SPORTS DIGEST || Campbell’s bat sparks EGCC to victory

NILES

The Eastern Gateway Gators defeated Community College of Allegheny-South 13-3 in their home opener Wednesday at Eastwood Field.

The Gators (8-3) scored eight times in the seventh inning, pounding out 13 hits as Zack Johnson went 5 for 5 with two RBIs and two runs scored to lead EGCC.

Kyle Campbell had three hits, scored twice and added two RBIs while Dylan Kurcon had a triple and three RBIs and Damien Coleman a double and RBIs.

Mark Herron added two hits and two runs batted in as the Gators won for the second consecutive time and the eighth time in their last nine outings.

Six pitchers combined to limit the Tigers to four hits. Campbell picked up the win by working the final two innings.

Allegheny-South’s only lead of the game came in the third inning when Dylan Winseck’s single plated their first two runs for the early 2-1 advantage.

The Gators will play a twin bill at Edison Community College on Friday.

Phantoms to host canned food drive

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Phantoms will host Hockey for Our Homeless at the game on Saturday at 3:05 p.m. against Team USA’s 17U squad.

Fans are encouraged to bring in cans of food to the game to donate to the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley. Fans who donate five or more cans of food will receive a special $9 ticket.

During the game, children 12 and younger can participate in an on ice Easter Egg Dash.

In the USHL’s Eastern Conference standings, Team USA is in first place and the Phantoms second.

YSU softball splits series with Dayton

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown State softball team split a doubleheader against Dayton on Wednesday at the YSU Softball Complex.

The Penguins (10-15) lost the first game 5-3 but rebounded to win the second 5-0.

With the first game tied at 1 in the top of the fifth, Dayton scored three runs to take a 4-1 lead.

YSU’s Maddie Lusk went 2-for-3 and drove in all three of YSU’s runs. Lusk also pitced two innings and allowed one unearned run.

The Penguins scored all five runs in the first three innings in Game 2.

YSU pitcher Paige Geanangel threw a complete game shutout. She improved to 5-7 on the year after allowing six hits and a walk.

South Range graduate Stevie Taylor went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored for YSU.

Lakers' Thomas to have season-ending surgery

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Isaiah Thomas will have arthroscopic surgery on his right hip, ending his season.

The Lakers announced the decision Wednesday before their game against Dallas.

Thomas averaged 15.6 points and 5.0 assists in 17 games with the Lakers, who acquired him from Cleveland in February. His hip problems also limited him to just 15 appearances with the Cavaliers.

Thomas will have surgery today. The procedure typically requires months of rehabilitation.

Thomas will be a free agent this summer. He has expressed interest in staying with Los Angeles, but the Lakers will first attempt to sign two elite free agents to maximum contracts.

Watts-Jackson plans to leave Michigan State

EAST LANSING, Mich.

Jalen Watts-Jackson, who etched his name into Michigan State lore by scoring the winning touchdown against Michigan in 2015 on a botched punt, says he has requested his release from the Spartans.

In a message posted on Twitter on Wednesday, Watts-Jackson said he will be graduating this year and wants to “pursue a new program” for his last year. He has a season of eligibility remaining.

Watts-Jackson has appeared in 22 games in three seasons.

Staff/wire report