2016 OHSAA Tournament: Road To Huntington Park - Division II Regional Preview

Division II

Home team listed first

Region 7 – Zanesville Regional

#3 Steubenville (22-2) vs. New Philadelphia (15-11) at Gant Municipal Stadium, Thurs., 2 p.m.
Athens (17-11) vs. Waverly (21-8) at Gant Municipal Stadium, Thurs., 5 p.m.
Regional Final: at Gant Municipal Stadium, Fri., 5 p.m.

Region 6 – Bowling Green Regional

#10 Padua Franciscan (21-5) vs. #17 Lexington (20-7) at Bowling Green Carter Park, Thurs., 2 p.m.
#1 Defiance (25-2) vs. #24 Bishop Watterson (18-9) at Bowling Green Carter Park, Thurs., 5 p.m.
Regional Final: at Bowling Green Carter Park, Fri., 5 p.m.

Region 5 – Hudson Regional

Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary (15-10) vs. Chagrin Falls (17-13) at The Ball Park at Hudson, Thurs., 2 p.m.
#2 Poland Seminary (26-3) vs. Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (14-11) at The Ball Park at Hudson, Thurs., 5 p.m.
Regional Final: at The Ball Park at Hudson, Fri., 5 p.m.

Region 8 – Mason Regional

#21 Tippecanoe (22-7) vs. Columbus St. Francis DeSales (19-8) at Mason H.S., Thurs., 2 p.m.
Hamilton Badin (19-11) vs. #6 Archbishop McNicholas (21-5) at Mason H.S., Thurs., 5 p.m.
Regional Final: at Mason High School, Fri., 5 p.m.

Div. II State Tournament at Huntington Park, Columbus

Region 7 vs. Region 6, Thursday, June 2, 10 a.m.
Region 5 vs. Region 8, Thursday, June 2, 1 p.m.
Div. II State Championship: Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m.

Regional Team Previews

PBR Rankings Overview of Division II:

• Preseason Team Rankings : 5 in top 10 / 7 in top 20
• Final Team Power Rankings: 3 in top 10 / 8 in top 24

#3 Steubenville (22-2)

School Facts:

• Has advanced to state five times with the last time coming in 2004.
  

Top Players:

1. Anthony Zorne
2. Dimitrios Collaros
3. Devin Ferguson
4. Niko Petrides
5. Gino Pierro
6. Ryan Bernard
7. Mitchell Gulan
8. Nicky Zorne
9. Nick Scott

New Philadelphia (15-11)

School Facts:

• First time back to regionals since 2009. 

Possible Lineup:

1. Noah Taylor, CF, 2016 - .367 BA, 2 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 29 R, 14 RBIs
2. Jeremy Long, DH, 2016 - .397 BA, 5 2B, 1 HR, 17 R, 22 RBIs
3. Colton Thomas, P, 2016 - .373 BA, 6 2B, 1 3B, 18 R, 22 RBIs
4. John Marshall, 1B, 2016 - .391 BA, 8 2B, 14 R, 15 RBIs
5. Cobe Hutchison, SS, 2017 - .324 BA, 2 2B, 8 R, 16 RBIs
6. TJ Enos, LF, 2017 - .311 BA, 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 15 R, 17 RBIs
7. Kurt Pallotto, RF, 2016 - .283 BA, 5 2B, 14 R, 9 RBIs
8. Scott Krieger, 3B, 2016 or Layne Parks, 3B, 2018
9. Logan McRichard, 2B, 2017

The Arms:

1. Jeremy Long, 2016
2. John Marshall, 2016
3. Layne Parks, 2018
4. Colton Thomas, 2016

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: We started well, 9-4, then pitching and defense took a break. We have played well in tourney.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: Our 10 seniors decided they didn't want the season to end and really led us.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: Awesome feeling, 1st time since 2009.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: Every team is capable of winning the regional.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far?
Coach: We have had different players step up with a big hit, great defensive play or great inning off the bump.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: This is a bunch of players who have bonded together and decided they wanted to make a long tourney run for their school, community, but most importantly for each other.

Athens (17-11)

Season Facts:

• This will be the first time since 2004 that Athens High School has been to the regional tournament. No team in Athens High School history (since the 1967 merger of Athens, The Plains, and Chauncey Dover High Schools into what is now known as Athens High School in The Plains) has been to the Elite-8.

