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2015 OHSAA Division I Regional Preview

May 28, 2015

By Dylan Hefflinger
Ohio Editor in Chief/NW Scout

PBR Ohio has all of your high school baseball coverage across the state covered.

To view the Regional Brackets please click on the division below.
Division I
Division II
Division III
Division IV
Entire Tournament Bracket

Take a look at the 2014 State Final Four Roundup:
Division I
Division II
Division III
Division IV

Visit our scout blog, which includes velocity, pop times and in-depth scouting reports. The blog will be updated throughout the entire spring, with information on top prospects and top performances, click here.

To view the 2015 Team Rankings, click here.

To view the 2015 Preseason All-State Teams, click here.

To discuss this game, please visit our partner JJHuddle.

Interested in attending a PBR Ohio event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

Division I - Region 1 - Canton


#3 Walsh Jesuit (26-3)

Final Regular Season Rank: #3
Preseason Rank: #2

The Warriors of Walsh Jesuit have been a power program in Ohio for years, advancing to state six times since 1999. However each of those times have been in Division II and that makes the Warriors even more hungry to get to Huntington Park and compete in the D-I state tournament. Last season Walsh Jesuit had one of the best seasons in school history, finishing with a 26-1 record before being knocked out of the tournament in the district finals by Hudson in 8 innings.

In the Warriors journey to regionals, Walsh Jesuit had to face some stiff competition. Walsh started out the tournament by defeated Medina Highland 8-3 to capture the sectional championship. After that they squeaked past #19 Hudson 4-3 and previously unbeaten #2 ranked Wadsworth 5-4.

Talent wise, the Warriors are second to none as they feature packed from top to bottom full of Division I athletes.

The pitching rotation features a four-headed attack with two seniors being the anchors. As a whole the pitching rotation has thrown 192.1 innings while striking out 208 with a team ERA of 1.53.

  • Ty Shoaff (Missouri commit, pictured right) is the ace of the staff throwing 50.2 innings on the season with 60 Ks.
  • Ryan Feltner (Ohio State commit) is second in innings pitched with 43.2 innings on the season while striking out 52.
  • Dominic Canzone (Ohio State commit) has thrown 32.2 innings with 25 Ks.
  • Shane Downey (Marshall commit) has thrown 27 innings while striking out 30.

At the plate the Warriors boast a team batting average of .376 while scoring 243 runs thanks to 54 doubles, 6 triples and 12 home runs. The team features 14 hitters that are hitting above the .300 clip.

A few quotes from Walsh Jesuit head coach Chris Kaczmar:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.

Coach Kaczmar: We have had a great journey this season, and particularly these 4 years with a wonderful group of seniors.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?

Coach Kaczmar: It was an honor to advance out of such a loaded District field.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?

Coach Kaczmar: Congratulations to all 4 of these tremendous teams, it is an exciting field!

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.

Coach Kaczmar: Our 9 seniors will all be individuals that I love and respect dearly forever, time nor distance will ever change that.

#11 Massillon Jackson (22-6)

Final Regular Season Rank: #11
Preseason Rank: #10

The Massillon Jackson Polar Bears have relied on pitching and defense early in the season as Coach Gamble had to replace 14 players from the 2014 State Title team. The 2015 had to establish it's own identity and with the strong senior leadership and returning starters (Sam Miller, Jake Palotta (pictured right), and Jake Kempt) the Polar Bears have themselves back in the Sweet 16.

Coach Gamble 5th Year (100-39) 25 players have gone on to play college baseball in the 5 year span.

  • Federal League Champs back-to-back 2014-15
  • 11 Federal League Titles in School History
  • District Champs back-to-back 2014-15
  • 7 District Titles, first back-to-back
  • Regional Champs - 2014
  • State Champs - 2014
2015 All Federal League honors:

The Polar Bears are the only defending state champions that advanced to the regionals and are looking to make it back to Huntington Park with the hopes of holding up the Division I State Championship trophy (2014 celebration pictured below).

 

#12 Willoughby South (24-5)

Final Regular Season Rank: #12
Preseason Rank: NR

The Rebels of Willoughby South have outscored their tournament opponents 14-2, defeating Brush, Cleveland Heights and Eastlake North to advance to the regionals. 

