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Trumbull sweep: McDivitt, Dawson lead all-stars to two wins
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Trumbull All-Star Hannah Petrosky of Lakeview slides into second base as Mahoning’s McKenzie Stimpert of Ursuline goes for the ball during the Mahoning & Trumbull Fast-pitch Senior All-Star Game on Wednesday at the Youngstown State softball complex. Trumbull swept the doubleheader.
McDivitt, Dawson lead all-star squad to 2 wins
By Tom Williams
YOUNGSTOWN
During the first six innings of Wednesday’s 11th annual Mahoning & Trumbull Fast-pitch Senior All-Star Game, hits and run came pretty much at a premium.
But from the seventh inning through the end of the first Bill Sferra Fast-pitch Classic doubleheader, bats were on fire, especially those for the Trumbull squad.
“Maybe we were all a little nervous to get out there,” said Lakeview outfielder Caitlin McDivitt, who was the hero of Trumbull’s 5-3 victory in Game 1 at Youngstown State University’s softball complex.
Those nerves had departed by the start of the second game as Trumbull pounded out a 20-7 victory for a sweep.
“It was fun,” South Range’s Stevie Taylor said. “I got to play with some of the best players in the area and that’s an honor. Everyone was here for a reason. It was nice to be able to show off our skills to everyone.”
The first game was tied at 1 in the fifth inning when Lakeview’s Hannah Petrosky drew a lead-off walk off Cardinal Mooney’s Tiffany Komara. With one out, Lordstown’s Allyson Hajnosz singled.
After a groundout, McDivitt delivered the clutch hit of the game, singling for a 3-1 lead.
“All I remember is we needed more runs,” said McDivitt, recalling her mindset at the plate.
In the seventh inning, Howland’s Olga Grech hit a two-run triple to score LaBrae’s Amber Davidson and Brookfield’s Hayley Hogue for a 5-1 lead.
After being limited to one hit in the first six innings, Mahoning’s bats came to life. Fitch outfielder Cali Mikovich ignited the rally with a bunt single and stolen base. Springfield’s catcher Charley Troggio was awarded first base when the ball she hit struck Mikovich running to third base.
With two outs, Taylor connected for her second double. Boardman’s Melissa Maiorano and Fitch’s Gabby Butcher followed with RBI singles to slice the lead to 5-3 and put the tying run on base. The game ended with a groundout. LaBrae’s Paige Losey earned the save as starter Brooke Dawson (Maplewood) earned the win.
“It’s weird, a different experience,” Dawson said of the all-star format. “I got to play against [these teammates] in high school and travel ball, so it was really nice to get together and play on the same team. I’m friends with most of them.”
Taylor also contributed an RBI double in the first inning. Even more special for the shortstop, she finished the first game on the mound.
“They both have their perks,” said Taylor, unable to decide whether her doubles or the getting to pitch was more satisfying. “Definitely, getting on the mound one last time was nice because I didn’t get to do that much this season.
“It felt good but it wasn’t very good,” Taylor said with a laugh. “It wasn’t my best.”
Mahoning head coach Don Feren’s squad lacked experienced pitching. Ursuline’s McKenzie Stimpert started even though she did not pitch for the Irish this season.
“Tiffany was the only pitcher with any experience,” said Feren of Komara. “That shows you what everyone has in the area — young pitching.”
McDivitt and Dawson ignited the Trumbull offense by scoring three runs each in the five-inning second game. Hajnosz’s two hits included a two-run single. Grech and Liberty’s Leah Leshnack each scored twice.
Brookfield’s Lauren Hawley was the winning pitcher.
Taylor drove in three runs for Mahoning, while Ursuline’s Macey Gunther’s two hits included a two-run single. Jackson-Milton’s Beth Ritchie scored twice.
Despite the storms pounding the area, the games weren’t stopped for rain. However, the skies became very dark before the lights were turned on.
“I didn’t really notice,” Dawson said.
McDivitt did.
“It was pretty dark with the storm clouds rolling over,” McDivitt said,