Boardman wins LL Intermediate title

Staff report

MAUMEE

The first local Little League team has punched its ticket to a state tournament this summer.

Boardman will be represented in the Little League Intermediate (50/70) Division’s central regional tournament in Kalamazoo, Mich., later this month, thanks to a 7-0 victory in Tuesday’s state final.

Starter Travis Harvey and reliever Alex Cardona combined for the shutout.

“These young men have battled at the state level for four years in a row,” manager Brian Fonderlin said after the win.

“This team has progressed each year from [finishing] fifth, to four, to third, to ultimately a state championship title that is well deserved.”

Boardman started its title run by beating Maumee 12-2 on Sunday. The locals then advanced to play Lebanon on Monday, who they handily defeated 21-1 to advance to the final.

Tuesday’s title game was played around a five-hour rain delay.

The regional in Kalamazoo runs from July 19-26. If Boardman advances again, the next stop is the Intermediate Baseball World Series in Livermore, Calif.

The Intermediate (50/70) Division is in its second year of existence. It’s open to players ages 11-13 and is played on a field with a 50-foot pitching distance and 70-foot base paths.