Possible Lineup:

1. Andy Kostival, CF, 2017 - .322 BA, 5 2B, 1 3B, 23 R, 14 RBIs, 8 SB
2. Joseph Thomas, SS, 2017 - .389 BA, 7 2B, 2 3B, 27 R, 23 RBIs, 11 SB
3. Brock Stewart, C, 2017 - .338 BA, 10 2B, 1 HR, 16 R, 18 RBIs
4. Brendan Sano, P/3B, 2017 - .466 BA, 13 2B, 1 3B, 24 R, 28 RBIs, 7 SB
5. Brody Rodgers, P/DH, 2017 - .299 BA, 6 2B, 3 HR, 13 R, 25 RBIs
6. Taylor Stieffel, RF, 2017 - .409 BA, 2 2B, 17 R, 5 RBIs
7. Cameron Kasler, 1B, 2017 - .255 BA, 1 2B, 8 R, 11 RBIs
8. Trey Keiffer, LF, 2016 - .299 BA, 1 2B, 20 R, 6 RBIs, 18 SB
9. Hunter Mullins, 2B, 2016 - .224 BS, 4 2B, 10 R, 9 RBIs

The Arms:

1. Brendan Sano, RHP, 2017 - 54.2 IP, 5-2, 1 SV, 1.54 ERA, 92 K
2. Brody Rodgers, RHP, 2017 - 37.2 IP, 6-2, 1.12 ERA, 34 K
3. Cameron Kasler, LHP, 2017 - 30.1 IP, 3-2, 1 SV, 2.31 ERA, 19 K
4. Taylor Stieffel, LHP, 2017 - 10.1 IP, 6 K
5. Waylon Bradbury, RHP, 2017 - 26 IP, 19 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: We had a lot of questions coming into this season after graduating 9 seniors, 6 of which were starters, from last season. When we began off-season strength and conditioning in November and we had as many as 30 kids coming out to join us in the weight room, it was encouraging, and it communicated to our coaching staff that we were going to have a dedicated group of baseball players this season who desired to work hard every day. And that has been the characteristic of this team. They enjoy practicing, and they enjoy just being together in general.

We began our season with a lot more “downs” than “ups.” We knew we were going to have a tough league schedule in which we’d have to battle for every win, and we also had a very competitive non-league schedule. Early in the season we lost several close ballgames, but then we eventually started to find ways to win those. And as long as we’re winning them at this time of the season we’re fine with the way things played out early on. It has prepared us to be in the position we are in today.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: We have just 2 seniors, Hunter Mullins and Trey Keiffer, but they have both provided a lot of leadership, especially during some critical times in the season when we needed an extra boost. During rain days we would have team meetings and skull sessions, and the encouragement from our senior leaders was very timely.

Additionally, we have a very strong junior class. While one or two guys may stand up at times and provide a moment of leadership when the team needs it, these guys have always stood on an equal plane, looking to each other and seeing one another as a true family. They are “baseball” guys, with baseball minds and hearts. They understand the game and they're not just teammates, but truly best friends who are playing a game they love and have grown up together playing.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: We are thrilled. The community is excited for us. Alumni are pumped. The kids have received lots of congratulations and well-wishes from classmates, teachers, alums, and even area rivals who are glad to see a local team advance to the regionals. This is the first time since 2004 since Athens High School has been to the baseball regional semifinal. Even more, no Athens High School team has ever advanced to the regional championship, so this group has the opportunity to make school history this week.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: Gant Memorial Stadium is an historic site for baseball. Lots of great teams and players have played there and then gone on to play in the state championship. We want our guys to see it as a special opportunity to follow in those footsteps.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far?
Coach: We’ve had some key pitches, big defensive plays, and key hits in all 4 of our tournament games to get us to where we are. The beauty of that is they haven’t all come from the same person. Any guy on this squad in any given moment has the ability to step up in a big way.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We’ve been so blessed to have tremendous support from our community in this tournament run. The players’ and coaches’ families and extended family members have come out. Athens Bulldogs students, parents, youth (Athens Sandlot) players, coaches, teachers, alumni, local businesses… have all been very kind and supportive. We just hope to keep making them proud. Athens has had a long, rich tradition in baseball in southeastern Ohio. It’s a great baseball town, and this team is helping to revive that spirit.

Waverly (21-8)

Season Facts:

• 8th district title in school history (1952, 53, 54, 97, 2003, 09, 13, 16).

