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Springfield baseball notebook
Graduation day: Because rain pushed back the Division IV title game to Sunday, Springfield’s five seniors had to miss their graduation ceremony. So, the Tigers had a ceremony behind home plate for Eoghan Bees, Cody Pitzo, Dom Gentsy, JoJo Caraballo and Chris Bishard. They wore caps and tassels and got their diplomas from athletic director Jeff Dyer. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of seniors,” Bees said. “It’s a group of guys that loves playing baseball. We’re brothers off the field and great friends. After every practice, we’re trying to figure out where to hang out. The camaraderie on this team is something that was unbelievable. It was really special to be around.” Springfield coach Matt Weymer said he’s had good senior leadership in each of his three seasons and this year was no exception. “They don’t do it individually; they do it as a group and that’s what it takes,” he said. “Those five guys, they were warriors all year.”
Good start: Sophomore Jordon Peterson may not have had a mid-80s fastball like Newark Catholic starter Mitch Cox or Springfield junior James Hillyer (who pitched the final 2 1/3 innings) but he kept the Green Wave’s talented lineup off-balance for 3 2/3 innings. “He exceeded our expectations big time,” Weymer said. “We were literally going three outs at a time. I know it’s tough on Jordon to pitch with that short of a leash all the time but he always accepts the challenge.” Added sophomore Ryan Kohler, “Jordon doesn’t throw the ball hard but man, he puts the ball where he wants to put the ball. He did great.”
Cannizzaro impressed: Newark Catholic coach John Cannizzaro, who is 401-158 in 18 years with five state titles, said he knew Springfield was a talented offensive team but he wasn’t as sure about its pitching. “I hadn’t seen all their pitching, which turned out to be pretty good, too,” he said. “I think we’re very similar, to be honest with you.” When asked what he thought the difference in the game was, he smiled and said, “One run. I don’t mean to be funny. Our pitcher made some pitches at the end.” Starter Mitch Cox (10-2) threw 107 innings and Cannizzaro said he probably would have pitched the eighth had Springfield tied the game in the seventh. “For him to be up over 100 [pitches is not normal] and when you get to where you’re going past normal, you start to concern yourself. However, he’s our guy. He’s who got us here. You’ve got to go with what got us here.”