Penguins win opener in softball split with CSU

April 1, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown State softball team won the first game of a doubleheader, 8-4, against Cleveland State, but the Vikings came back to earn a split with a 4-3 win on a two-run single with two outs in the bottom of the seventh in game two. YSU goes to 15-11 on the season and 2-2 in the Horizon League while Cleveland State is 13-11 and 1-1.

In game two, YSU trailed 2-1 in the sixth when Miranda Castiglione belted a two-run homer for a 3-2 lead. Morgan Choe came through with the clutch game-winning hit for the Vikings.

In the opener, YSU scored four runs in the fifth inning keyed by a two-run triple by Samantha Snodgrass. Casey Crozier (9-3) tossed a complete game scattering eight hits and four runs while striking out five and walking three.

The Penguins return to action Wednesday at Robert Morris.

Hoop stars Craft, Smith at Eastwood Mall store

NILES

Former Ohio State basketball stars Aaron Craft and Lenzelle Smith Jr. will make an appearance April 13 at the Everything Buckeyes store in the Eastwood Mall. Craft was a two-time defensive player of the year in the Big Ten and is the all-time steals leader at Ohio State. Smith was a two-year starter for the Buckeyes.

The pair will sign autographs from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Autographs are $20 for Craft, $8 for Smith and $25 for a super ticket which would include both autographs.

Harlem Wizards play at West Branch High

BELOIT

Tickets are available for the Harlem Wizards charity basketball game Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the West Branch High gym. Staff members of the West Branch School District will compete against the Wizards in a family fun night event.

Tickets are on sale at the high school athletic office. Prices are $10 for adults; $8 for students; and children under 5 are admitted free until Friday. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.harlemwizards.com/BELOIT.

Steelers safety Clark returns to Redskins

ASHBURN, Va.

Ryan Clark is returning to the Washington Redskins after the veteran free agent safety agreed to a deal Monday. Clark visited the Redskins earlier this month after he became a free agent following eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Clark played in Washington in 2004-05, but the Redskins opted not to re-sign him and instead paid big money to Adam Archuleta, who became one of the top free agent busts in franchise history. Safety has been a top priority for Washington this offseason. The 34-year-old Clark would also add leadership to a defense that is losing captain London Fletcher, who plans to retire.

Guerrero signs 1-day deal, retires with Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif.

Vladimir Guerrero signed a one-day contract to retire with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Guerrero also threw out the first pitch on opening day at Angel Stadium, and new Angels hitting coach Don Baylor had to be helped off the field after injuring his right leg while catching it.

Guerrero threw the first pitch to Baylor, but Baylor couldn’t get up after making the catch, unable to put weight on his leg. Two Angels staff members had to help him off the field and he was taken to a hospital for further tests.

Correction

The Austintown Fitch High softball team played in the Division I softball state championship game in 1993. A story in Sunday’s edition incorrectly said that the Falcons’ regional team from last year was the team that had advanced the furthest in school history. Fitch has been to the regional seven times.

Tamer Win golf course opens today

CORTLAND

Tamer Win Golf is open for the season beginning today. The golf course and driving range are open for the season and will remain open, weather permitting.

Staff reports/Associated Press