Huge inning sends Canfield to state finals

By CHARLES GROVE

cgrove@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

Canfield’s 10-11 Little League team sits in the same spot it did a year ago.

After a 7-3 win over Maumee at Fields of Dreams, Canfield advanced to the state championship game today against Dover at noon. Canfield needs two wins for a title, a feat it accomplished last year.

“These boys should be playing with a lot of confidence,” Canfield head coach George Beck said. “But we know we have to get game one or there’s no game two for us.”

Connor Miller pitched 52/3 innings for Canfield, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out six.

Canfield opened up the scoring in the first inning when A.J. Havrilla brought home Ben Slanker on a sacrifice fly. Maumee took that lead back before Canfield battled back to take a 3-2 lead before a big fifth inning.

Jameson Beck doubled to lead off the inning and was brought home by Logan Cayavec, who came off the bench to lace a double of his own as Canfield took a 4-2 lead.

But the big bomb was Havrilla’s three-run home run later in the inning that gave Canfield a cushy 7-2 lead. That was enough to propel the hometown squad to a state championship appearance.

George Beck was quick to praise the work his bench players do, specifically their hitting prowess.

“They’re all there for a reason,” George Beck said. “They understand their roles and they really help us with their powerful bats. They’re prepared for every game and that’s excellent for this team.”

Canfield was able to overcome five baserunning errors during Friday’s win over Mount Vernon, but George Beck described today as “much better.”

Canfield has scored 30 runs in its last three games but Dover’s pitching staff hasn’t allowed more than three runs all tournament. Something is set to give today when the state championship is decided.

“These kids know what they’re playing for at this point,” George Beck said. “Maybe last year will give them confidence for the championship.”