Division II Semifinal: Akron Hoban defeats Holy Name 3 to 2

Holy Name kept fighting until the end, but they just did not have enough.

Senior left-handed pitcher Matt Gebacz (Niagara recruit) went the distance for Hoban allowing four hits and one walk while striking out seven batters and holding the Holy Name offense to one earned run.

At the plate, Hoban received six hits from the first five batters in their order, including two hits and an RBI from Tom Yakubowski,

Down two runs in the top of the seventh, Holy Name?s Alex Kurowski powered a solo shot out of Huntington Park, but it was all they could muster before the final out.

 

DII Semifinal: Columbus DeSales defeats Jonathan Alder 4 to 2

The Jonathan Alder Pioneers returned to Huntington Park just a year after knocking off regular season favorite Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit.

This time around, the Stallions from Columbus DeSales looked to play the spoiler.

Without a senior on their roster, DeSales relied on a familiar face from their 2009 state championship run

Junior catcher Jack Miller lead the Stallions offense with a 3 for 3 performance at the plate, including 2 RBIs and a stolen base. Also, junior infielder Nick Eltzroth added two key hits of his own.

On the mound, junior right-handed pitcher TJ Alas located his pitches and varied his speeds to keep the Pioneers off balance.

Senior Graham Johnston (uncommitted), who dominated during the regular season, sat in the mid 80?s with his fastball. Despite striking out 6 DeSales batters, he allowed 9 hits and 3 earned runs in six and a third innings of work.

 

DIII Semifinal: Maderia defeats Wheelersburg 9 to 6

It took 8 innings, but Maderia (23-1) eventually downed Wheelersburg (26-3) to advance to the DIII State Championship.

Senior catcher Cody Kuzniczci, who happens to be the son of the head coach of Maderia, lead the Mustangs with a 3-for-4 performance that included 3 RBI.

Of all his at bats, the most timely came in the 8^th inning when he knocked in the go ahead run with a hit over the left fielders head.

Sophomore Zach Benintendi contributed at the plate and on the mound. On the day, Benintendi was 3 for 3 with a walk, two singles, and a triple. In addition, the left-hander picked up the win in relief.

 

DIII Semifinal: Canton Central Catholic defeats Defiance Tinora 7 to 3

With several scoring opportunities missed, Canton Central Catholic (25-8) eventually capitalized for five runs in the fourth inning to propel them over Defiance Tinora.

Their offensive outburst included a two-run single by Anthony Paoone, an RBI double off the left field wall by Brad Frohman, and an RBI triple by Patrick Stump.

Joe Tann earned his 10^th win of the year going all seven innings and striking out eight batters while allowing 10 hits and 3 walks.