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Powerhouse Newark Catholic stands between Western Reserve and a state title
COLUMBUS
Earlier in the week, Western Reserver coach Ed Anthony referred to Division IV baseball powerhouse Newark Catholic as “our Marion Local.”
Now he’ll try to do what Blue Devils football coach Andy Hake has been building his program to do: topple the dynasty.
“They’re a tough program that’s been here many times before,” Anthony said about his team’s opponent in today’s state title game.
“They’re well-coached every year, but I believe we are on a [level] playing field with them.”
The Blue Devils (23-5) played like they were equals in last year’s state semifinal. They were tied through 51/2 innings, before the Green Wave (21-11) broke the through for an eventual 6-2 win.
That was Newark Catholic’s 14th trip to the state tournament. Western Reserve’s players were rookies.
“I know that [Thursday’s] win taking us to Newark Catholic is going to help us a lot,” sophomore pitcher Wyatt Larimer said.
“After seeing them last year, I know we can come out on top. There’s no telling us that we can’t.”
Larimer is a major reason the Blue Devils will get another chance at the Green Wave today at Huntington Park in Columbus. He was sensational in a semifinal win over Hicksville on Thursday, striking out 10 over five innings.
Anthony took Larimer out after 88 pitches so he could be available to pitch in relief today. Western Reserve will start the game with senior John Clegg, who many players call the heart and soul of the team. He threw 10 pitches against Hicksville to close out the game Thursday.
“It’s advantageous to have a senior, plus he’s pitched in some big games,” Anthony said. “We’re gonna put the ball in John’s hands.”
Junior Lance Dezee also will be available to pitch. Clegg is 5-3 with a 4. 23 ERA entering the state tournament. He also has 48 strikeouts in 421/3 innings.
Clegg has played in plenty of big environments for the Blue Devils football team, too. He was the quarterback of last year’s team that lost in a regional final and on the team two years ago that was eliminated in a state semifinal.
“We’ve dropped so many close games in football,” Clegg said. “It just feels great to finally be able to play for a state title.”
Newark Catholic is expected to start Rob Engle, Ohio Prep Baseball Report’s preseason player of the year in Division IV. The senior right-hander is committed to Muskingum next season.
The first pitch is set for 1 p.m.