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<channel>
<title>Between The Lines</title>
<link>http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/</link>
<description>News-Sun prep football writer Brian Plasters will be offering web-exclusive information each Friday night of football season.</description>
<dc:language>en-us</dc:language>
<dc:creator>mcooper@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
<dc:date>2008-06-07T11:37:51-05:00</dc:date>
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<sy:updateBase>2000-01-01T12:00+00:00</sy:updateBase>

<item>
<title>Triad rally falls short, Cardinals lose 4-2 to Danville in state title game</title>

    

    


<link>http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/entries/2008/06/07/triad_rally_fall_short_loses_4.html</link>
<description>Triad didn&amp;#8217;t go quietly in the top of the seventh inning. The never-say-die Cardinals scored one run on a wild pitch, advanced another runner to third base and had the tying run at the plate, but was unable to complete...</description>
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Triad didn&amp;#8217;t go quietly in the top of the seventh inning.
The never-say-die Cardinals scored one run on a wild pitch, advanced another runner to third base and had the tying run at the plate, but was unable to complete the comeback.
Triad loses 4-2 to Danville in the Division IV state championship game at Akron Firestone Stadium.
The Cardinals&amp;#8217; eighth seniors, seven of them starters, end their celebrated careers as state runners-up three straight seasons.
Their final record for 2008 was 21-10.
Stay tuned to Springfield NewsSun.com for complete coverage of the game, including an extensive photo gallery and a video report on the championship game.

</content>
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<dc:subject>Softball</dc:subject>
<dc:date>2008-06-07T11:37:51-05:00</dc:date>
<dc:creator>mcooper@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
</item>
<item>
<title>Danville increases lead over Triad to 4-1 after six innings</title>

    

    


<link>http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/entries/2008/06/07/danville_increases_lead_over_t.html</link>
<description>If Triad is going to win a state title, it will take a big rally. Danville increased its lead with two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to take a commanding 4-1 lead. The Cardinals committed one error...</description>
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If Triad is going to win a state title, it will take a big rally.
Danville increased its lead with two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to take a commanding 4-1 lead. The Cardinals committed one error during Danville&amp;#8217;s two-run, sixth inning rally.
Triad is batting in the top of the seventh, needing three runs to keep the game going.

</content>
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<guid isPermaLink="false">4441803@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/</guid>
<dc:subject>Softball</dc:subject>
<dc:date>2008-06-07T11:31:13-05:00</dc:date>
<dc:creator>mcooper@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
</item>
<item>
<title>Danville still leads Triad 2-1 after five innings</title>

    

    


<link>http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/entries/2008/06/07/danville_still_leads_triad_21.html</link>
<description>Both teams got a baserunner as far as third base in the fifth inning, but were unable to score. Triad senior Erika Graves led of the top of the fifth with a single, and advanced as far as third before...</description>
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Both teams got a baserunner as far as third base in the fifth inning, but were unable to score.
Triad senior Erika Graves led of the top of the fifth with a single, and advanced as far as third before being stranded there.
Danville still leads 2-1 after five innings.
Triad has six more outs to score again.
What do you think Cardinals fans, can the girls do it?

</content>
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<dc:subject>Softball</dc:subject>
<dc:date>2008-06-07T11:14:11-05:00</dc:date>
<dc:creator>mcooper@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
</item>
<item>
<title>Danville leads Triad 2-1 after four innings</title>

    

    


<link>http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/entries/2008/06/07/danville_leads_triad_21_after.html</link>
<description>In a fast-moving game, Danville seized the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning as Danville pitcher and clean-up hitter Baihley Presley blaster a home run off Triad pitcher Morgan Ryan. In the top of the fourth inning, the...</description>
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In a fast-moving game, Danville seized the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning as Danville pitcher and clean-up hitter Baihley Presley blaster a home run off Triad pitcher Morgan Ryan.
In the top of the fourth inning, the Cardinals moved pich-runner Kari Hunt as far as third base. But Hunt was picked off third to end the threat.
Danville leads 2-1 after four innings.

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<dc:subject>Softball</dc:subject>
<dc:date>2008-06-07T11:04:15-05:00</dc:date>
<dc:creator>mcooper@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
</item>
<item>
<title>Triad, Danville tied 1-1 after three innings</title>

    

    


<link>http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/entries/2008/06/07/triad_danville_tied_11_after_t.html</link>
<description>Triad again went three up, three down in the top of the third inning. However, Danville rallied to tie the game 1-1 in the bottom of the third as No. 9 hitter Kelby Hammond reached base, advanced to second and...</description>
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Triad again went three up, three down in the top of the third inning.
However, Danville rallied to tie the game 1-1 in the bottom of the third as No. 9 hitter Kelby Hammond reached base, advanced to second and scored on a double by No. 2 hitter Kaleigh Connor.
Game tied 1-1 after three innings.
So what do you think, Cardinals fans? Can the girls quickly regain the lead?

