Poland's Burkert shuts out Watterson

COLUMBUS — Jared Burkert worked fast, threw strikes and pitched the Poland baseball team into the first state title game in the program's history.

The junior was flawless in a complete-game win over Columbus Bishop Watterson in a Division II state semifinal this morning at Huntington Park. Burkert (8-0) allowed two hits, struck out eight and walked none, needing just 84 pitches in a 2-0 win over the Eagles.

“He’s been pitching great for us all year,” Bulldogs senior Dom Lipari said. “This is something this team has been working for all season. It’s a great feeling.”

Burkert gave up a single to the second batter of the game and a single with one out in the seventh. He was unhittable the rest of the way.

“I was comfortable out there all game,” Burkert said. “My coaches called a great game and I knew my teammates would score enough runs.”

Poland (28-2) will play the winner of the other semifinal between Sunbury Big Walnut and Defiance. 

Bishop Watterson (24-9) pitcher Sam Rice was nearly as impressive aside from a lengthy third inning. He got into trouble after hitting Anthony Calcagni and walking Lipari with two outs. Ricky Svetlak reached base on an infield single to load the bases for Burkert.

After falling behind in the count 3-1, Rice hit Burkert to force in the game’s first run. Rice got out of the inning with a bases-loaded strikeout.

“This team will do anything to scratch and claw our way to a run,” Burkert said. “We’re such a tight group and such good friends. We believe in each other no matter what.”

After a lengthy half inning at the plate, Burkert hit Jack Haley to start the bottom of the third. Haley advanced to second on a throwing error on a pickoff attempt at first. Two batters later Haley reached third on a wild pitch. But Burkert got Avery Janning to strike out looking to end the inning.

“It’s disappointing because someone had to lose and these are two good teams,” Eagles coach Scott Manahan said. “But I have no issue losing to a pitcher like [Burkert].

“He threw a special game out there today.”

Burkert sent down the next 10 batters in order until the base hit in the seventh. Lipari had an RBI single in the top of the seventh to give his pitcher an insurance run. Burkert didn’t need it.

“He’s been doing it all year for us in big spots,” Bulldogs coach Rich Murray said. “He’s a kid that’s so comfortable out there and is in total command.”

The Division II title game is at 4 p.m. Saturday.