The Rebels have an ace in Russell Lamovec (Lake Erie College commit), who anchors the staff.

#22 Aurora (20-5)

Final Regular Season Rank: #22
Preseason Rank: NR

Offensively the Greenmen are hitting .350 as a team with 176 runs scored. Top hitters include:

  • Josh Andexler: .478 BA, 6 2B, 29 RBIs
  • Matt Carpenter (Ohio State commit, pictured right): .448 BA, 30 R, 17 RBIs
  • Andy Weber (Virginia commit): .410 BA, 5 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 25 R, 26 RBIs
  • Nick Ely (Notre Dame College commit): .386 BA, 4 2B, 2 3B, 13 R, 16 RBIs
  • Carter Semancik (John Carroll commit): .333 BA in limited plate appearances
  • Devin Bradley: .328 BA, 17 R, 13 RBIs
  • Jonathan Blue: .328 BA, 14 R, 14 RBIs
  • Ben Stawicki: .310 BA, 6 2B, 22 R, 11 RBIs
  • Bubba Arslanian: .277 BA, 10 2B, 1 HR, 14 R, 18 RBIs

On the mound Aurora has a team ERA of 2.08 with 105 strikeouts in 168.1 innings pitched. The Greenmen are led on the mound by:

  • A.J. Kimes (pictured right): 47 IP, 0.89 ERA, 34 Ks
  • Adam Long: 32 IP, 1.75 ERA, 23 Ks
  • Semancik: 28.2 IP, 1.47 ERA, 12 Ks
  • Andexler: 25.2 IP, 3.82 ERA, 9 Ks

The Greenmen have won back-to-back-to-back Struthers District Championships as well as four straight CVC championships while reaching the state final four once (2013).

A few quotes from Aurora head coach Michael Brancazio:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.

Coach Brancazio: Aurora returned 8 of their 9 starters from the 2014 team. With a new head varsity coach, the players have bought into the philosophy of great defense, great pitching, and timely hitting, especially against solid competition on our schedule. As a coaching staff and as a team, we feel we are playing our best baseball right now.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?

Coach Brancazio: Aurora takes pride in playing in a very underrated Struthers' district. We knew as a program we needed great pitching and defense to win this district. Offensively, we faced outstanding pitching and produced enough runs with timely hitting for our program to be successful. We know based on our region that our philosophy and game plan cannot change as our region consists of three other outstanding programs who mirror our same philosophy.  

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.

Coach Brancazio: All programs have outstanding pitchers which should make for a low scoring, exciting games. Aurora is looking forward to this new challenge but we are familiar to this as we have been in the Canton Regionals for the past three seasons.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.

Coach Brancazio: Senior SS Matt Carpenter has really taken on an outstanding role as being our player leader. He has done an outstanding job being an extension of our coaching staff and the players really respond well to his leadership.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?

Coach Brancazio: We defeated Kenston, Boardman, and Twinsburg to earn a regional tournament bid. Our success has been based on outstanding pitching, defense, and timely hitting. Junior, AJ Kimes has pitched two complete game shutouts (Kenston and Boardman) and junior Adam Long threw a shutout vs Twinsburg in the district final.

Division I - Region 2 - Dublin


#7 Westerville Central

Final Regular Season Rank: #7
Preseason Rank: #3

The Warhawks are on a roll as they have won all three district tournament games by shutout, including Gavin Lyon's (Ohio State commit) one-hit, 12 strikeout performance against Newark (5-0), Nick Buchanan's (Florida Southern commit) two-hit, 14-strikeout effort in a 5-0 semifinal win over Teays Valley as well as Lyon and Buchanan's combined no-hitter in a 10-0, five-inning win over Logan.

The Central district title was the first since 2011 where they defeated Reynoldsburg 12-7 before losing to Grove City 10-3 in a regional final.

On the season, Lyon is 7-0 with a 0.07 ERA while striking out 88 in 45 innings while Buchanan is 5-1 with a 0.90 ERA while striking out 75 in 39 innings.

Offensive leaders include:

#45 Pickerington North (17-12)

Final Regular Season Rank: #45
Preseason Rank: NR

Offensively the Pickerington North Panthers have a team batting average of .311 while scoring 133 runs on the season. The Panthers are led by:

On the mound, the Panthers have a team ERA of 2.35 and are led by:

A few quotes from Pickerington North head coach Tim Thomas:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.