1. Clayton Howell, RHP, 2018
2. Jake Henderson, RHP, 2016
3. Talon Osborne, RHP, 2018
4. Jake Reed, RHP, 2018
5. Logan Kottenbrook, RHP, 2017

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: Our team has really matured over the past year especially the second half of this season. We start 5 sophomores most nights and are very pleased with their progression  this past year.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: Our 2 seniors, Jake and Joe Henderson, have been invaluable teaching our team how to go to work every day and be great teammates. They have laid the groundwork for this team to succeed.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: This team has been finding ways to win, doing the little things you need to do to be successful. We are very proud of this accomplishment.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: The regional field is very strong once again and you better be ready to play at a high level for 7 innings or whatever it takes.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far?
Coach: Our tournament run has been intense to say the least. Three leftys have thrown complete games against us but we have won 3-1, 3-2 and 2-1.

#10 Padua Franciscan (21-5)

School Facts:

• Has advanced to state three times, with the last time coming in 2005

Possible Lineup:

1. Kevin Houdek, 2B, 2016
2. Marc Ochoa, P/CF, 2016
3. Alex Ludwick, P/SS/CF, 2017
4. Michael Kilner, C, 2016
5. Mike Platten, 3B, 2016
6. David Miller, LF, 2016
7. Matthew Kazmour, 1B/2B, 2018
8. Nick Pillin, RF, 2017
9. Matt Roder, RF/DH, 2016

The Arms:

1. Marc Ochoa, RHP, 2016
2. Kyle Wisniewski , RHP, 2017
3. Matt Jackman, RHP, 2016
4. Alex Ludwick, RHP, 2017
5. Justin Beckwith, RHP, 2017

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: We have seen a steady improvement from last season (14-14) from the start of tryouts this year. Although talented, we were very young team last year. Every player played at a higher level travel ball schedule and the confidence was very noticeable this year coming in. Once players believe they have arrived as a team it's easy for them to buy into the team goals and plans for this season. All the indoor practices as well as the mental side of preparation was key to starting off and maintaining a strong push to where we are getting ready for regionals.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: Since we have a senior-heavy team, it was very early that they took charge as the leaders. Marc Ochoa, Mike Kilner and Kevin Houdek were the three that stood out and make this team go. All seniors and all with the same leadership skills by their play and vocalizing making sure that their team is ready for all games. To see them grow into the young men they are becoming in these roles also give the coaches a confident feeling knowing that we are ready to handle any hurdles thus far in this season.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: It has been 4 years of hard work to get this program back to what it was when coach Zofka hired me as his assistant coach in the early 2000s. For the 5 years I was here before, we attended regionals all 5 years and made it to state 1 of those years.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: With Defiance, Bishop Waterson, Lexington and ourselves this has shaped up to being one of the toughest regionals in the state. All teams possess strengths that will help make each game a very highly-competitive contest.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far?
Coach: Our pitching staff has been the backbone of our run this far through the region. Thus far our staff has given up two runs. In the district championship game Kyle Wiszniewski was two outs away from a perfect game only to give up a hit with 1 out in the top of the 7th and ended the game on another ground ball double play. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: With the 21-5 record come some conference recognition. We had 5 all-conference players 1st team we had 4 conference players on the 2nd team and 3 on honorable mention. I also want to point out that Kevin Houdek is the conference MVP for the 2016 season.

#17 Lexington (20-7)

Season Facts:

• 5th district title in school history, 1st since 2005.
• 3rd 20-win season in last 11 years. 

Possible Lineup: 

1. Hunter Biddle #30, P, 2017 - .361 BA, 4 2B, 1 3B, 25 R, 23 RBIs
2. Joey Vore, #9, CF, 2016 - .262 BA, 3 2B, 21 R, 9 RBIs
3. Austin Eifrid, #1, SS, 2017 - .407 BA, 9 2B, 1 3B, 34 R, 16 RBIs
4. Jared Strickler, #20, 2B, 2018 - .371 BA, 4 2B, 12 R, 15 RBIs
5. Matt Frazier, #21, 3B/P, 2016 - .313 BA, 3 2B, 1 HR, 14 R, 18 RBIs
6. Andrew Iten, #15, DH, 2016 - .255 BA, 4 2B, 8 R, 13 RBIs for #11, Spencer Steinhoff, 1B, 2016
7. Jacob Odson, #9, C, 2017 - .183 BA, 4 2B, 15 R, 9 RBIs
8. Cory Swartzmiller, #7, LF, 2017 - .250 BA, 4 2B, 1 3B, 10 R, 11 RBIs
9. Brady Kunkle, #10, RF, 2016 - .243 BA, 1 2B, 11 R, 9 RBIs

