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Ohio Thunder cruises at Cene
By Greg Gulas
STRUTHERS
While most squads in the Bob Cene Memorial Tournament’ 22-team field dodged raindrops, one local entry, Roth Brothers, found it most difficult to dodge the pitching of Ohio Thunder twirler Devin Ryan during opening round action.
Ryan needed just 36 pitches in order to dispose of Roth Brothers, 10-0 in a four-inning shortened affair Thursday at Cene Park.
Other local entries in the pool play tournament included Astro Falcons, Ohio Avalanche, Baird Brothers, Creekside Fitness, Dura-Edge and Knightline Embroidery.
In addition to the masterful pitching of Ryan, both squads were forced to battle through a continuous mist that fell throughout most of the tourney’s initial contest.
For Ryan, staying focused was the key.
“When I pitch, it doesn’t matter what type of weather because I just try to maintain my focus,” he said.
“We’re a little tired right now, but that’s not an excuse. Ohio Thunder was able to use the weather to their advantage and we just couldn’t capitalize on our scoring opportunities in the early innings,” said Roth Brothers manager Mike Cefalde.
Ohio Thunder took the early advantage when Spencer Mason roped a double with one away in the second inning, then raced home when Caleb Homan followed with a bad-hop, RBI single to third base.
They increased their lead to 2-0 the following inning when Aaron Zawadzki’s single plated Alex Scarrow.
The Thunder then broke the game open in the fourth frame, sending 12 batters to the plate as they scored eight runs on four hits, including a double by a Homan and RBI single by Scarrow.
Homan ended up with two hits and two RBIs.
Knightline Embroidery 8, Ohio Thunder 0, 5 innings
Zack Campbell had two hits, an RBI and scored a run, Mike Boswell added two hits with an RBI and Brandon Sheidelmantle had a double and an RBI to pace Knightline. Mike Massucci twirled a four-hit shutout, striking out three to pick up the win.
Astro Falcons 11, Lakes Area Dodgers 0 4 innings
Matt Gibson struck out six to earn the victory, also adding a three-run double offensively. Tyler Canova added three hits, two RBIs and scored twice while Jared Kapturasky had two hits, an r.b.i. and also scored a run for Astros.
DuraEdge 11, Knightline Embroidery 3
Andy Sodergren tossed a six-hitter, allowing just two earned runs and two walks to pick up the win for DuraEdge. Kyle Shingledecker had two hits and an RBI offensively.
Roth Brothers 10, Diamond Boys White 2
Roth Brothers evened their record on the day behind Kaden Davis and Ryan Housteau, who combined for a four-hitter. Aaron Woodberry, Mike Grazier, Tim Sumner, Mike Jones and Johnny Medvec each had two hits for Roth Brothers.