Coach Thomas: We expected to be in this position after our regional appearance last year and only losing two senior starters. But after losing 4 starters because of injuries only a few weeks into the season, we did not expect to get this far.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?

Coach Thomas: Our success is all about our senior leadership. These guys know what it takes to win. We talk about getting this far every offseason. Our motto this year is 18.5. That is how far away Pickerington is from Huntington Park miles wise.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.

Coach Thomas: Of the 16 teams remaining we are the lowest seed and second lowest rankings wise while having the worst record of the 16. We are very happy and optimistic about playing in the regional. On paper, we have no chance, but that is why you pay the games on the field.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.

Coach Thomas: Our leaders are our four senior captains. They have really pulled this team together after all the injuries that have happened this season. Logan Giddings (BGSU commit), Nic Varda (Ashland commit), Brendan Green (Siena Heights commit) and Derrick Herd (Findlay commit) are our leaders.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?

Coach Thomas: Our 12-inning district semifinal win over #4 seed Dublin Coffman was probably the best HS game I have ever coached in. The pitching performance was unbelievable for both teams. The final out of the game was recorded by our right fielder throwing his 2nd runner of the game out at home plate. The team went nuts.

In the district final, we beet OCC Ohio league foe Gahanna Lincoln, who had won the regional the past two years.

#10 Olentangy Liberty (24-4)

Final Regular Season Rank: #10
Preseason Rank: #8

Postseason Info: In the district final, Nick Parr pitched a complete game, allowing six hits, three walks and hit a batter, while striking out six. Parr also had the game-winning hit.

Team Info: The Patriots have 10 seniors. Top Hitters ... Cameron Comer (.462 average, 24 RBIs, Virginia commit, pictured right), Nick Parr (.407, 29 RBIs, Oakland commit) and Spencer Yankle (.390, 22 RBIs).

1-2 punch on the mound of Parr (7-2, 1.71 ERA) and A.J. Kullman (7-1, 0.86, Cincinnati commit).

#17 Watkins Memorial (26-3)

Final Regular Season Rank: #17
Preseason Rank: NR

Postseason Info: The Warriors won their first Division I district championship in school history. Watkins Memorial last won a district title in Division II in 2006 and 2007.

Tournament Info: The Warriors rallied from down 3-0 to beat Hilliard Darby 5-3 in the district final.

Team Info: Coach Donald Schone has a 1-2 pitching tandem in seniors Chandler Day (5-2, 1.94 ERA, Vanderbilt commit, pictured right) and Doug Connor (7-0, 1.36 ERA).

Division I - Region 3 - Bowling Green


Mansfield Madison Comprehensive (18-12)

Final Regular Season Rank: NR
Preseason Rank: NR

The Rams have won 16 of their last 19 games after starting the season 2-9. During their tournament run, Mansfield Madison Comprehensive traveled to the Toledo area and knocked off Toledo Whitmer, Toledo St. John's and Findlay to advance to regionals.

Top Performers for the Rams include:

  • Zane Harris (Wright State commit, pictured right): 1st Team All District 9. 1st Team All-OCC. Led the OCC in home runs, RBIs, 2nd in OCC in hits. .424 BA, 3 HR, 10 2B, 31 RBIs, 25 R, 4 SB
  • Hunter Ackerman: 1st Team All District 9. 1st Team All-OCC. Led the OCC in runs scored and hits. .412 BA, 10 2B, 12 RBIs, 40 R, 19 SB
  • Alec Keen: 2nd Team All District 9. 1st Team All-OCC. .404, 1 HR, 3 3B, 22 RBIs, 31 R, 10 SB
  • 3 Wins, 2.74 ERA, 34 Ks
  • Josh Smith: 2nd team all district 9. 2nd team All-OCC. .368 BA, 1 HR, 11 2B, 28 RBIs, 18 R
  • Dakota Gombosch: HM All district 9. HM All-OCC. .324 BA, 1 HR, 16 RBIs, 23 R, 10 SB
  • Cal Rickert (2018): 270 BA, 1 HR, 27 RBIs, 15 R
  • Michael Penney, 4 wins, 3.54 ERA, 64 Ks
  • Curtis French: 3 wins, 1.40 ERA
  • Justin Klupp: 2 wins, 1.18 ERA

A few quotes from Madison assistant coach Marc Harris:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.