The Arms: 

1. Hunter Biddle, RHP, 2017 - 51 IP, 6-2, 1 SV, 1.23 ERA, 42 K
2. Austin Eifrid, RHP, 2017 - 37.1 IP, 3-3, 2 SV, 2.81 ERA, 26 K
3. Matt Frazier, RHP, 2016 - 47 IP, 6-1, 1 SV, 1.19 ERA, 29 K
4. Jared Strickler, RHP, 2018 - 15.2 IP, 1-1, 3 SV, 3.12 ERA, 15 K
5. Brady Kunkle, RHP, 2016 - 20.2 IP, 3-0, 1 SV, 12 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: We had to replace 3 big hitters and senior captains in Evan Lee, Nick Adams, and Josh Verspoor who were our 3, 4, 5-hole hitters and middle of the field defenders. Our biggest improvements came in overall team running game and small ball to make up for the loss of power. We also had a huge improvement in senior Matt Frazier who became our #2 pitcher and hit .313. Our team defense remained as good as last year’s. Our pitching as a team improved.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: Senior Joey Vore emerged as a vocal leader in the dugout about midway through the season. Senior Matt Frazier became a leader on the field. Juniors Hunter Biddle, Jacob Odson, and Austin Eifrid became underclassmen leaders on the field.  The team has solid chemistry and it shows during close games.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: We emerged through a meat grinder of a district and defeated some of the toughest teams. What prepared us is that we faced many district teams in the regular season and the fact that our league is so good featuring several D1 programs. We thought we had a regional team last year so it is great to get there this year. 

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: We have scouted Padua and they are solid. Obviously Defiance or Watterson will be in the regional final. We have to play our game and play defense to give ourselves a chance.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far?
Coach: We defeated the #1 seed and #18 team in the state, Vermilio,n on their field 8-4. That sent the message to the district and our kids that we are for real.

#1 Defiance (25-2)

School Facts:

• 36-straight winning seasons
• 23 20-win seasons
• 3 state championships
• 5 regional championships
• 18 district championships
  

Possible Lineup:

1. Shay Smiddy, P, 2016 - .342 BA, 5 2B, 26 R, 10 RBIs, 14 SB
2. Braden Frederick,  CF, 2017 - .385 BA, 7 2B, 27 R, 12 RBIs, 16 SB
3. Connor Stykemain, SS, 2016 - .437 BA, 4 2B, 25 R, 18 RBIs, 19 SB
4. Charlie Gordon, 3B, 2017 - .313 BA, 5 2B, 12 R, 20 RBIs, 16 SB
5. Jacob Jimenez, C, 2016 - .269 BA, 3 2B, 1 3B, 10 R, 18 RBIs
6. Austin Taylor, 2B, 2017 - .235 BA, 2 2B, 12 R, 13 RBIs, 7 SB
7. Gage Grunden, DH, 2018 - .389 BA, 1 HR, 9 R, 2 RBIs for Abram Smith, 1B, 2016
8. Bryce Borton, LF, 2018 - .309 BA, 3 2B, 1 3B, 18 R, 7 RBIs, 14 SB
9. Emilio Gonzalez, RF, 2018 - .255 BA, 4 2B, 1 HR, 11 R, 12 RBIs, 10 SB

The Arms:

1. Shay Smiddy, RHP, 2016 - 68.2 IP, 10-0, 2 SV, 0.41 ERA, 78 K
2. Abram Smith, LHP, 2016 - 55.2 IP, 7-2, 3 SV, 1.63 ERA, 53 K
3. Braden Frederick, RHP, 2017 - 34 IP, 6-0, 1.85 ERA, 37 K
4. Logan Andonian, RHP, 2018 - 10.1 IP, 1-0, 1.35 ERA, 13 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: This team has continued to develop from last summer through this spring. The seniors accepting their roles has been a key ingredient for us this spring.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: Shay Smiddy, Connor Stykemain and Abram Smith have been our leaders. They are all different, but bring tremendous leadership skills to the table. 

