by Chagrin Falls, Ohio – Thanks to a three-run second inning that made the difference, Akron SVSM held off various Chagrin Falls rallies to win, 5-2, on Saturday afternoon.
Senior Aistis Miskinis had a two-out single to right field to give the Irish to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning.
In the second inning, Michael Bronowski had a single and an RBI to increase the lead to 2-0. Junior outfielder Tyler Lenz followed with a double to right-center field to increase the Irish lead to 4-0.
In the bottom of the fourth, Sven Nielsen broke the shutout with a two-run double to left field. This cut the deficit in half, 4-2.
However, freshman pitcher Tyler Slone, making his first career varsity start, got out of the inning without any further damage. He struck out six batters in four innings of work.
The Irish got a runner on in the top of the sixth and scored thanks to heads-up base running on a fielders’ choice grounder to increase their lead to 5-2.
Sophomore reliever Aidan Zwisler worked 1 2/3 innings of relief, and got out of a jam in the fifth inning. Chagrin Falls would get a couple of runners on board in the sixth inning, and SVSM went to the bullpen.
Sophomore reliever Connor Christie came on in relief, looking to bail the Irish out.
He got the job done, forcing a fly-out to end the sixth with the bases loaded. He would work around a hit in the bottom of the seventh to clinch the victory, picking up his third save of the season.
Senior catcher and Wittenberg commit Michael Bronowski had a single, RBI, and run scored. He also threw out a pair of runners. Zack Kurkey had a pair of singles, a steal and a run scored.
Akron SVSM hosts Cardinal Mooney on Tuesday afternoon.
Chagrin Falls hosts Lakeside Monday afternoon with a chance to win the CVC Chagrin Division.
Senior pitcher Calvin Hill worked 1 1/3 innings in relief, giving up just a pair of hits. Mount Union commit Leo Fornara worked a scoreless seventh inning for the Tigers. Junior infielder Gavin Stevens went 1-2 with a run scored and two walks.
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