Coach Harris: We have taken on a very challenging schedule beginning with our first games in March. We traveled to Tennessee and played a couple state champion caliber teams. We were really happy with our performance for our first games of the season versus teams that had 15 games under their belt. We left Tennessee 1-3 but we were very competitive. Then we hosted the BW3 classic where we played Perrysburg, Mt. Vernon, Massillon Perry, Ashland, and Mentor. Within the first 2 weeks due to schedule strength and developing play we were 2-9. Since then we are 16-3 and are now playing at a level we knew the boys could achieve. We are pretty strong offensively with Hunter Ackerman (Grace College, pictured right) Alec Keen (Otterbein) and Zane Harris, (Wright State) leading the way. The middle of the lineup is strong with Josh Smith (Ashland) and Cal Rickert (2018). However it has been our back end of our order that has solidified a very strong offense. This part of the lineup is anchored by Curtis French (2016), Dakota Gombosch (2016) and Austin Lambert (2015).

In addition, our pitchers are throwing strikes and keeping us in ballgames. Throwing strikes was a problem at the beginning of the season, but our guys have worked hard on their approach and mechanics. 16 wins in the last 19 games proves their hard work and execution has paid off.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.

Coach Harris: We knew we could make a regional run if the boys bought into what we wanted to do. We have some really good players and the chemistry among the guys is as strong as it has been all year. The kids have pitched very well, allowing us the stay in some close games. Michael Penny has led the way through the district tournament. He had 11 Ks against Findlay and the save against Toledo St John's. We had an incredible performance from Justin Klupp against Toledo St. Johns, getting the win on only 5 hits given up. In addition, our SS Alec Keen has done a fantastic job on the mound as well. It shows the toughness and experience of our team to travel to Toledo (a two and a half hour drive), three times in a little over a week to beat Toledo area schools. We are very proud of that accomplishment.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?

Coach Harris: As we expected, the field of teams in the Regional should be the best of the best. Toledo St. Francis is very aggressive on the bases and at the plate with strong pitching. They are from the TRAC conference, one of the top conferences in the state. They offer a unique challenge for our defense, with all the running and bunting they do. When you add some of their power hitters into the mix, its obvious why they are in the final 16. St. Eds and Iggy are in the other side and well, their names pretty much says it all. It is incredibly tough to make it to the State Finals.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant. 

Coach Harris: The changing point in our season began in the Sectional Championship with Whitmer. Alec Keen, who is a senior took over the reins of  team leader both vocally and on the field. He has raised his level of play and the team is on his back. Zane Harris and Hunter Ackerman along with Keen play together in the summer for Ohio Elite. Their confidence has rubbed off on some of the younger kids. One of those is Cal Rickert, a freshman, who plays for the Mansfield Mudhens in the summer. He has had a strong tournament both offensively and defensively. He has several big hits and RBIs this tourney. We see him as the future leader of the team in a year or two. The rest of our seniors, Kyle Galco, Josh Smith, Austin Finley, Justin Klupp,  and Hunter Claxon have been very vocal in the dugout this tournament.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?

Coach Harris: We started our district run by throwing a soft throwing lefty named Justin Klupp. We scouted St. John's and determined that they were a strong free swinging team. Instead of throwing our number one pitcher Michael Penny, we thought our senior Justing Klupp would be a good match-up for them. He pitched a tremendous game, going 6 strong innings, inducing 17 fly outs. He gave up 2 runs and had a pitching performance that won???t be forgotten. Klupp gave a shot to win and that is all we ask of our staff.

In addition we have been in a 1 run, tied ballgame for the last two games going into the last inning. Alec Keen hit a triple and was singled in by Zane Harris against St. John's for the go ahead win. Alec also hit the game winning triple in the top of the 11th inning against Findlay. Michael Penny had 11 Ks in 9 innings of work against Findlay.

#28 Toledo St. Francis deSales (21-7)

Final Regular Season Rank: #28
Preseason Rank: NR

The Knights of Toledo St. Francis DeSales advanced to regionals behind the arm of Casey Johnson (pictured right), who threw a three-hitter against Northview as the Knights won 6-1. The Knights have outscored their opponents 12-1 during their tournament run.