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: Getting to the Sweet 16 in my opinion tops winning a league title. This is when your community really starts to pay attention to baseball.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: We will be facing one of the best lefty’s in the state in Matt Dockman. We know Watterson is well coached and will play fundamental baseball. We don’t know much about Lexington or Padua at this point as our focus is on Watterson.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far?
Coach: We have only given up 1 run thus far.

#24 Bishop Watterson (18-9)

Season Facts:

• 15th regional appearance in school history

Top Hitters:

1. Adam Stotler (DH) .394
2. Alex Gabel (CF) .330
3. Christian Kroger (C) .348
4. Josh Brobst (LF) .322
5. Will Davis (1B) .351
6. Nathan Meyer (SS) .305

The Arms:

1. Matt Dockman, 10-1, 0.889 ERA, 86 K, 8 BB
2. Cal McAninch, 1-1, 1.167 ERA, 21 K, 7 BB

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: We lost 9 seniors from last year's Final Four team, losing 3 of our top pitchers. We are a young team with only 2 seniors in the starting lineup. We also start 2 sophomores.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: Our captains, Christian Kroger and Alex Gabel, have been outstanding leaders. It is tough to deal with peers at this level, but they know what it takes to advance in the tournament and have spoken to our guys about the experience and what it means.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: The team has been driven by the different "polls", both the Coaches poll and the PBR poll. Finishing the season ranked 24th in the PBR poll has been spoken about numerously and the kids feel that our strength of schedule has not been respected. We hope to prove these polls wrong as we continue into the tournament. A lot of teams ranked above us our now getting ready for summer baseball and that has been a driving force.

Akron SVSM (15-10)

School Facts:

• Has advanced to state four times with the last time coming in 1995.
  

Top Players:

1. Brandon Bischof
2. Stephen Currie

Chagrin Falls (17-13)

School Facts:

• Has never advanced to state.
  

Top Players:

1. Colin Kennedy
2. Tyler Zaluski

#2 Poland Seminary (26-3)

• Has advanced to state twice (2015, 1983).

1. Anthony Calcagni – SS- Senior - .447 BA, 14 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 28 RBIs, 11 SB
2. Eric White – CF – Senior - .423 BA, 7 2B, 1 3B, 20 RBIs
3. Pad O’Shaughnessy – 1B – Junior - .419 BA, 8 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 27 RBIs
4. Nick Petrolla – C – Junior - .351 BA, 11 2B, 21 RBIs
5. Tony Chairo – LF – Junior - .328 BA, 6 2B, 13 RBIs
6. Dan Klase – P – Junior - .328 BA, 7 2B, 1 3B, 14 RBIs
7. Jared Burkert – 2nd – Senior - .328 BA, 2 2B, 9 RBIs
8. Matt Baker – RF – Senior - .362 BA, 2 2B, 7 RBIs
9. Don Drummond – DH – Junior - .326 BA, 2 2B, 1 3B, 14 RBIs / Braeden O’Shaughnessy 3rd - Freshman

The Arms:  

1. Dan Klase – RHP – Junior - 35.2 IP, 6-1, 1.17 ERA, 31 K
2. Mike Maillis – RHP – Senior - 26.1 IP, 3-0, 2.39 ERA, 17 K
3. Jared Burkert – RHP – Senior (Will be starter in semi if his arm feel better, has been hurt for 4 weeks) - 20 IP, 3-0, 2.10 ERA, 23 K
4. Matt Baker – LHP – Senior 17.1 IP, 4-0, 3.23 ERA, 15 K
5. Eric White – LHP – Senior
6. Don Drummond – RHP - Junior

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: This group of kids have been persistent hard workers from day 1. Whether we were in the gym due to rain/snow at Florida playing in the heat, or on the fields in Ohio, the kids have just worked incredibly hard.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: We have a tremendous group of seniors who have worked hard all year to keep the team on track to where they believe we should be. I think they had one goal in mind and that was to win the district and see how much longer the ride could last after that. Anthony Calcagni, Jared Burkert, and Eric White have been the spokesmen for the team and really never except anything but hard work and dedication. They are the guys we turn to when things get tough, and they always have found a way to motivate the team. They lead by example and by voice, and that’s been very important this season.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: We’re excited. It was something we knew was possible, but with baseball you just never know. We’ve been in a lot of close games this year and we feel that has made us a more prepared and generally better team. We’re excited for the opportunity again.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: Haven’t had an opportunity to look too deep into it yet. At this point all the teams here are very skilled, and you have to play your best game to advance and that is our goal.

Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin (14-11)

School Facts:

• Has advanced to state five times (2014, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2001).
  

Top Players:

1. Samuel Frontino
2. Jake Butler

#21 Tippecanoe (22-7)

School Facts:

• Has never advanced to state.
  

Top Hitters:

1. Andrew Kraska - .415 BA, 5 2B, 3 3B, 25 R, 29 RBIs, 9 SB
2. Cole Barhorst - .352 BA, 2 2B, 13 R, 17 RBIs
3. Jacob Ambos - .341 BA, 3 2B, 1 3B, 18 R, 10 RBIs
4. Justyn Eichbaum - .329 BA, 4 2B, 4 HR, 14 R, 18 RBIs

The Arms:

1. Aaron Hughes - 56.1 IP, 8-1, 0.75 ERA, 48 K
2. Evan Ford - 55.2 IP, 6-3, 2 SV, 1.51 ERA, 54 K
3. Bradley Calhoun - 39.1 IP, 3-2, 1 SV, 2.67 ERA, 35 K

Columbus St. Francis DeSales (19-8)

School Facts:

• 10th regional appearance in last 19 years.

Possible Lineup:

1. Justin Antoncic, SS, Sr.
2. Greg Gilbert, P, So.
3. Luke Barber, 1B, Jr.
4. Brendan Alas, 3B, Sr.
5. Joey Velazquez, LF, Fr.
6. Ryan Corkrean, CF, Jr.
7. Drew McLuckie, RF, Jr.
8. Dimitri Bergados, 2B, Jr.
9. Nick Smith, C, Sr.

The Arms:

1. Greg Gilbert, RHP, So.
2. Drew McLuckie, RHP, Jr.
3. Chris McNally, RHP, Jr.
4. Luke Barber, RHP, Jr.
5. Logan Weithman, LHP, Sr.

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: Our team has really focused on getting stronger in the fall/winter. Throughout the season we have developed our confidence and worked on our ability to win games when the pressure is on.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: We have had strong senior leadership this season. It has been important because we have a group of players that are always positive and picking each other up when things go wrong.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: I am so happy for our kids because they have worked so hard to achieve this goal for our season. The district is very difficult to win because everyone knows each other.  We are very excited to have this opportunity

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: I feel that this regional is very competitive. Each team has solid pitching and some really tough bats in their lineups.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far?
Coach: We have never trailed in a tournament game this year.

Hamilton Badin (19-11)

School Facts:

• 17th regional appearance in school history (50 years).

Possible Lineup:

1. Cole Heflin, CF, 2016 - .212 BA, 15 R, 9 RBIs, 10 SB
2. David Begley, 2B, 2016 - .347 BA, 6 2B, 15 R, 11 RBIs
3. Cody Boxrucker, C, 2016 - .359 BA, 7 2B, 4 3B, 22 R, 24 RBIs, 12 SB
4. Zach Larkin, 1B, 2016 - .411 BA, 5 2B, 1 3B, 7 R, 21 RBIs
5. Mitchell Raley, DH, 2016 - .295 BA, 5 2B
6. Ross Mulcare, RF, 2016 - .469 BA, 8 2B, 22 R, 17 RBIs, 10 SB
7. Daunte DeCello, SS, 2018 - .291 BA, 4 2B, 21 R, 11 RBIs
8. Andrew Walsh, LF, 2017 - .310 BA / Gavin Matthews, LF, 2017 - .265 BA
9. Garrett Hogan, 3B, 2016 - .324 BA, 3 2B, 15 R, 11 RBIs

The Arms:

1. Logan Heintzman, 2016, RHP - 51.1 IP, 6-2, 1.36 ERA, 56 K
2. Nick Taylor, RHP, 2017 - 24 IP, 3-1, 2.92 ERA, 24 K
3. Cameron Madden, RHP, 2017 - 25.1 IP, 1-1, 1 SV, 1.38 ERA, 33 K
4. Devon Valentino, RHP, 2018 - 24.1 IP, 5-2, 2.01 ERA, 16 K
5. Jeff Beadle, RHP, 2016 - 9.1 IP, 2 SV, 2.25 ERA, 7 K
6. Seth Klaiber, RHP, 2018 - 10.1 IP, 9 K
7. Luke Fischer, RHP, 2016 - 22.2 IP, 18 K
8. Zac Wilson, RHP, 2018 - 11.1 IP, 7 K
9. Kyle McGill, RHP, 2016
10. Andrew Roell, RHP, 2017