</content>
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<guid isPermaLink="false">4441403@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/</guid>
<dc:subject>Softball</dc:subject>
<dc:date>2008-06-07T10:56:29-05:00</dc:date>
<dc:creator>mcooper@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
</item>
<item>
<title>Triad leads 1-0 after the second inning</title>

    

    


<link>http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/entries/2008/06/07/triad_leads_10_after_the_secon.html</link>
<description>The Triad girls went three up, three down in the top of the second inning. In the bottom of the second, Danville got its first baserunner. The runner advanced as far as second base, but was stranded when Triad pitcher...</description>
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The Triad girls went three up, three down in the top of the second inning.
In the bottom of the second, Danville got its first baserunner. The runner advanced as far as second base, but was stranded when Triad pitcher Morgan Ryan ended the inning with a strikeout.
Triad still up 1-0 after two innings.

</content>
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<dc:subject></dc:subject>
<dc:date>2008-06-07T10:37:38-05:00</dc:date>
<dc:creator>mcooper@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
</item>
<item>
<title>Triad leads 1-0 after one inning</title>

    

    


<link>http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/entries/2008/06/07/triads_state_title_quest_has_b.html</link>
<description>The Triad girls got exactly what they wanted in their first at-bat - the game&amp;#8217;s first run. Senior Amber Herron led off with a walk, then during a sacrifice bunt attempt, senior Kristen Cooney reached first base on an error,...</description>
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The Triad girls got exactly what they wanted in their first at-bat - the game&amp;#8217;s first run.
Senior Amber Herron led off with a walk, then during a sacrifice bunt attempt, senior Kristen Cooney reached first base on an error, moving Herron to third.
With Herron on third and Cooney on first, Cooney started off first for second base, drawing the throw and allowing Herron to steal home for the first run.
Danville went three up, three down in the bottom of the first inning against junior pitcher Morgan Ryan.
Triad leads 1-0 after one inning.

</content>
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<guid isPermaLink="false">4441003@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/</guid>
<dc:subject>Softball</dc:subject>
<dc:date>2008-06-07T10:00:31-05:00</dc:date>
<dc:creator>mcooper@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
</item>
<item>
<title>Sixteen years later ...</title>

    

    


<link>http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/entries/2008/06/06/sixteen_years_later.html</link>
<description>Hours before Triad goes for elusive second state softball championship, here&apos;s a look back to the Springfield News-Sun&apos;s game story in the June 7, 1992 edition, exactly 16 years ago today, when Triad won its first state title: TITLE GOES...</description>
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Hours before Triad goes for elusive second state softball championship, here&apos;s a look back to the Springfield News-Sun&apos;s game story in the June 7, 1992 edition, exactly 16 years ago today, when Triad won its first state title:


TITLE GOES TO TRIAD IN TOURNEY DEBUT

By Kim Byrum, Sports Writer 

           ASHLAND, Ohio - Displaying all the poise and calm determination that had carried she and her teammates this far, junior second baseman Tifani Case gobbled up two consecutive, seventh-inning ground balls and flipped on to first.
      Triad fans let loose with a boisterious roar.
     The Cardinals, having already dethroned defending champion Strasburg-Franklin on Friday, were within one out of clinching a first-ever Division III state softball championship in a Cinderella debut.
     So as not to disappoint the loyal red-and-black-clad throng that had followed them to Ashland for this fairy tale trip, senior pitcher Carie Herron reared back and closed the season in style Saturday, fanning final batter Jolene Hostettler to preserve a 3-2 victory over home-town-backed Hillsdale and nab the school&apos;s first state championship in any sport.
      ``I knew I was going to get the outs. I had confidence in myself, and I didn&apos;t want to let Carie down,&apos;&apos; said an elated Case, who added a base hit and scored a run in the Cardinals&apos; explosive, three-run fifth inning. ``That second one - I just stuck my glove out and prayed to God that I was right on it.&apos;&apos;
       The ``second one&apos;&apos; was a hard shot up the middle from Hillsdale leadoff hitter Holly Eggerton that Case ranged wide to stop. She backhanded, planted and fired letter-high to first baseman Christi Moore - a critical play backdropped by a chorus of bleacher applause.
       Her slick glovework quickly deflated Hillsdale fans, who filled roughly three quarters of the bleachers and had led pre-game cheers initiated by a private plane tugging the intimidating message `Go Hillsdale Falcon Girls.&apos;
       As they would soon learn, the louder the opposing crowd, the better Triad would play.
       ``We came in here with confidence and played with confidence right up to the end,&apos;&apos; explained Case, whose teammates knocked off a six-time, final-four team.
       Herron, a senior all-state hurler, fanned 10 batters and walked just two while allowing five hits and two earned runs. Hillsdale&apos;s Lori Bach equaled Herron&apos;s 10 strikeouts and allowed just four hits, but three of those came during Triad&apos;s big fifth inning, when Christy Knotts, leadoff Wendy Nance and Case each singled.
      Case dropped a tapper and Bach elected to go for the force at third, but Knotts would have been safe on the play, anyway, and Bach&apos;s throw sailed high into the left field fence, scoring two runs.
      The Cardinals, who finish, 22-1, pushed Case home two outs later when Hillsdale third baseman Nikki Heston couldn&apos;t handle a line shot from Triad&apos;s Krista Phelps.
       ``This is my first state championship in 50 years,&apos;&apos; beamed Triad Coach Bob Davidson, in just his sixth year at Triad. ``I&apos;ve had some runner-up teams in state and regionals before with men&apos;s teams, but I&apos;ve never had a state championship. This is my first in 50 years. It feels great.&apos;&apos;
         Hillsdale, 21-3, closed within 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth on a single from Jodi Garn, an RBI triple from Jaime Chenevey, and an RBI fielder&apos;s choice from Heston.
     The Falcons threatened with another single from Cathy Fast, but Stephanie McBride launched a deep, third out to right field that Dawn Maxum tracked down.
       ``I don&apos;t think it&apos;s hit me yet, but I&apos;m sure it will on the way home,&apos;&apos; said a stunned Angie Burton, a gutsy shortstop who bypassed necessary pre-season knee surgery and elected to play with a brace - and pain - her final year. ``This is just the best day of my life. I knew we were going to win this. Now, I have to rush home and graduate. All the way around, this is the best day of my life.&apos;&apos;
     Burton, a .400 hitter most all season long despite limited mobility, added a seventh-inning single to a memorable year in which determination overcame adversity.
     ``I&apos;m going for surgery on the 12th (of July),&apos;&apos; said Burton, who tore an anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee while cheerleading in the final boys basketball game. ``I knew today would be my last day to play for awhile.
       ``It was all worth it,&apos;&apos; she added of her season-long struggle. ``It was definitely worth it.&apos;&apos;
     That said, Burton took her place among three other seniors in hoisting a team trophy toward a sun-streaked sky.
     ``North Lewisburg has always been a hotbed for fast-pitch softball, with all of the old men&apos;s teams,&apos;&apos; Davidson explained. ``The fans are there, so it just seems natural the girls would take hold and do so well.
       ``We didn&apos;t feel (like an underdog),&apos;&apos; he added. ``We had no idea if they&apos;d been here or not. We just knew if we played the type of ball we are capable of playing and didn&apos;t lose our patience, we&apos;d be OK.&apos;&apos;
       Not to mention state champions.
       A parade honoring the team will be held today at 5 p.m., beginning at Erie Street and proceeding through town to the ballpark where a short ceremony will be held.
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<dc:subject></dc:subject>
<dc:date>2008-06-06T23:34:49-05:00</dc:date>
<dc:creator>djablonski@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
</item>
<item>
<title>In-game reports on Triad softball state title game</title>

    

    


<link>http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/entries/2008/06/06/ingame_reports_on_triad_softba.html</link>
<description>Beginning at noon on Saturday, come here to get in-game updates ot Triad&amp;#8217;s Division IV state softball championship game with Danville. If you can&amp;#8217;t be at the game, here&amp;#8217;s the next-best way to keep up-to-date on the Cardinals&amp;#8217; quest for...</description>
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Beginning at noon on Saturday, come here to get in-game updates ot Triad&amp;#8217;s Division IV state softball championship game with Danville. If you can&amp;#8217;t be at the game, here&amp;#8217;s the next-best way to keep up-to-date on the Cardinals&amp;#8217; quest for that elusive state title.

</content>
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<guid isPermaLink="false">4423403@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/</guid>
<dc:subject>Softball</dc:subject>
<dc:date>2008-06-06T14:50:57-05:00</dc:date>
<dc:creator>mcooper@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
</item>
<item>
<title>WLS 1, Wellington 1</title>

    

    


<link>http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/entries/2008/06/05/wls_playing_wellington.html</link>
<description>6:12: Wellington scored again in the eighth. It&amp;#8217;s over, Wellington 2, WLS 1. 6:06 p.m.: Abbey Ledford walked, but got thrown out trying to steal second base. 1-1 heading into the bottom of the eighth. 6:03 p.m.: Wellington pitcher Melanie...</description>
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6:12: Wellington scored again in the eighth. It&amp;#8217;s over, Wellington 2, WLS 1.

