanzio and Gina Ungaro each drove in two runs as the Poland 9-10 Little League softball team won its opening game in the state tournament.

Pennman and Lattanzio were the pitchers in Poland’s 8-4 victory on Saturday over Conneaut in the double-elimination tournament.

Today at 11 a.m., Poland plays tournament host Wheelersburg which had an opening-round bye.

Baseball

IRONTON

Angelo Petracci’s bat led the Canfield 9-10 Little League baseball team to a first-round victory in the state tournament.

Petracci had three hits in as many at-bats and drove in four runs as Canfield defeated Hamilton West Side, 10-3.

Anthony Pacifico’s two hits drove in three runs while Jimmy Fitzgerald had two hits, scored twice and drove in a run.

Ian McGraw, Jack Rafoth and Dominic Velasquez combined to toss a three-hitter.

Canfield’s next game in the double-elimination tournament will be Monday at 5 p.m. against the winner of today’s Shelby-Tallmadge game.