Rootstown tops Springfield 8-1 behind 5-run 5th and complete game from Kreitzburg
ROOTSTOWN, OH- Rootstown Community Park was the host site for an OHSAA Division 6 Sectional Semifinal matchup on Saturday afternoon. The #11 seed Rootstown Rovers were matched up against #18 seed New Middletown Springfield from Mahoning County. This was a reschedule from a rainout on Thursday. The Rovers used a big 5-run 5th inning and the arm of Brady Kreitzburg to cruise to an 8-1 win.
Springfield would strike first in the opening inning off of the big lefty Kreitzburg. N. Troggio walked to begin the game and would steal second base. With one out J. Ensley would bring him around on a sharp single to third for a 1-0 lead.
Springfield scores the first run of the game in the top of the 1st
The Rovers would get a pair of two out baserunners after a walk to Carson Hayn and Ethan White was hit by a pitch but did not score. Tigers led 1-0 after one.
Kreitzburg would set the Tigers down in order in the top of the 2nd including a pair of strikeouts.
Brady Kreitzburg strikes out a pair of Tigers in the 2nd inning
In the bottom half the Rovers would tie things up. With two outs back to back singles by Kreitzburg and Brady Brown put runners at first and second. Alex Ely then doubled to left center scoring Krietzburg from second. We were tied 1-1 after two.
Alex Ely laces a two out RBI double in the 2nd
Kreitzburg would allow a walk in the top of the 3rd but held the Tigers in check. Rootstown would add two more in the bottom half. Carson Hayn was hit by a pitch to begin the inning. Ethan White then doubled to left moving Hayn to third. After a pop out, RJ Soika ripped a 2-run single down the left field line giving the Rovers a 3-1 lead after three.
RJ Soika rips a 2-run single putting the Rovers ahead 3-1
It remained a 3-1 game until the bottom of the 5th when the Rovers broke it open. Soika led off with double to left center. Landon Rodstrom would bring him home with a single to right field.
Landon Rodstrom with an RBI single in the 5th
Kreitzburg would move pinch runner Jayden Whitesel to second with a sacrifice bunt. After Brown was hit by a pitch, Ely was intentionally walked to load the bases. Sean Boveington would then blast one deep into the left centerfield gap scoring a pair.
Sean Boveington blasts a 2-run double deep to left center
Carson Hayn would cap off the 5-run 5th with a 2-run single to right giving the Rovers a commanding 8-1 lead after five.
Carson Hayn with a 2-run single in the 5th
Kreitzburg would retire the Tigers in order in the top of the 6th. In the bottom half Anthony Pratt led off with a double but was stranded at second keeping it an 8-1 Rovers lead.
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After a hit batter to start the top of the 7th, Kreitzburg retired the next three which included a nice diving grab by Ely of a sinking line drive to right field. The Rovers prevailed 8-1.
Kreitzburg went the distance allowing only 1 run on 2 hits with 6 strikeouts. RJ Soika had a pair of hits and RBI and Sean Boveington drove in 2 runs.
The Rovers advance to the Division 6 District semifinal on Wednesday to face #8 Columbia.
Rootstown Rovers Sean Boveington, RJ Soika, Brady Kreitzburg & Coach Keith Waesch after their 8-1 D6 Sectional Final win over Springfield