6:06 p.m.: Abbey Ledford walked, but got thrown out trying to steal second base. 1-1 heading into the bottom of the eighth.

6:03 p.m.: Wellington pitcher Melanie Conklin hit a two-out triple that scored Brooke Lewis, and Wellington tied the game, 1-1, in the bottom of the seventh inning.

5:55 p.m.: Haleigh Hickenbottom hit a seventh-inning home run to give WLS a 1-0 lead against Wellington. The Tigers are three outs away from playing for the D-III state title on Saturday.

5:45 p.m.: It&amp;#8217;s still 0-0 at 5. WLS center fielder Devon Woodruff just shot down a Wellington runner trying to score from third base on a sacrifice fly. WLS has two hits: Ledford&amp;#8217;s triple and a single by Kaitlyn Kite. Wellington has four hits.

5:15 p.m.: The game is 0-0, and both pitchers are recording copious strikeouts. WLS shortstop Abbey Ledford hit a triple in the third, but was stranded there.

The Division III softball state semifinals are getting to ready to start at Firestone Stadium. West Liberty-Salem is playing Wellington. The game was scheduled to start at 3 p.m., but it will be more like 4:30.

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<dc:subject>Softball</dc:subject>
<dc:date>2008-06-05T16:11:47-05:00</dc:date>
<dc:creator>mcooper@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
</item>
<item>
<title>Triad wins 5-1</title>

    

    


<link>http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/entries/2008/06/05/triad_wins_51.html</link>
<description>Triad catcher Chelsie Brooks hit a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 10th inning as the Cardinals beat Warren John F. Kennedy 5-1 on Thursday, June 5 in the state semifinals. The Cardinals will play Danville for the...</description>
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Triad catcher Chelsie Brooks hit a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 10th inning as the Cardinals beat Warren John F. Kennedy 5-1 on Thursday, June 5 in the state semifinals.
The Cardinals will play Danville for the Division IV title on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Firestone Park in Akron.

</content>
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<dc:subject>Softball</dc:subject>
<dc:date>2008-06-05T15:29:40-05:00</dc:date>
<dc:creator>mcooper@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
</item>
<item>
<title>KR falls 2-1 in D-II state semifinal</title>

    

    


<link>http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/entries/2008/06/05/kr_falls_21_in_dii_state_semif.html</link>
<description>COLUMBUS - Matthew Pollock&amp;#8217;s wind-aided single in the bottom of the ninth inning scored Matt Keller from third as Walsh Jesuit beat Kenton Ridge 2-1 in a Division II state semifinal game at Cooper Stadium in Columbus, Ohio today, Thursday,...</description>
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COLUMBUS - Matthew Pollock&amp;#8217;s wind-aided single in the bottom of the ninth inning scored Matt Keller from third as Walsh Jesuit beat Kenton Ridge 2-1 in a Division II state semifinal game at Cooper Stadium in Columbus, Ohio today, Thursday, June 5.

The Cougars finished the season 21-7.

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<dc:subject></dc:subject>
<dc:date>2008-06-05T13:00:11-05:00</dc:date>
<dc:creator>mcooper@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>Triad, JFK tied 1-1</title>

    

    


<link>http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/entries/2008/06/05/if_triad_wins.html</link>
<description>News-Sun reporter Brian Plasters will be giving live updates from the state softball tournament on Thursday, June 5. Here&amp;#8217;s what&amp;#8217;s happened so far: 3:00: Still tied 1-1 after eight innings. JFK&amp;#8217;s batting. 2:40: This one&amp;#8217;s going to extra innings, tied...</description>
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News-Sun reporter Brian Plasters will be giving live updates from the state softball tournament on Thursday, June 5. Here&amp;#8217;s what&amp;#8217;s happened so far:

3:00: Still tied 1-1 after eight innings. JFK&amp;#8217;s batting.

2:40: This one&amp;#8217;s going to extra innings, tied 1-1. JFK first baseman Rachel Ratcliffe, the third batter in the Eagles&amp;#8217; lineup, was knocked out of the game after a collision with the catcher on a foul pop.

2:25: Warren John F. Kennedy tied the game in the top of the sixth inning with one run.  Morgan Piacquadio led off the inning with a single, and later scored on a throwing error. The Eagles went down in order in the seventh, and the Cardinals are coming to bat.

