Michigan next for Poland

Staff report

CATHAGE, MO.

Because runs allowed per inning was a factor in determining seeds, the undefeated Poland 11-12 Little League softball team will play the Central Regional’s other unbeaten team, Michigan, in today’s semifinals.

Poland (4-0) earned the top seed after allowing just two runs in their four games that were played from Saturday through Tuesday.

Michigan also went 4-0 in pool play but did not receive the other bye. That went to Indiana (3-1), the team Poland defeated 3-1 in their opening game.

The top two teams in each of the tournament’s three brackets advanced to the single-elimination round. Wednesday, Michigan (5-0) defeated Illinois, 9-5, while Wisconsin ousted Kentucky, 2-0, in seven innings.

Indiana plays Wisconsin in today’s other semifinal.

Poland’s players are Dani Rutana, Maddie Rowe, Kat Wilson, Claire Testa, Jenna Shettler, Megan Marsico, Aleah Hughes, Arlia Duarte, Ally Deemer, Kristyn Svetlak, Abby Masluk and Cara Kalouris,

Poland coach Chuck Masluk said his players watched Michigan’s game then spent the day go-kart racing and swimming, trying to beat the heat that topped 100 degrees.

“Michigan can hit the ball, but not as well as Indiana,” Masluk said. “Indiana has very strong hitting and can hit the long ball. Michigan has a solid team.”

So does Poland, whose other wins were against South Dakota (10-0), Minnestoa (14-1) and Illinois (6-0).

Because of Wednesday’s day off, Poland has no pitching restrictions for today’s game.

Masluk said he won’t decide on today’s starting pitcher until the team begins its warmups.

“We like to look to see if they have the same ball movement as usual,” Masluk said.

Masluk said after seeing what his girls have accomplished on this trip, “anything after this will just be icing on the cake. To be representing Ohio this way is just phenomenal.”

Canfield 9-10s

IRONTON

Canfield defeated Tallmadge, 12-2, and will play Dover today at 7 p.m. The winner advances to the championship against Shelby.

On Wednesday, Dom Velasquez had two hits, including a double, and two RBIs. Ian McGraw also had a double and single. Ryan Stefanec added a double and scored twice, while Angelo Petracci singled twice and drove in two runs. Dominick Gelonese and Nick O’Hara also had two RBIs.

Velasquez and Jack Rafoth combined on a six-hitter.