Poland 13U team completes perfect season, comes close to state title

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Neighbors | Submitted.The Poland 13U Little League Intermediate Team completed a perfect season and just missed the state title this year. Team members include (front) Mason Planey, Ian Francis, Carmen Lefoer, Anthony Perry, Vinny Cercel, bat boy Aiden Perry; (middle) Anthony Koulianos, Brody Todd, Elliot Lu, Sam James, Nate Williams, Tom Landry, Jacob Caudle; (back) Coach Scott Todd, Josh Christie, Manager John Pelles, Coach Ryan Williams and Coach Anthony Perry.

The Poland 13U team completed the season with a perfect 12-0 record this year.

The team advanced to the District 2 finals, beating Boardman with a score of 9-4 in the first game at Boardman’s Field of Dreams on June 26. Carmen Lefoer and Elliott Lu hit home runs and drove in three runs each. Nate Williams was the winning pitcher, going the distance. He tossed a four-hitter and struck out 11.

In the final game, Poland came from behind to defeat Boardman with a score of 7-6, scoring four runs in the bottom of the seventh to secure the District title. Carmen Lefoer continued his strong hitting at the plate with three hits. Brody Todd added two hits and Elliott Lu added a walk-off double to end the game. Dominic Parker took the win in relief of Brody Todd and Carmen Lefoer.

In the first State game in Cuyahoga Falls on July 9, Poland 13U defeated Ellet 27-7 in their opening game. Ian Francis led the Bulldogs with two hits, scoring four runs while knocking in four runs, including a homerun. Anthony Perry and Brody Todd added three hits each. Brody Todd took the win with relief help from Tom Landry and Vinny Cercel.

In the quarterfinals, Poland came from nine runs down in the fifth inning to stay undefeated, toppling Mason 17-11. Tom Landry led Poland with four hits and three runs. Anthony Perry had three hits, three runs and five RBI’s. Brody Todd added three hits. Carmen Lefoer was the winning pitcher in relief of Mason Planey, who had five strike outs. Nate Williams struck out the final batter for the save.

In the Semi-finals, Poland lost to the eventual champions from North Canton with a score of 16-5. It was a close game at 5-3 in the fourth inning when the Vikings broke the game open. Tom Landry led Poland with a triple. Nate Williams took the loss.

In the losers bracket finals, Mason came back to beat Poland this time, ending their season. Carmen Lefoer, Mason Planey and Dominic Parker paced Poland with two hits each. Anthony Perry took the loss. Poland ended its season at 16-2.