The aroma of the fresh cut grass, the perfectly groomed dirt, composite metal connecting with the rawhide cover of the first pitch of the season, the delicious smack as the baseball slams into glove leather, these are all images, senses that anyone would passionately associate with the best season of all: baseball season.

 

On Thursday, September 7^th at Steve Allbaugh Memorial Field in Oakley Park, the TYSA Minor Division (8-10 year olds) got to experience each and every one of those feelings as they kicked off their Fall Season. Three teams comprise the division in 2023: Little Hugo’s, Perkins Professional Lawn Care and Seneca East. Made up of Tiffin’s most wonderful 8-10 year old baseball players, the season will consist of games going through October 3^rd (hopefully as long as the weather decides to be a little more cooperative than in the spring) and will be followed by a single elimination tournament to decide our Fall season Champion.

And now,

A recap of the our first games.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 14^th

SENACA EAST v LITTLE HUGOS

The Minor Division kicked off the season in grand style as Seneca East and Little Hugos put on masterpiece opening game. The two teams traded early blows but were deadlocked at 1 for a majority of the game until Seneca East finally broke through when they plated 3 more runs. The Little Hugos’ offense just would not be able to respond to the outburst this time, resulting in a 4-1 Opening Day victory for Seneca East.

 

 

MONDAY, SEPT. 11^th

PERKINS LAWN CARE v. SENECA EAST

Just when everyone thought the Opening Day game was a close action packed affair, Perkins Lawn Care and Seneca East engaged in a classic pitcher’s duel. Defense and Pitching would win the day for Seneca East, as they broke the 1-1 tie in the bottom half of the last inning to get a walk-off victory 2-1.

Perkins was led at the plate by Nikolai Stone’s RBI double. Harrison Church added a hit as well. Jackson Sturgill would contribute a hit and pitch 3 exceptional innings, striking out 8  hitters along the way.

 

TUESDAY, SEPT. 12^th

LITTLE HUGO’S v. SENECA EAST

Finally, some teams would find a little offense against the strong pitching that was showing out early. Led by 2 singles and some strong pitching from Harmon Gill, Little Hugo’s forged out an 11-6 victory. Gill wasn’t alone, his teammates were not about to let him have all the fun. Liam Brown exploded with a  double and a single on the night, Joey Foster and Lucien Brown also added singles. Chance McCrory would combine with Gill to finish off an incredible pitching performance.

Seneca East wasn’t going away, combining some incredible defense from Levin Martin and Trent Porter with some quality pitching from Ryder Bordner and Harrison Aichholz.

Trent Porter (2 singles), Tyler Dick (2 singles), Kadin Elswick (2 singles) and Kameron Mohr (2 singles) would lead the offense with multi hit games while Josef Cholodewitsch added a single as well for Seneca East.

 

 

THURSDAY, SEPT. 14^th

PERKINS LAWN CARE v. LITTLE HUGO’S

The offense’s are starting to find their footing and on Thursday, Little Hugo’s and Perkins Lawn Care didn’t disappoint as they engaged in a back and forth affair before Hugo’s finally pulled away for a 6-3 win.

Perkins was again led by an outstanding performance on the mound from Jackson Sturgill who struck out 8 hitters. Kaiden Picciuto would follow and continue the pitching masterpiece as  he contributed 6 more strikeouts. Picciuto also contributed 2 doubles that would score runs including a bullet that was lasered over the shortstop’s head and toward the fence. Anastasia Borer and Nikolai Stone would also had hits on the day.

Hugos’ offense though would not be denied either as Liam Brown electrified the crowd with a multi run scoring triple and a single. Joey Foster continued to produce at the plate with a double of his own and Harmon Gill would add a single.

Foster, Chance McCrory and Gill would combine to set the pace on the mound as well for Hugo’s holding the Perkins offense enough to get the victory.

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2023 TYSA MINOR DIVISION FALL BALL STANDINGS

Little Hugo’s                                        2-1

Seneca East                                         2-1

Perkins Professional Lawn Care         0-2