Two teams from Geauga County, in the same conference, squared off in a rubber match May 29, with the winner earning a berth in the Sweet Sixteen.
Two teams from Geauga County, in the same conference, squared off in a rubber match May 29, with the winner earning a berth in the Sweet Sixteen.
Chagrin Falls trailed by a run entering the bottom of the third, then erupted for six runs in that inning, claiming a 9-3 Division V district final win over CVC foe Berkshire.
Early on, the Tigers used two two-run hits to help fuel the fire.
“We’ve kind of struggled all year in those situations where we might get a walk for a run or ground ball,” said Chagrin Falls Head Coach Michael Sweeney, “but to get some hits that got more than one run in on a single at bat was tremendous.
“We got some key hits tonight, and that was awesome for us.”
Berkshire broke through for the first run of the game in the top of the second inning courtesy of a two-out RBI ground-rule double from Sam Barcikoski.
Then Chagrin Falls rallied for six runs in the third behind a two-run double by Jack Watson, followed by Dylan Pribanic’s two-run single, for a 4-1 advantage.
Leo Calabrese drove in Pribanic on an error, then Eric Nemunaitis ripped an RBI single to left for a 6-1 lead after three.
Chagrin Falls rallied for three more runs in the fifth behind a Calabrese infield single for an RBI, a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch to Nemunaitis, then a Will Murray sacrifice fly to bring home the final run — up 9-1 after five frames.
The Badgers cut into the deficit with a two-run sixth with RBI singles from Evan Pollock and Oliver Miller. It just wasn’t enough.
This is the Tigers’ first district championship win since the 2022 season.
“Once we got healthy and got everybody back, we knew we had a chance to do this,” Coach Sweeney said. “It’s just been a fun time with this great group of kids who just love to play baseball and compete. We have three goals every year: win the CVC, win 20 games, and then win the district championship, too, and we got all those today.”
Berkshire and Chagrin Falls split the season series in CVC play, but the Tigers got the final say to end May and punch their ticket to the Sweet Sixteen.
“It was cool to play them,” Coach Sweeney said of Berkshire. “Going into the postseason, we knew they were on the other side; we knew that they could get here. … Maybe it was more of a surprise that we got there. We felt that we were good enough, we just had to perform, and we’ve been doing that. So it’s been fun.”
Pribanic led the offense, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and runs scored, while Joey Tenebria scored twice and recorded three hits himself.
Watson, Nemunaitis and Calabrese each recorded a hit and two RBIs each.
Getting the win, pitcher Ethan Nielsen worked four innings, allowing one run on four hits with five walks and three strikeouts.
Noah Schaefer earned the save in the final three innings, allowing two runs on five hits with one walk and two strikeouts.
Berkshire went 5-15 a year ago, hired a new head coach in Craig Barstow, and finished the season 13-14, finishing as district runner-up.
“We knew, going into this year, we would be a little bit better with our growth,” Coach Barstow said. “We’ve done a lot of good things, and I just wanted to put my stamp on it, taking a 5-15 team and going 13-14 and making it to a district final.
“We like where we’re going, and obviously we lose two big pieces between Sam Barcikoski and Patrick Brancel, who have been two very key contributors to the team. We have made a lot of growth, and a lot of youth to grow next season, and we’re looking forward to the future.”
Barcikoski led the offense, going 3-for-4 with an RBI, while Miller went 2-for-4 with an RBI as well.
Brancel, Jake Ulatowski and Paden Brent each collected hits.
Christopher Brancel tossed six innings and took the loss, allowing five runs on nine hits with five walks and strikeouts.
Chagrin Falls would advance to face the Waynedale Golden Bears from Apple Creek, Ohio, on June 3 in the Division V Region 17 Semifinal at Massillon Washington High School.
