By Travis Cox

Central Ohio Scout

 

Dublin OH-  Dark clouds, thunder and some rain delayed this Division I Regional Final matchup between Hilliard Darby and Gahanna on Friday.  The first pitch was not thrown until 6:08.

Once the skies opened up, the delay in weather did not affect either pitcher.   After four innings the score was tied at 1-1 and both pitchers were cruising along. 

However, in the top of the fifth inning, dark clouds started to circle the field again.  As the weather was changing so was the momentum.  Gahanna was able to load the bases and sent Alec Tuohy (Buffalo commit) to the plate.  Tuohy responded with a two run double that scored Christian Chiero and Evan White (Kent State commit).

With rain starting to settle in, Darby pitcher Chase Longwell would walk the next batter load the bases once again.  At this point, the umpiring crew decided to suspend the game and have both teams return on Saturday.

Due to Gahanna’s graduation ceremonies earlier in the morning, game time would not begin until 1:00.

When play resumed, Peyton Ross hit a sacrifice fly to score Alex Delp.  Outfielder Trent Champlin followed with a single to score Tuohy and Zach Baumann added another sacrifice fly to give the Lions a 6-1 lead.

Gahanna sophomore, Mason Daniels returned to the mound the next day and continued where he left off.  The young prospect continued to keep the Darby hitters off balance both days, utilizing fastball, looping curveball and a changeup all for strikes. 

After a scoreless sixth inning, the Lions would add on another pair of runs for a score of 8-1.

Daniels sent the Panthers down in order in the in the seventh to give Gahanna and Coach Mike Shade their first ever State appearance.

Hilliard Darby completes their season with a 20-11 record.  The Panthers were led at the plate Nate Green with a double and Stephon Hernon, who singled and scored.

Daniels had a big day on the mound with the win, going all seven innings and giving up three hits and striking out four batters.

Gahanna, who is now 22-9, advances to the state semifinal at 7 p.m. June 7 at Huntington Park.  They are still waiting for their opponent of Toledo St. Francis or Cleveland St. Ignatius.

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

To discuss this game, please visit our partner JJHuddle.