St. Francis also defeated Anthony Wayne 5-0 and Holland Springfield 1-0 during the tournament.

#40 Lakewood St. Edward (20-9)

Final Regular Season Rank: #40
Preseason Rank: #12

The Eagles of St. Edward has been playing well over the last three weeks after an up and down middle of the schedule. On the tournament trail the Eagles defeated Midview 4-0, Olmsted Falls 4-3 and Amherst Steele 5-1 to advance to regional action.

Top performers according to coach Joe Kasl include:

#9 Cleveland St. Ignatius (25-5)

Final Regular Season Rank: #9
Preseason Rank: #9

The St. Ignatius Wildcats are a perennial power in the state and with a 25-5 record in 2014 they have showed that they are one to watch out for. The Wildcats have outscored their opponents 187-63 on the season.

Offensively the Wildcats have a .317 team batting average and are led by the following:

  • Dylan Smolen: .439 BA, 9 SBs in limited appearances
  • Sam Fuller: .422 BA, 8 2B, 4 3B, 24 R, 19 RBIs, 22 SBs
  • Dennis Grosel: .395 BA, 5 2B, 2 HR, 20 R, 16 RBIs
  • James Zajaczkowski: .379 BA in limited appearances
  • Ryan Jacobs: .379 BA, 5 2B, 1 3B, 15 R, 10 RBIs
  • Dylan Welch (pictured right): .339 BA
  • Mullen Socha: .333 BA, 4 2B, 1 3B, 20 R, 10 RBIs
  • Kurt Mantes: .303 BA in limited appearances
  • Kevin Mingus: .299 BA, 9 2B, 14 R, 13 RBIs
  • Alex Panstares (Williams College commit): .259 BA, 14 R, 15 RBIs
  • Jake Kucia: .238 BA, 13 R, 9 RBIs

On the mound St. Ignatius has been stellar, with a team ERA of 1.47 while striking out 177 in 200 innings. The Wildcats are led by:

  • Connor Adams: 43.2 IP, 6-0, 1.47 ERA, 40 Ks
  • M.J. Nara: 39.1 IP, 5-1, 0.64 ERA, 47 Ks
  • Luke Diggs: 32.2 IP, 4-2, 1.07 ERA, 27 Ks
  • Nick Freund: 19.2 IP, 4-1, 3.20 ERA, 9 Ks
  • Murphy O'Brien (pictured right): 16.1 IP, 0.00 ERA, 22 Ks
  • Jacob Bangert: 14 IP, 4.00 ERA, 9 Ks
  • Brandan Adler: 13.1 IP, 0.00 ERA, 9 Ks

A few quotes from St. Ignatius head coach Brad Ganor:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.

Coach Ganor: Since the end of 2014, our team made a commitment to each other to form better team chemistry. Over the past year, our program has run 5k???s together, gone to Indians and Cavs games, served the homeless, attended weekly Mass together and spent countless hours in the weight room together.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?

Coach Ganor: Obviously the goal of every team is to make it as far as possible every year. It???s rare that a Saint Ignatius team can fly under the radar, but I think we have for the most part all season. We are excited for the opportunity to play in a Regional for the 13th time school history. We have been the state runner-up 3 times (2000, 2008, 2013) and state champion 1 time (2002).

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?

Coach Ganor: We have a lot of respect for St. Eds. I am sure they are going to be a quality opponent. 

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.

Coach Ganor: Our senior class has been one of the best ever in terms of true leadership qualities. From our captains MJ Nara (Walsh University) and Alex Panstares (Williams College), down to every other senior, they have truly made a mark on our program that will last for many years to come.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?

Coach Ganor: In the District Semi Final against the defending D1 Runner-up from last year, we were down 2-1 in the 7th with 2 outs but we were able to win 3-2 in extra innings. The very next day, sophomore Connor Adams threw a no-hitter in a 3-0 win for the district title.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it... Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.

Coach Ganor: As we enter our Regional Semi Final game we are 25-5. We haven???t heard much about our season from the outside even though we beat #3 Walsh Jesuit, defending state champion Massillon Jackson and the defending Illinois state champion, among others. It???s been a great run and we look forward to the challenge of regional games.

