by Akron, Ohio – The Licking Valley Panthers defeated the University School Preppers, 1-0, in the OHSAA Division III state finals at Canal Park Saturday afternoon.
Both pitchers (Crew Bellan for University School and Evan Roberts for Licking Valley) traded zeroes in the first three innings of the game. Adam West led off the bottom of the fourth with a lead off single for the Panthers. He advanced to second on a wild pitch. With two outs, Carter Sopher battled in an eight-pitch at bat, and hit a grounder to first base. The throw to the pitcher was wide, and Sopher was safe at first. West came around to score, putting Licking Valley ahead, 1-0.
University School threatened in the sixth inning. Cayden Zelenak drew a walk and was replaced by pinch runner Sal Prolizo. Prolizo advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, and moved to third on a grounder. He was caught attempting to steal home when shortstop Brody Rodgers threw a strike to the catcher.
The Preppers got a one-out base hit in the seventh inning, but Roberts closed the door with a flyout and a fielder’s choice, ending the game and punctuating the Panthers’ first state championship in school history.
Licking Valley senior and Mount Union commit Evan Roberts threw a complete game on 85 pitches, allowing just three hits, one walk, and striking out eight. Junior pitcher Crew Bellan threw 82 pitches in six innings, striking out seven innings.
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