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: This group of guys have been a lot of fun to coach. It has been an up and down year in regards to wins and losses and we definitely had a low point midway through the year that could have gone one way or the other. The leaders on our team chose to have it go in the right direction and we haven’t looked back since. Our strength and conditioning coach, coach Stricker, has us stronger and more athletic than ever and we have really hit our stride in the post season.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: The unique part of this team is that we have leadership from at least one member from each class we have on the team (2018, 2017, 2016). We have a large number of seniors on our roster but our leadership is not limited to just seniors. Part of the growth process this year has been getting comfortable with this dynamic and younger players understanding that they do not have to wait until their senior year to step up and embrace the leadership role. With that being said, our seniors have done an outstanding job of modeling tremendous work ethic, leadership and a true love for the game of baseball. 

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: We had a very talented team in 2015 and were eliminated from the tournament last year in our first game. This was the first time in a very long time (25 years area) that this occurred so it was something that many associated with our program had not experienced before. Every day still involved in the state tournament is a true blessing and we are extremely humbled to have the opportunity to continue our season.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: Very challenging regional field. All four teams are very solid.

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: It is an honor to coach at Badin and be a part of a baseball program with so much history and pride. Our players understand the unique opportunity they have each day they get to put on the Badin uniform. Our baseball alumni are very involved in our success and they drive us to represent the “B” each and every day.

#6 Archbishop McNicholas (21-5)

School Facts:

• Back-to-back trips to regionals.

Possible Lineup: 

1. Will Vogelgesang, SS, Sr. - .523 Ba, 10 2B, 7 3B, 2 HR, 40 R, 27 RBIs, 25 SB
2. Adam Hisch, CF, Sr. - .364 BA, 4 2B, 13 R, 21 RBIs
3. Sam Browning, P, Sr. - .361 BA, 3 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 16 R, 25 RBIs
4. Ryan Byrne, C, Sr. - .380 BA, 8 2B, 1 HR, 13 R, 15 RBIs
5. Grant Hessman, LF, Sr. - .410 BA, 4 2B, 4 3B, 3 HR, 17 R, 20 RBIs
6. Nick Taylor, 1B, Sr. - .246 BA, 1 2B, 14 R, 10 RBIs
7. Brian Ford, DH, Jr. - .389 BA, 1 2B, 9 R, 8 RBIs for Jordan Ritter, RF, Sr.
8. Michael Lang, 3B, Soph. - .314 BA, 2 2B, 13 R, 8 RBIs
9. Nick Costello, 2B, Sr. - .285 BA, 12 R

The Arms: 

1. Sam Browning, RHP, Sr. - 55 IP, 6-1, 1.27 ERA, 63 K
2. Jordan Ritter, RHP, Sr. - 41 IP, 6-2, 1.71 ERA, 29 K
3. Liam Brooks, RHP, Sr. - 13.2 IP, 3-0, 1 SV, 2.05 ERA, 11 K
4. Zach Arnold, LHP, Jr. - 26 IP, 3-1, 22 K
5. Brian Ford, RHP, Jr. - 7.2 IP, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 6 K

Coaches Thoughts: 

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: The guys have been hitting and doing voluntary workouts together since November. The seniors have bonded very well.  The have truly become a “Team” and I believe that this is the reason we have advanced this far. Many of these guys have been playing varsity baseball since they were sophomores, so they are ready.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: We have 11 seniors. Each has become a leader in his own way. Will Vogelgesang has taken the greatest role of team leader and the rest of the seniors have followed. The big thing to me is each player accepting their individual role on this team. It is truly the player’s team and not mine. I have been very happy how they have responded to their roles.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: We have had a very good year, winning the GCL for the first time outright. We then won sectionals and districts. We have talked about getting to state since the beginning of the season so this (getting to regionals) is just step 3. We have 2 more steps to go.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: Badin is always good and our big rival. I know that St. Francis DeSales has had a very good year and Tippecanoe has been playing great lately and has had excellent pitching with each win. Should be three great games.