by Cleveland, Ohio – The Rhodes Rams captured their fourth consecutive Senate League City Championship with a 5-1 victory over the Lincoln West Wolverines.
Rhodes was making its 27th consecutive title game appearance, and Lincoln West its first appearance since 2022.
The two starting pitchers traded zeros throughout the first three innings of play. Rhodes finally broke through with three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Jesus Cardenas led off with a walk. Manuel Villaran laid down a sacrifice bunt, and was safe on an errant throw to first base. Cardenas advanced to third, and scored on a successful double steal. Daniel Whitt drew a bases-loaded walk that scored Manuel Villaran, and Jason Castillo scored on a wild pitch.
With two out in the top of the fifth, Lincoln West got its first hit of the ball game thanks to a single to center field by Dariel Murdoch. Another single advanced a runner to third. The Wolverines got on board with an RBI single to left field by Ralfi Adames to cut their deficit to 3-1.
The Rams added two more runs in the bottom of the sixth. Jason Castillo led off with a single to left field for Rhodes’ first hit of the game. He stole second and third base, and scored on a wild pitch. Kyan McGhee drew a two-out walk and was pinch-ran for by Victor Colondres. Colondres scored on a wild pitch to increase the lead to 5-1.
Lincoln West tried to mount one more rally in the top of the seventh, loading the bases. But junior starting pitcher Jose Trejo was able to get out of the jam, inducing a grounder to third base for the final out.
Rhodes celebrated its fourth consecutive Senate City Championship (2023-2026). They move on to the OHSAA postseason, facing top-seeded and undefeated Lakewood on Tuesday, May 27th in Division II, Northeast 2 action.
Lincoln West also moves on the OHSAA postseason, as they travel to Holy Name on Thursday, May 21st, in Division IV, Northeast 2 action.
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