Division I - Region 4 - Cincinnati


#1 Moeller (27-3)

Final Regular Season Rank: #1
Preseason Rank: #1

Moeller has been atop the Division I rankings all season and with a 27-3 record while outscoring the opposition 227-79, the Crusaders were able to stay atop the rankings while having their goal of getting back to Huntington Park a possibility still.

Offensively the Moeller Crusaders have a team batting average of .332 while scoring 227 runs on the season. The Crusaders are led by:

  • Kyle Dockus (Wright State commit, pictured right): .422 BA, 9 2B, 33 R, 25 RBIs, 26 SBs
  • Grant Macciocchi: .400 BA, 2 2B, 2 3B, 13 R, 11 RBIs, 8 SBs
  • Joe Vranesic (Kent State commit): .375 BA in limited appearances
  • Josh Hollander (Kent State commit): .367 BA, 9 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 25 R, 17 RBIs, 13 SBs
  • Pat Mullinger: .365 BA, 7 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 19 R, 24 RBIs, 8 SBs
  • Eric Conner (Walsh commit): .361 BA, 8 2B, 4 3B, 17 R, 21 RBIs, 7 SBs
  • Bryan Soth (Kent State commit): .355 BA in limited appearances
  • Alec Graves: .313 BA in limited appearances
  • Kyle Butz: .306 BA, 2 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 29 R, 24 RBIs, 22 SBs
  • Alex DeBruler: .286 BA in limited appearances
  • Mitch Meece: .283 BA, 5 2B, 2 3B, 17 R, 13 RBIs, 6 SBs
  • Jordan Ramey (Cincinnati commit): .250 BA, 20 R, 10 RBIs, 21 SBs

On the mound the Crusaders have a team ERA of 2.11 while striking out 207 in 199 innings. Moeller's staff is led by:

  • Macciocchi (Missouri commit, pictured right): 55 IP, 9-0, 1.02 ERA, 69 Ks
  • Nick Bennett (Louisville commit): 40.1 IP, 5-1, 0.97 ERA, 40 Ks
  • Mitch Bault (Ohio Dominican commit): 28.2 IP, 4-1, 1.15 ERA, 30 Ks
  • Vranesic: 19 IP, 1.84 ERA, 16 Ks
  • Cameron Junker (Notre Dame commit): 18.1 IP, 4-0, 1.31 ERA, 21 Ks
  • Chris Stock: 13 IP, 1.31 ERA, 10 Ks

A few quotes from Moeller head coach Tim Held:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.

Coach Held: This has been a very hard working group.  They were not happy with the way they hit as a team last season so they have been very dedicated to their hitting approach since practice has begun. 

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.

Coach Held: We are all very proud of the fact that this is our 12th straight trip to the regionals and the sweet sixteen.  This group wants their names to be part of the rich Moeller baseball tradition and legacy.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.

Coach Held: This regional is going to be extremely tough!!  I don???t know if there are going to be many runs scored in this regional with the quality arms that will be throwing on Thursday and Friday.  It should be some very good baseball.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.

Coach Held: All of the seniors have been solid leaders.  Some are better in the weight room in the winter while others are better at practices.  They all know who is best in a particular situation and they let that guy lead.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?

Coach Held: Grant Macciocchi threw a no-hitter against Middletown in our 7-0 victory

#4 Lakota West (25-4)

Final Regular Season Rank: #4
Preseason Rank: #6

The Lakota West Firebirds have outscored their opponents 192-80 on the season as they went on to win the difficult Greater Miami Conference.

The Firebirds are led by a one-two punch of Austin Allinger (Evansville commit, pictured right) and Alex Wagner

Offensively the Firebirds are hitting .313 as a team. Below is a look at their stats individually: *Stats from gmcsports.com