2:00: Triad leads 1-0 after Amy Ropp drove in Kristen Cooney in the bottom of the fourth inning. Cooney started the inning with a single, then went to third on a sacrifice bunt from Chelsie Brooks. Ropp hit a pitch from Rachel Pico into center field. Triad is nine outs away from going to the state final for the third straight time.

1:20: It&amp;#8217;s 0-0 after two innings. Triad first baseman Amy Ropp has the game&amp;#8217;s only hit.

12:40: Triad&amp;#8217;s Division IV semifinal has started. The Cardinals, the two-time state runner-ups, are the home team. Their lineup is the same as it&amp;#8217;s been most of the year: Herron at short, Cooney in center, Brooks catching, Ropp at first, Hay at third, Graves in right, Coleman at first, Perry in left and Ryan pitching.

12:10: Danville just beat Convoy Crestview 3-2 in the first Division IV semifinal. The Blue Devils (21-6) scored a run in the seventh, then held Crestview (26-2) scoreless in the seventh after the Knights put runners on second and third with no outs.
Triad is taking the field now. The Cardinals play Warren John F. Kennedy. The first pitch is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

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<dc:subject>Softball</dc:subject>
<dc:date>2008-06-05T11:56:37-05:00</dc:date>
<dc:creator>mcooper@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
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<item>
<title>KR falls 2-1 in nine innings</title>

    

    


<link>http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/between_the_lines/entries/2008/06/05/krwalsh_jesuit_running_diary.html</link>
<description>10:00 a.m. &amp;#8212; The pre-game introductions are taking place right now. It&amp;#8217;s 79 degrees at gametime in Columbus, but it feels a lot hotter on the field. It&amp;#8217;s expected to be 95 degrees later today. &amp;#8220;I&amp;#8217;m so glad we&amp;#8217;re not...</description>
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10:00 a.m. &amp;#8212; The pre-game introductions are taking place right now. It&amp;#8217;s 79 degrees at gametime in Columbus, but it feels a lot hotter on the field. It&amp;#8217;s expected to be 95 degrees later today.

&amp;#8220;I&amp;#8217;m so glad we&amp;#8217;re not playing at 2 p.m.,&amp;#8221; said senior catcher Tyler Rinker.

A few other random facts: 


Walsh Jesuit hasn&amp;#8217;t given up a run since the sectional tournament. They&amp;#8217;ve outscored opponents 27-0 in regional wins over Medina Highland and Sandusky Perkins.
Each team scored 17 runs in their regional final wins.


10:02 &amp;#8212; KR&amp;#8217;s Zach Jones grounded out to the second baseman in the game&amp;#8217;s first at-bat. Ethan Sharpin flyed out to the right fielder for the second out. 

Juan Martinez works a two-out walk. Tyler Rinker strikes out a on curveball from Warriors&amp;#8217; pitcher Tyler Skulina to end the inning. KR 0, Walsh 0 after a half-inning.

10:12: KR fans are outnumbering the Walsh Jesuit fans 2-1. One fan has a sign in the stands that says: &amp;#8216;I Juan a State Title&amp;#8217;. Creative folks, those KR Cougars.

10:17: Walsh Jesuit&amp;#8217;s Matt Pollock leads off the inning with a base hit between first and second. The Warriors were trying anything to get the runner to second &amp;#8212; attempting to bunt and use hit and run &amp;#8212; but catcher&amp;#8217;s interference was called on Rinker after his glove made contact with the batter, Joe Pawlowski.

The next batter, Ross Brunello, bunts the runners to second and third as KR gets their first out. They intentionally walked the next batter, Kevin Emmendorfer, to set up a double play, but Ryan Berry hit a flyball to centerfield. Sharpin makes the catch for the second out, but Pollock tags up as Walsh takes a 1-0 lead. Palmer gets Fasola to ground out to third for the third out.

After one inning, KR trails 1-0.

10:23: There is plenty of buzz in the pressbox about both teams. They all seem impressed with the size of Skulina.

The rest of the reporters don&amp;#8217;t know very much about KR, other than they played here last year. They also know KR is the alma mater of Dave Burba and Dustin Hermanson. They forgot about Rick White, who pitched for the New York Mets in the 2000 World Series. 

10:27: After Palmer flyed out to left field, Randon McNeil tripled to the left centerfield fence for the Cougars first hit. They&amp;#8217;ll definitely need Jon McDuffie to come up big in this situation.

10:31: McDuffie strikes out after nailing a ball down the third baseline that nearly took off McNeil&amp;#8217;s head, but just went foul. Mamer hit a first-pitch flyball to center to end the inning. Walsh 1, KR 0.

