Columbiana seeks another state berth

Photo by: David Dermer

Special to the Vindicator

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Leetonia shortstop Nick Altomare throws to first base after retiring Columbiana baserunner Bryce Miner during Tuesday’s tournament game at Firestone Park. The Clippers won, 7-1.

Photo by: David Dermer

Special to the Vindicator

Photo

Columbiana baserunner Kyle Shaffer rounds third on his way home during Tuesday's game against Leetonia.

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Columbiana left fielder Luke Barker dives to catch this ball hit by Leetonia’s R.J. Pascella during Tuesday’s game at Firestone Park.

Columbiana seeks another state berth

By Tom Williams

williams@vindy.com

COLUMBIANA

After last spring’s state semifinal trip to Columbus’ Huntington Park, Columbiana High’s baseball players know they have targets on their uniforms this tournament season.

The Clippers appear to be ready for the challenge.

“Last year, we were the underdogs coming in,” Clippers senior outfielder Bryce Miner said after Tuesday’s 7-1 victory over Leetonia in a Division IV sectional final at Firestone Park. “They didn’t know what to expect and we kind of crept up on everybody else.

“This year, having a target means we have to bring our A game every game because everybody wants what we [did],” said Miner, whose two-run single in the second inning gave the Clippers (17-8) a 4-0 lead. “We still have to earn it.”

Columbiana left-hander Hank Schlueter tamed the Bears by tossing a two-hitter, striking out 11 and walking five.

“Hank did a great job, he got his breaking pitch over to keep them off-balance,” Columbiana coach Scott Knox said. “He got ahead of the hitters.

Knox said the strategy was to challenge the Leetonia batters early, “especially to the bottom of their order.”

Schlueter said he felt confident on the mound.

“I felt pretty good, my pitches were working,” the junior said. “And I had my defense behind me and that’s always real helpful.”

So was an early lead as the Clippers scored their runs in the first three innings.

Andrew Burdick hit a RBI double then scored on a wild pitch as Columbiana led 2-0 in the first inning.

Miner’s second-inning single scored Josh Saverko and Hayden Sneltzer for two more runs.

Schlueter’s single and left fielder Ian Sevenich’s error helped the Clippers score twice more in the third inning. Schlueter then came home on a fielder’s choice by Luke Barker.

“It’s a lot more comforting to have an early lead,” said Schlueter who carried a one-hitter into the seventh inning when the Bears scored. “When you get an early lead in the game, it makes it so easy to go out on the mound and let them hit [to the defense].”

Matt Altomare singled and scored for the Bears (9-9) after a wild pitch and infield error.

Leetonia’s Cody Stokes struck out 11 batters.

With 25 games played, the Clippers are as prepared as any team for the single-elimination tournament.

“We’ve played in some wet conditions,” Knox said. “We tell our guys our experience is only good enough if we use it.

“But if you go out there and don’t do what you’re supposed to do, then it works against you.”

Schlueter said the Clippers have been anticipating the tournament.

“As soon as last season ended, I was ready for this season,” Schlueter said. “The atmosphere is amazing to be in.”