Astro Falcons chasing tourney title in Toledo

July 24, 2014 at 12:06a.m.

STRUTHERS

With a Creekside Fitness Sophomore Division World Series title already tucked away, the Astro Falcons begin NABF Junior Division play today in Toledo with the hopes of becoming the third local team in the past four years to win the organization’s crown.

The 12-team tournament features tourney host Toledo Hawks, DB Razorback’s and Brooklyn Bonnie Bees from New York and the Michigan Bulls in Pool A; the Astro Falcons, Ohio Gators Baseball, Allen Baseball Club (Texas) and New York Sayo Grays in Pool B and Ohio’s Spartans-Blue and Toronto Mets, and New York’s Capital District Rays and Diamond Spikes Baseball in Pool C.

“Anyone can walk off with the title, that’s how evenly matched the teams are in this year’s tournament,” manager Bob Beam said.

“We feel like we have all of the components in place to win, but as you very well know it all comes down to execution. You need to create scoring opportunities while taking advantage of any opponent miscues. Timeliness is the key.”

The Astro Falcons (38-9) captured the Little B League title this season with a 27-4 overall mark, entering World Series play with an 11-5 post-season mark.

“We’re ready to go and the players simply cannot wait to get started,” Beam said.

Astros received the automatic bid by virtue of winning the league championship and will enter World Series play having led the league in runs scored (195), runs against (71) and shutouts (six).

Beam, who has been a part of the organization since 2006 (he took time off in 2011 and 2012, but returned in 2013), has been to the World Series with Astros on three separate occasions and was also a part of the 2011 Ohio Glaciers Junior Division championship staff.

Beam’s opening-game starter will be Jared Burkert of Poland, the pitcher credited with stopping Cardinal Mooney in this year’s Division II, Northeast District championship game.

Lou Cardona of Boardman is set to call the signals for Burkert while Canfield’s Chris Lewis gets the call at first base.

Tyler Adams of Louisville will hold down the keystone sack while shortstop Dalton Donachie of Springfield Local and third baseman Vito Petrillo anchor the left side of the infield.

Maxx McGee of Bethel Park, Pa. (left field), and Austintown Fitch teammates Jared Kapturasky (center field) and Noah Laster (right field) are the starting outfielders. T.J. DeShields of West Branch is the designated hitter.

“Our depth will play a big part in our success and we won’t hesitate to use any player, any time and in any given situation,” Beam said.

Beam is assisted by Matt Weymer, head coach of the highly successful Division III Springfield Local Tigers; Steve Leslie, an assistant at Ursuline High School; Tommy Tedesco, an assistant at Campbell Memorial and Doug Widrig, pitching coach.

Other players who will see action include Vinny Lucente (Ursuline), Anthony Joseph (Canfield), Travis Jones (Boardman), Dan Borio (Boardman), Jimmy Kerrigan (Ursuline), Chris Patton (Ursuline), Hudson Widrig (Boardman), Michael Despetorich (Boardman), Garrett Mulrooney (McDonald), Eric Ostrowski (Jackson-Milton) and Jared Jay (Boardman).

The team open today’s round-robin schedule at Mercy Field against the Allen Baseball Club of Texas at 11:30 a.m., then will take on the Ohio Gators at 4:30 p.m.

On Friday at the University of Toledo-Scott Park Campus, they will meet the Sayo Grays at noon.