PLAYER G AB RUNS HITS 2B 3B HR RBI SB OBP AVG
Mark Petersen 4 2 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0.500 0.500
Jeremiah Johnson 28 76 16 32 9 0 1 25 2 0.495 0.421
Austin Allinger 29 90 33 37 11 1 2 23 3 0.509 0.411
Dallas Hall 29 94 33 34 4 2 2 16 14 0.479 0.362
Bailey Mosley 12 31 5 11 0 1 0 5 0 0.429 0.355
Alex Wagner 13 17 3 6 0 0 0 1 0 0.421 0.353
Andrew Huser 29 82 17 28 5 1 0 21 1 0.398 0.341
Zach Gertz 11 20 3 6 2 0 0 5 1 0.417 0.300
Alex Smith 28 72 19 21 2 0 0 11 2 0.398 0.292
Dylan Akers 25 75 15 21 6 2 1 17 3 0.393 0.280
Justin Moyer 23 39 5 10 4 0 0 9 0 0.318 0.256
Brandon Giltrow 29 81 16 19 2 0 2 16 3 0.402 0.235

On the mound Lakota West has a team ERA of 2.23. Here is a look at the individual stats:

PLAYER G IP W L SV K SHO WHIP ERA
Austin Allinger 8 53.0 5 1 0 62 2 1.02 0.92
Alex Wagner 9 47.1 8 0 0 51 2 0.93 1.33
Alex Dodson 2 3.0 0 0 1 1 0 2.67 2.33
Jacob Kates 7 23.1 4 0 1 25 0 1.33 2.40
Andrew Huser 7 29.1 3 1 1 26 0 1.26 2.63
Justin Moyer 11 22.0 2 0 0 15 0 1.64 3.82
Eric Hooper 3 3.0 0 0 0 1 0 1.33 4.67
Zack Bush 6 20.0 3 2 1 24 1 1.75 4.90

 

#14 Cincinnati La Salle (24-6)

Final Regular Season Rank: #14
Preseason Rank: NR

The La Salle Lancers have been hot as of late, winning 13 of its last 14 games, including a 5-2 win over GCL rival and #1 ranked Moeller. 

La Salle has played in 7 regionals, 3 in the last 16 years (2005, 2010 and 2015). The Lancers have won one regional in school history (1995).

The Lancers have outscored their opponents 187-93 on the season while hitting .318 as a team to go along with a 2.35 team ERA.

The Lancers are led by this core:

  • Anthony Bell: Hit .458 in the GCL and .433 overall (League Leader in both). Drove in 9 runs in GCL and 33 overall (League Leader in both). Collected 12 doubles overall to lead league. Co-Player of the year in the league.
  • Nigel Williams (Lake Erie commit, pictured right): Hit .370 in the GCL and .326 overall. Collected 11 RBIs in league and 28 RBIs overall to lead league in both categories.
  • Alec Lane: Hit .400 in the GCL and .364 overall.
  • Eric Greene: Hit .385 in the GCL and .347 overall.
  • Tim Casey: Led team with 25 runs scored.
  • Brian Schwankhaus: Second in the GCL with 54 innings pitched and wins with 7. Had an ERA of 1.66 and a WHIP of 0.90
  • Jake Kaiser: Had a 5-0 record overall. Led pitchers with 11 appearances. Had a 2.15 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP.
  • Nick Ernst (Miami, Ohio commit, pictured right): Pitched 52.2 innings with a 3.32 ERA. ??? He has won 3 straight games. Pitched 10 straight scoreless innings in Sectional and District play.

A few quotes from La Salle head coach Joe Voegele:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.

Coach Voegele: One of the keys to this season???s success was the hard work the players exhibited in the small group workouts. These workouts provided them with an opportunity to fine tune their individual skills so when the preseason began the coaching staff could concentrate on team centered drills.

These guys also are a very close knit group and demonstrate a caring attitude for each other.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?

Coach Voegele: Going into the season, I expected that we would be a very good offensive team and I wasn???t certain how good our defense would be. My major concern was the lack of experienced pitchers returning. Our hitting until recently has been very solid and our defense outstanding. I???m hard pressed to think of another team in my coaching history which compares to this team. Yet, the key to our success has been our pitching; let by Seniors Brian Schwankhaus, Nick Ernst and Logan Brauning.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?

Coach Voegele: As is normally the case, our Regional is loaded with quality teams. Moeller, Lakota West and Mason were all seeded ahead of us in the tournament draw. Moeller and Lakota West won their respective conferences and Mason, as always competed on a high level. Each team has pitching depth so naturally that makes for a tough Regional.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.

Coach Voegele: Although Nigel Williams and Eric Greene were selected captains and have provided great leadership; it has been the leadership of all eleven Seniors who have driven this team.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?