10:32: Palmer strikes out rightfielder Matt Keller for his first strikeout of the game. The senior doesn&amp;#8217;t seem fazed after giving up a run in the first inning. The run was unearned after the catcher&amp;#8217;s interference call. It was definitely a question call, in my opinion. I&amp;#8217;ve been to almost 30 ball games this year, and haven&amp;#8217;t seen it called once all year.

Blankenship makes a great play in the hole at second base to nab a hit from Walsh&amp;#8217;s James Toland. 

Palmer strikes out Alex Ferrara to end the second inning. Cougars are quickly gaining momentum after McNeil&amp;#8217;s triple (in which he ran the stop sign at second base) and Palmer&amp;#8217;s two strikeouts.

10:39: Derek Toadvine leads off the third for the Cougars. He&amp;#8217;s got all kinds of speed in the bottom of the lineup, and has been hitting the ball well the last month. It&amp;#8217;s definitely a calculated move by KR coach Aaron Shaffer to have him that low in the lineup.

Toadvine flyed out to center for the first out. Jones and Sharpin each strike out to end the inning. 

Skulina has some nice off-speed pitches and is keeping the Cougars guessing.

In the dugout, Shaffer says to Matt Palmer: &amp;#8220;You&amp;#8217;re good at 30 (pitches)&amp;#8221; as he heads into the bottom of the third inning. McDuffie, Mamer or Tom Piatt would likely make a relief appearance, if needed.

10:46: The heat is definitely affecting the players. Palmer spent the entire top half of the inning cooling off with a cold towel on his head.

Pollock led off the inning with a single, but the second batter Pawlowski hit a sharp grounder back to Palmer, who was able to get the ball to Toadvine and turn a huge double play.

Palmer still has excellent stuff, striking out Brunello to end the inning.

10:50: Martinez reaches base for the second time, getting hit by a pitch in the back. It looked like it hurt, too.

10:53: Rinker strikes out for the first out of the inning, and throws his helmet in disgust. Shaffer let him know that&amp;#8217;s acceptable behavior, but probably not in those words. Rinker seems to be struggling at the plate. He&amp;#8217;s been a key cog behind the plate and at the plate the last two seasons for the Cougars. His family, including his dad Jeff and younger brother Brandon, live and breathe baseball.

Sharpin and McNeil each strike out to end the inning. Skulina has been dominant, allowing just one hit with seven strikeouts.

10:56: Palmer opens the bottom of the fourth inning with a walk to Emmendorfer. The next batter, Berry, bunts to move the runner to second.

Fasola hits a rope to Toadvine, who catches the line drive and nearly gets the runner leaning. Travis Blankenship was ready at second base, and felt he got him from his reaction. Keller lines out to left field to end the inning.

11:02: My family loves baseball. My parents have a 56-inch TV in the living room which rarely gets changed from baseball.

My dad, Bob, came to the game with my brothers Brian and Tyler, who plays for the 16-under Springfield Bulldogs team with several KR players including McNeil and the Snyder twins, Dustin and Drew. My dad and brother Brian each coach the team.

The first thing they noticed? 

&amp;#8220;There are all kinds of scouts here,&amp;#8221; Brian said. &amp;#8220;They&amp;#8217;ve all got guns on the Skulina kid.&amp;#8221;

11:05: Palmer grounds out to shortstop and Mamer strikes out to start the inning.

Juan Martinez is hurting for KR after getting hit by a pitch. He was clutching his back as he left the field last inning.

Toadvine hits a groundball up the middle, but Brunello makes a nice play for the final out.

11:10: All the press are buzzing about Skulina, a 6-6, 235-pound sophomore.

&amp;#8220;Eight K&amp;#8217;s,&amp;#8221; said Cleveland Plain Dealer sports writer Bob Fortuna. &amp;#8220;The kid doesn&amp;#8217;t pitch like a sophomore.&amp;#8221;

11:12: The kids at KR will never forget playing at Cooper Stadium, the current AAA affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Of course, they were the AAA affiliate of the New York Yankees for 28 years (1979-2006).

The pressbox shows pictures of former Clippers Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada, all Yankees legends who made a stop in Columbus.

This is the final year for Clipper Stadium. Next year, the Clippers will move into the brand new Huntington Park. The baseball state championships will move there, too.

11:17: Palmer gets the first two batters of the bottom of the fifth inning to ground out to the shortstop Toadvine, and struck out the last batter to end the inning. 

Palmer has struck out four, scattering just two hits and two walks through five. As good as Skulina has been, Palmer&amp;#8217;s having a excellent outing for KR.

As they came off the field, the fans went crazy screaming: &amp;#8220;Here we go, Cougars, here we go.&amp;#8221;

11:20: Here they come, indeed. Jones led off the inning with a base hit.

