Dylan Hefflinger
PBR Senior Writer and Northwest scout

HAMLER - The first match-up between Ottawa-Glandorf and Liberty-Benton was a classic as seen here, but the Titans wanted no part of another 10-inning game, and instead cruised to an 8-1 victory over the Eagles.

Bluffton University recruit Jaylen VonSossan (pictured) was in control throughout the game. The 6-4 righty went the distance allowing just one run (coming in the 6th) on five hits and no walks. VonSossan used a 77-80 mph fastball, upper 60s knuckle and upper 60s slurve to keep the Eagles off-balance while striking out four.

The Titans' offense was slowed by talented sophomore Alex Harter through the first three innings, but got to the righty in the fourth. With one out in the top of the fourth O-G catcher Cody Bockrath ripped a single up the middle. Left fielder Drew Shierloh singled to left and the ball was misplayed by Josh Ostrander allowing both runners to move up. Designated hitter Ben Dietering followed by plating both Bockrath and Shierloh on a two-run single to put the Titans up 2-0.

O-G added two more runs in the fifth. Lead-off hitter Cory Imm reached on an error by the Eagles' right fielder. After a pop up on a sacrifice bunt, three-hole hitter Tyler Zender ripped a single to put two on for cleanup hitter Jake Hashbarger, who then scored both runners on a two-run single to put O-G up 4-0.

The Titans kept the foot on the pedal in the sixth adding four insurance runs (all coming with two outs), all but putting L-B's chances of a comeback to rest. With two outs, VonSossan hit a single, his second hit of the contest. Imm followed with a single and talented sophomore shortstop Brad Croy plated pinch runner Casey Morman with an RBI single. Tyler Zender lined his third single of the game to bring home Imm. Hashbarger collected his fourth RBI with a two-run double to score Croy and Zender to put the Titans on top 8-0.

The Titans (15-4) move on to face Lima Central Catholic, which defeated top-seeded Coldwater 5-1. The Titans and T-Birds will clash on May 23rd at the University of Northwest Ohio at 4:30.

Liberty-Benton bows out of the tournament but finished with an impressive 21-4 record, with two of the defeats coming to O-G, and should be proud with how they competed all season.

To view scouting notes from this game, please visit the Ohio High School Scouting Blog. The blog gets updated throughout the week.