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Ritchie’s late run sends Knightline to World Series
By Greg Gulas
STRUTHERS
For the past eight years, manager Tom Otto has taken a team to the PONY regional in Butler with the hopes of advancing to East Zone play and a spot in the World Series.
On three occasions they qualified for Zone play, falling just short of a coveted trip to the World Series.
The goal has never changed, however, and this year they qualified for East Zone play as runners-up of the Butler regional.
After defeating Worthington-Kittanning 3-2 Sunday at Bob Cene Park, that dream became reality and Otto’s Knightline Embroidery squad now becomes one of eight teams that will fight for the World Series crown this week.
Bryce Ritchie’s single scored Jake Kaschak with the go-ahead run in the sixth inning, Tim Herberger’s sacrifice fly scoring Ritchie with what proved to be the winning run as Knightline (4-0) swept through the field for their first Zone crown.
“I just wanted to put the ball in play and force their defense to make a play,” Ritchie said. “I was then able to score on Tim’s sacrifice fly and we were able to hold on for the win. It’s a wonderful feeling to be heading to the World Series, a feeling that is tough to describe.”
Like Ritchie, Herberger was just looking to make contact.
“My goal was just to hit the ball hard,” Herberger said. “I was looking for a fastball, he (Worthington-Kittanning pitcher Jacob Parisi) threw a fastball and I was able to turn on it and connect with the barrel of my bat.”
Worthington-Kittanning raced to the early run advantage in the second inning when Josh Hepler’s single scored Eli Hickman with the game’s initial tally.
Youngstown increased their to 3-1 lead in the sixth inning on Richey’s single and Herberger’s sacrifice fly, holding onto a slim one-run lead after Taylor Fries’ sacrifice fly scored Hickman with their second run of the contest in the bottom of the inning.
Knightline failed to score in their half of the seventh inning and Andy Sodergren, on for starter Tyler Srbinovich the final two frames, survived a lead-off runner for Worthington-Kittanning in their final at-bat for the save.
“I went in just wanting to throw strikes and not trying to strike everyone out. I have an excellent defense and I just wanted them to work behind me,” Sodergren said. “It was pretty exciting to get the final out, knowing now that we are headed to the World Series. Now, we want to represent Youngstown in a first-class manner in California.”
Srbinovich scattered six hits and struck out five during his mound stint.
“My off-speed was working really well and I was able to spot my fast ball,” Srbinovich said. “The big thing was that my team was counting on me and I didn’t want to disappoint them.”
Otto, who is assisted by Jerry Hunter, Mike Veres, Chris Constantino and Tom Detesco, called it an unbelievable feeling to be able to represent Youngstown and the East Zone at the World Series.
“Our goal has always been to play into August. Playing the final game of the season is as exciting as it gets,” Otto said. “This team came together at the right time, never quit and fought right to the end.”
J.T. Wolke had two hits while Mark Herron added a triple to pace Youngstown.
Hepler had two hits and Donovan Wichowski a double for Worthington-Kittanning.
Youngstown will now face the Caribbean Zone champion at noon Thursday with everyone in the eight-team field set for action on opening day.