And just like everyone in the building expected, Sharpin bunts Jones to second.

A Walsh Jesuit conference on the mound ensues with the meat of KR&amp;#8217;s order, Martinez and Rinker, coming up.

11:22: Martinez hits a shot to the third baseman, Fasola, who makes a nice play and thinks about picking off Jones at second.

The next batter, Rinker, hits a fan with a foul ball down the first baseline. It also looks like Rinker himself is hurting. The KR trainer is stretching Rinker as they attend to the hurt fan.

Tom Piatt pinch hits for Rinker and gets hit by a pitch. KR has runners at first and second with two outs in the top of the sixth inning with Palmer at the plate.

They&amp;#8217;ve also managed to chase Skulina from the game. Walsh Jesuit senior pitcher Brandon Belair, a Kent State signee, will enter the game for the Warriors.

Belair walks Palmer on four innings. McNeil comes to the plate with the bases loaded, and hits a deep fly to left to end the inning.

KR still trails 1-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth inning.

11:37: Palmer&amp;#8217;s at 63 pitches heading into the sixth. He strikes out the first two batters for his fifth and sixth of the game. Ryan Black has taken over the catching duties for Rinker, who has an apparent leg injury.

Palmer is doing what seniors do in big games. He&amp;#8217;s commanding the strike zone and his control has been fantastic. 

He gives up a base hit to Fasola, and hits the next batter Berry. No activity in the Cougars bullpen, and none needed. Toland flys out to end the inning. After six complete, KR trails Walsh Jesuit 1-0.

11:45: The first batter, Jon McDuffie, gets hit by a pitch. Mamer will most likely be asked to bunt. It&amp;#8217;s a big situation for a freshman, but the kid&amp;#8217;s got guts. Mamer bunts and McDuffie moves to second.

KR has a runner on second with one out. Toadvine steps to the plate.

The sophomore singles between second and third, but Shaffer holds McDuffie at third. The fans are going crazy.

Senior Zach Jones, the Cougars top hitter who moved from the No. 1 hole after struggling in the No. 4 spot earlier this year, steps to the plate.

Jones works a full count, and rips a sharp foul ball down the right field line. On the next pitch, Jones strikes out.

Sharpin heads to the plate, and hits a slow ground ball in front of the plate. The catcher fields the ball and makes a high throw to the first baseman, and Sharpin beats the throw as McDuffie scores from second base. KR 1, Walsh Jesuit 1.

Meanwhile, Toadvine moves from first to third. Pinch hitter Michael Bennett steps to the plate for Juan Martinez, who has an injured shoulder, with two outs and strikes out to end the inning. KR 1, Walsh Jesuit 1, heading into the bottom of the seventh.

11:57: The big question: Was Sharpin out at first?

I don&amp;#8217;t know. It&amp;#8217;s a tough call to make in a situation like that. The consensus seems to be he was out, and everyone is saying the ump made a bad call. The catcher definitely paused before throwing, thinking every split second the throw could end the game.

Regardless, the key to this inning will be getting the first batter out. If he gets a base hit, walks or gets hit by a pitch &amp;#8212; just like McDuffie did &amp;#8212; it could be trouble.

11:59: The first batter, Keller, hits a fly ball to Mamer on the second pitch for the first out. Palmer is still on the hill for the Cougars.

The next batter, Toland, hits a sharp grounder past Benett to reach first base.

Palmer strikes out the next batter Pollock for the second out. It was a big one for Palmer as Pollock has two of the Warriors&amp;#8217; four hits today.

Palmers walks the next batter. Shaffer heads to the hill, and is likely pondering a pitching change, or thinking about walking the next batter.

Walsh has runners on first and second with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. On the first pitch, Joe Pawlowski, hits a flyball behind third base and Toadvine hustles from shortstop to make the play.

We&amp;#8217;re headed to extra innings with the score tied 1-1.

12:10: Ryan Black, who replaced Rinker at catcher, ropes a basehit past second base for the Cougars fourth hit.

Walsh will change pitchers, and will bring in another lefthander, 6-3 senior David Starn.

12:16: The KR players were also surprised by the safe call on Sharpin&amp;#8217;s bloop to the catcher. They thought he was out by a &amp;#8216;step-and-a-half.&amp;#8217;

They&amp;#8217;re also saying Palmer is throwing &amp;#8216;the game of his life.&amp;#8217;

The Cougars are used to being in tough spots. Last year, they beat Richmond Edison 2-1 in the D-II state semifinals before losing to Canfield.

12:17: Palmer bunts Black to second. The Cougars have done a great job executing small ball throughout the game.

