McGivern’s homer picks up Canfield in sectional final

Staff report

CANFIELD

Brock McGivern’s two-run homer highlighted a nine-run fifth inning for Canfield, as the Cardinals’ baseball team defeated Ravenna 13-3 in a Division II sectional final on Thursday.

Nick Benson added a double and single, and two RBIs for the Cardinals (18-7), who advanced to a district semifinal May 18 at 4:30 p.m. at Cene Park.

Justin Vrabel and Ben Angelo added two hits apiece for Canfield.

Brad Smith (1-1) pitched an inning of relief to pick up the win.

Hubbard 8, Crestwood 3

HUBBARD

Senior Bo Slemons had a three-run home run in the third inning and two more hits — both singles — in the sectional final.

Senior Tommy Jackson had two singles, three stolen bases and scored twice, while junior Kory Hopkinson had two singles for the Brian Bosheff-coached Eagles (23-2) who play their district semifinal on Tuesday against Canfield at Cene at 4:30.

Matt Shelton (6-0) had seven strikeouts and no walks.

For Crestwood (18-4), David Brock had three hits and Cody Miller had two hits.

West Branch 10, Southeast 4

BELOIT

Mickey Manser had a home run and double for three RBIs, while Kolin Stanley had a single and two RBIs for West Branch (16-7).

Nathan Boston, Anthony Pennington and Garrett Barrera all had two singles for Southeast (4-19). Travis Smith added a double and two RBIs.

Division I Howland 1, Fitch 0

HOWLAND

Howland won its sectional championship with two outs in the bottom of the seventh via pinch-hitter Cody Kirk’s double off the left field wall to score Dom Termine from second base. Termine was inserted as a pinch-runner for Kyle Hickman, who had got on via fielder’s choice. Brendan O’Brien’s single advanced Hickman.

Besides O’Brien’s single and Kirk’s double on a 3-1 count, Corey Hickman also singled for the Tigers (15-7).

Junior Dan Spiker and senior Tony Koch had a single apiece for Fitch (7-18).

Howland freshman Chris Maze (5-1) had six strikeouts during a two-hitter, while Fitch senior Chris Miller (2-5) struck out seven during a three-hitter.

Howland will play the Parma Normandy-Lakewood St. Edward winner on Monday at Cene Park.

DivISION III LaBrae 6, Champion 5

CHAMPION

Todd Collins, a senior, had a two-run single with two outs in the top of the seventh to knock in the fifth and sixth runs for the Vikings (10-11), who play at Liberty today at 4:30 in a sectional title game.

Collins’ hit scored Andre Elkins and Jacob Rutherford for LaBrae, which had to withstand a threat when Champion scored to close the gap in the Flashes’ final at-bats.

Greg Gibson had a double and single and an RBI while Rutherford finished with two singles for the Vikings, whose starter, Mike Morris, pitched into the sixth before senior Alex Warne (2-3) relieved.

Morris gave up two runs in the sixth before Warne permitted another before stopping Champion.

Bill Yartz had a double and two singles and an RBI for the Golden Flashes (9-16).

Berkshire 1, Lakeview 0

BURTON

Cleveland State recruit Bryce Smetana (6-1) tossed a one-hitter and Kevin Hix drove in the only run. Aaron Hamilton singled in the fourth inning for the Bulldogs (9-17).

Mineral Ridge 5, East Palestine 4

MINERAL RIDGE

Tom Robbins doubled and scored the winning run on Kyle Borton’s base hit in the fifth inning. Tom Padovani hit a three-run homer for the Rams (10-12), who play at South Range today at 4:30 p.m. in a sectional final.

Dan Ferguson hit a RBI double for East Palestine (10-13).

DIVISION IV lowellville 13, yo. christian 3

struthers

Anthony Alfano had three hits including a double and drove in two RBIs to lead Lowellville past Youngstown Christian. Mike Petronek had two hits and drove with three for the Rockets (13-12). First names were not provided by Youngstown Christian. Lowellville will play at McDonald today at 4:30.

crestview 17, wellsville 7

columbiana

Tom Marnejon went 2 for 3 with a double and drove in three RBIs for Crestview. Adam Coppock also had two hits, scoring three times, while Brian Orr scored four times. First names were not provided for Wellsville. Crestview (16-11) will play Columbiana today at 4:30.

Leetonia 4, Lisbon 0

LEETONIA

Lance Tullis’ three hits included two doubles and he drove in three runs for the Bears (13-7). Cody Stokes had two hits and drove in the other run. Leetonia plays at Springfield today at 4:30 p.m. in a sectional final.