Coach Voegele:

  • Anthony Bell has been our key overall offensive leader with five hits in the last two games and some great base running.
  • Nigel Williams has been our key RBI guy during our tournament run.
  • Nick Ernst has pitched 10 shutout innings in our Sectional Final and District Championship.
  • The key to our success has been the solid play of our defense; led by Tim Casey, Joey Wenning, Andrew Sexton, Alec Lane and Nigel Williams. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it... Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.

Coach Voegele: Our coaching staff of John Bellamy (Infield and 3rd Base Coach), Sam McConnel (Pitching Coach), and Joe Schmetzer (Hitting Coach) is exceptional. The players have bought into their coaching and have followed their leadership.

#27 Mason (22-7)

Final Regular Season Rank: #27
Preseason Rank: #5

This is Mason's 3rd straight trip to the regional tournament, and 4th in 6th years. The Comets have made 17 regional appearances in their history.

On the season the Comets have outscored their opponents 176-69. 

Offensively the Comets are hitting .418 as a team and are led by the following: *Stats from gmcsports.com

PLAYER G AB RUNS HITS 2B 3B HR RBI SB OBP AVG
Kirby Slater 10 6 3 3 0 0 0 2 0 0.667 0.500
Nick Northcut 22 52 8 20 4 0 0 18 0 0.484 0.385
Michael Treft 29 87 24 32 7 0 0 12 5 0.467 0.368
Ronnie Engelman 27 75 17 26 2 1 0 18 2 0.417 0.347
Tyler Krabbe 28 73 25 25 4 2 1 16 2 0.485 0.342
Andy Marzheuser 27 77 17 26 6 0 0 12 4 0.409 0.338
Vince Vannelle 28 72 17 23 2 1 0 17 1 0.412 0.319
Rodney Hutchison Jr. 29 91 10 28 10 0 0 15 0 0.379 0.308
Logan Williams 25 39 9 12 0 0 0 10 3 0.396 0.308
Dylan Bryan 29 76 16 22 7 1 0 21 1 0.389 0.289
John Robbins 27 58 13 15 5 0 0 10 0 0.357 0.259

On the mound, the Comets have a team ERA of 1.12 while striking out 204 in 192.1 innings pitched. Mason's staff is led by North Carolina commit Rodney Hutchison Jr. (pictured below left) and Florida Tech commit Andy Marzheuser (pictured below right). 

The staffs stats are as followed:

PLAYER G IP W L SV K SHO WHIP ERA
Ronnie Engelman 3 11.0 2 0 0 7 0 0.82 0.64
Ben Speer 6 26.0 2 1 0 21 1 1.12 0.81
Andy Marzheuser 9 45.2 7 1 0 57 0 0.92 1.07
Rodney Hutchison Jr. 10 55.2 8 1 0 62 2 1.02 1.38
Vince Vannelle 4 9.0 0 0 0 8 0 1.22 1.56
John Shutrump 8 17.2 1 2 1 19 1 1.30 1.59
John Robbins 9 14.1 1 1 0 13 0 1.19 1.95
Andrew Wodzisz 1 2.0 0 0 0 2 0 3.00 3.50
Dylan Bryan 1 2.0 0 0 0 2 0 1.00 3.50
Nick Northcut 3 8.0 1 1 0 11 0 1.75 5.25


A few quotes from Mason coach Curt Bly:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.

Coach Bly: Our team has taken the challenge to "get lost in the team" and has gelled at the right time. I'm very proud of our players and their focus, which is on eachother. We are very excited to be back here once again.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?

Coach Bly: The regional field is tremendous. I truly believe any of the four could get out. Each one presents great challenges for us. Our goal is to perform at a high level and let the chips fall.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.

Coach Bly: Our seniors overall and our captains in particular, (Andy Marzheuser, Rodney Hutchison, Vince Vannelle) have done a great job keeping our focus singular. These guys have great chemistry and truly love being together.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?

Coach Bly: Our tournament has been very exciting with an extra inning win to open it up in which we needed to score 2 in the bottom of the 8th to survive vs. Turpin. We also were 0-0 in the bottom of the 6th with Loveland before scoring 6. We've been in pressure situations throughout which hopefully will serve us well this week.

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