Canfield 10-11 team one win from a state title

Staff report

ASHTABULA

The Canfield 10-11 year-old baseball team moved one win closer to a state championship on Thursday.

Fueled by a 4-for-4 performance at the plate by Drew Carrocce and three pitchers combining to throw a four-hitter, Canfield defeated Hamilton 9-2 in Ashtabula to advance to the state title game on Saturday at 10 a.m.

Canfield moved to 3-0 in the tournament and will face the winner of Hamilton and Dover out of the loser’s bracket, requiring either team to beat them twice on Saturday to derail their state championship run.

“We maneuvered our way to the title game by using every pitcher available to us, so we’re right where we want to be,” Canfield manager Kevin Burdette said.

On Thursday, Burdette had Ryan Petro start the game and throw two innings, allowing one earned run and striking out three. He was relieved by Nate Shaw, who struck out four over 22/3 innings.

Jake Grdic came in to close things out and didn’t allow a hit.

The turning point in the game, according to Burdette, was in the top of the third with Canfield leading 3-2. Ryan Bennett laid down a bunt with runners on first and second and a throwing error on the pitcher allowed both runs to come around to score to increase the lead to 5-2.

Canfield out-hit Hamilton 13-4. Carrocce’s four-hit night included a two-run home run in the sixth inning. Gianni Gaetano went 3-for-4 with a double and two singles, while Josh Juliano was 2-for-2 at the plate.

Nate Shaw and Bennett added RBIs. Nick Hewko had a single.

9-10 BASEBALL

HAMILTON

Canfield’s semifinal game against Olentangy Liberty was rained out. The teams will play today at 6:30 p.m.