Randon McNeil is playing outstanding. The junior gets his second hit of the game, blasting a line drive over first bade. Shaffer holds Black at third with one out as McDuffie heads to the plate, followed by Mamer. 

McDuffie strikes out. Mamer steps up with two outs and runners on first and third and the score tied 1-1. The Cougar rally ends as Mamer flys out to left field.

In the middle of the eighth, KR is tied with Walsh Jesuit 1-1.

12:23: McDuffie will take over on the mound for Palmer. It was an outstanding performance for the senior.

The first batter, Brunello, hits a shot to the hole at shortstop. Toadvine fields the grounder, but the can&amp;#8217;t get the runner at first. The next batter, Greg Greve, bunts the runner to second. One out and one runner on for Walsh here in the bottom of the eighth. KR walked the next batter to face Johnny Fasola, who hits a sharp grounder up the middle. Second baseman Michael Bennett fields the ball (they had perfect field positioning), steps on second and throws to first for a huge double play.

After eight innings, KR and Walsh Jesuit are still tied at 1-1.

12:33: Toadvine hits a sharp grounder to shortstop for the first out, and Jones watches a third strike for the second.

The players have got to be exhausted. The game has lasted 2 hours, 45 minutes and the temperature is 85 degrees. 

Sharpin gets an infield base hit for the Cougars. Bennett hits a ground ball to second that gets past the pitcher Starn and the second baseman Pawlowski. With runners on first and second, Black hits a groundball to third baseman Fasola who steps on third to end the inning.

12:42: McDuffie walks the first batter, Matt Keller. Walsh will look to bunt, and they never get the chance. McDuffie walks the next batter on four pitches. Shaffer wastes no time going to freshman pitcher Luke Mamer.

Walsh had runners on first and second and no outs in the bottom of nine. The next batter, pinch hitter Tom Charles, lays a bunt down to third base and everyone is safe.

The next batter, Matt Pollock, hits a fly ball to first base that looks like it&amp;#8217;s going foul, but it comes back into fair play. McNeil lets the fly ball drop, and Keller scores from third to give Walsh a 2-1 victory.

12:59: Writers in the press box are still wondering how to describe Pollock&amp;#8217;s game-winning single. Wind-aided is probably the best word.

The ball sailed right and looked way out of play, but with the wind blowing hard into left field, it flew about 10 feet back into fair play, and was out of McNeil&amp;#8217;s reach. It was a tough play to make, and even tougher way to lose for the never-say-die Cougars.

It was a great year for them. They played a great team in the state semifinal, and nearly advanced to the state final.

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<dc:date>2008-06-05T09:50:33-05:00</dc:date>
<dc:creator>mcooper@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
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<title>Starting lineups for KR-Walsh Jesuit state semifinal</title>

    

    


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<description>COLUMBUS &amp;#8212; Welcome to the live blog of the Kenton Ridge-Walsh Jesuit Division II baseball state semifinal at Cooper Stadium. I&amp;#8217;ll be here all day giving you inning-by-inning updates of today&amp;#8217;s game. Kenton Ridge is taking infield as we speak....</description>
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COLUMBUS &amp;#8212; Welcome to the live blog of the Kenton Ridge-Walsh Jesuit Division II baseball state semifinal at Cooper Stadium.

I&amp;#8217;ll be here all day giving you inning-by-inning updates of today&amp;#8217;s game.

Kenton Ridge is taking infield as we speak. There are a bunch of KR students sitting right behind the bench wearing brown and gold with faces, and chests, painted. The stadium is blaring songs like Lynyrd Skynrd&amp;#8217;s Sweet Home Alabama and Eric Clapton&amp;#8217;s Layla.

The game will begin in about 10 minutes.

Here are the starting lineups for today&amp;#8217;s game:

Kenton Ridge (21-6)
1. Zach Jones, LF 
2. Ethan Sharpin, CF
3. Juan Martinez, 3B
4. Tyler Rinker, C
5. Matt Palmer, P
6. Randon McNeil, 1B
7. Jon McDuffie, DH, batting for Travis Blankenship 2B
8. Luke Mamer, RF
9. Derek Toadvine, SS

Walsh Jesuit
1. Matthew Pollock, LF
2. Joe Pawlowski, 2B
3. Ross Brunello, SS
4. Kevin Emmendorfer, DH, batting for pitcher Tyler Skulina
5. Ryan Berry, 1B
6. Johnny Fasola, 3B
7. Matt Keller, RF
8. James Toland, C
9. Alex Ferrara, CF

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<dc:subject></dc:subject>
<dc:date>2008-06-05T09:40:54-05:00</dc:date>
<dc:creator>mcooper@coxohio.com</dc:creator>
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