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Boardman turns tables on Poland
By DAN HINER
BOARDMAN
The Boardman 10-U baseball team remembered its 9-8 loss to Poland on Tuesday and wanted to return the favor.
Boardman scored seven runs in the bottom of the second inning in its 11-0 win over Poland in Thursday’s District 2 championship at Fields of Dreams. The game was called in middle of the fourth due to the mercy rule.
“We played Poland on Tuesday evening and they gave us a great game,” Boardman head coach Mike Smith said. “It was one of those back-and-forth games and we came out on the short end of the stick.
“Tonight, to be able to jump out on top 2-0 early gave us a big confidence boost to carry forward throughout the game.”
Ryan Smith got Boardman on the board in the first with an RBI triple which scored Gabe Hammerton. Smith scored on the play after the throw from the outfield rolled into the infield.
Boardman scored seven runs on five hits and three walks in the second. Boardman sent 12 batters to the plate in the inning including Vincent Butto, who hit a two-run triple.
“They were seeing the ball great,” Mike Smith said. “Being patient at the plate, not swinging at bad pitches and when they got something to hit, they all delivered.”
Anthony Groner, Ryan Smith and Butto drove in two runs each for Boardman — all three hit in the top four spots in the batting order.
Ryan Smith finished 2 for 3 with two runs scored.
“That was a great start for our team,” Mike Smith said. “They had to kickstart the whole team. If these guys can get on base and get in a groove, it funnels down to the rest of the team and everybody starts feeling it.”
Connor Boots also had an RBI single in the second for Boardman and finished 2 for 2 with two runs scored.
Boardman pitcher Collin Resetar threw a four-hitter in a complete game. Resetar struck out four and walked one in four innings of work.
“I felt like I was doing good,” Resetar said. “I wasn’t nervous at all. I knew we could beat this team.”
Poland only threatened in the third, loading the bases with two outs. But Resetar got a groundout to third to end the inning.
Poland stranded six runners on base, five in scoring position.
Poland starter Owen McKenzie allowed six runs, five earned, on five hits and a walk in 11/3 innings. He struck out one.
A Poland win would have clinched the district, but the two teams will meet again today. The winner will take the district and advance to state.
“We feel that [the win] is a big confidence boost to help us beat this team,” Ryan Smith said.
When Boardman met in right field following the game, Mike Smith told his players to relax today prior to the game. He said his players are “upbeat” and confident heading into the deciding game.
“Poland’s a great team. We’re always excited to play Poland and they’re always great games,” he said. “Coming out and making a statement [Thursday night] will definitely carry over into [today’s] championship game.”