Lakota West knocked on top-order Cincinnati Muller 3–2 in a division I regional final on Wednesday evening at Right State University’s Nischwitz Stadium.
It is the first state berth since 2017 for Firebirds (24-7), which was ranked number 13 in the final DI State Coach Association Poll of the season. Moeller, who won the 2023 DI title, was at number 1 in the entire season and was looking at Mason in the last season to return to the state after the regional final loss.
Credit: Bryant Billing
Credit: Bryant Billing
“Sahara for him, they are a great program and a great heritage throughout the year,” Smith said.
“I think it really reflects the determination we have. Growing with these people, these 15 senior, actually show the chemistry we have.”
Smith improved Mueller’s Zion Theophilus, recently named Ohio Getorade Player of the Year and has been drawing interest from Major League baseball teams before the July draft.
Smith hit nine batsmen and gave two hits; Both of Moeller’s runs were unarmed.
He hit Mueller’s Carter Cristianon to record the finals, threw his gloves into the air, then met the team’s companions running away from the dugout in front of the mound to celebrate his cap, and a celebration.
Credit: Bryant Billing
Credit: Bryant Billing
Smith said, “Can’t actually put it in words, which you get.” “These people, growing with them, are just my ride or die, and will be forever.”
Theopillus played six innings and gave eight hits, ran three batsmen and hit nine. All three runs of Lakota West were earned.
“He is an excellent pitcher, it’s no secret,” said Lakota West Coach Brad GSCHWind. “Their goods are incredible. I credit my people for struggling throughout the game.”
The Lakota West will face the winner of the Grove City vs Lewis Center Olyntangi in a state semi -final in a state semi -final in a state semi -finals at the Thurman Munsan Memorial Stadium in Canton. The winners of two di semis will play for the championship on June 15 at 4 pm.
“We have to trust ourselves and do nothing,” Smith said. “We are here for a reason. We are like any of the other four teams that make it, so we just have to trust each other and do it as a team.”
ExplorePhoto Gallery: Lakota West Beats Moeller, State Berth and Regional title
This is the first season that OHSAA has expanded Postsen Play in seven divisions. As a result of this expansion, the two DI areas occurred in the South -West Ohio, due to this part of the state, the largest number of schools in the largest division.
Firebirds will join the northwest Ohio by another South -West Ohio Div. I team. Springboro and Mason (who won the title of Greater Miami Conference before Lakota West) will face a regional final on Thursday evening at Miami University.
Springboro was one of the many strong teams, with Lakota West played in a non -nominal game.
“We try to play the best in the region, and helps difficult opponents to create a tournament,” said a 2007 graduation, who was a prominent player during the program’s loan state championship season. “I think it pays in such a situation where you go against another great team. Our people found a way to get it tonight, and I am very proud of them.”
Firebirds took the lead in the second. LJ Green hit the left-field line to a line-drive double to drive in Isaiah Meadhe-Poss, which reached a split to start the innings. Green later gave Lakota West a 2–0 lead after a split by Parker Isaac.
Moeller (25-4) did not get a hit till the fourth. After Coner Couzo arrives at an error and stealing the second base, Crustenson hit an RBI to the right with two outs and cut off the difference in one run.
A junior catcher Breedon Johson reached the top to the top to top with a triple, which rolled to the fence in the center area. He scored on a sacrifice fly to gain a 3–1 lead.
The crusaders again cut a run in the lower half of an error, single and bottom, but their last six batsmen went down in order, three of which were hit by three.
“Honestly, (everything) was working,” Smith said. “I support my brothers behind me. They really put me in the game, inspired me to live with my luggage and trust myself.”
Smith improved 3–3 in the season; He last won 3–1 over Cincinnati Princeton in a district final.
GSCHWIND said of Wednesday’s performance, “They threw the dues. He struggled with the whole game. When he gave a little bit, he found a way to return to the zone and get out a huge.” “There is a terrible impressive outing to close that crime.”
Credit: Bryant Billing
Credit: Bryant Billing