Locos News
June 10, 2026
Locos Erupt for 14 Runs to Clinch Series Against Michigan
The Lima Locos traveled to Michigan on Wednesday night looking to secure a series win against the Michigan Monarchs.
Callaghan O'Connor got the start for the Locos, while Cole Bronoel-Cuthrel took the mound for the Monarchs.
It didn't take long for Lima to get on the board. Elijah Buffaloe launched a solo home run in the first inning to give the Locos an early 1-0 lead. Michigan answered in the bottom half of the inning, tying the game at 1-1 heading into the second.
The Locos regained the lead in the second after Desmond Francis singled and stole second before eventually scoring on a wild pitch. The advantage was short-lived, however, as the Monarchs responded with a two-run home run to move in front 3-2.
Lima answered immediately in the third. With runners on first and third, Cameron Greene delivered an RBI single to score Jimmy Dionne and tie the game. The Locos weren't finished there, as a throwing error by Michigan allowed Gabe Gonzalez and Greene to score, giving Lima a 5-3 lead.
From that point on, the Locos took control.
In the fifth inning, Buffaloe scored on a double by Gonzalez to extend the lead to 6-3. Following the inning, play was delayed for 25 minutes because of weather, but the interruption did little to slow Lima's offense.
The Locos broke the game open in the sixth. Cameron Owens reached base and eventually scored before Francis added an RBI single. Buffaloe continued his strong night with another RBI hit, while Jimmy Dionne and Gonzalez each drove in runs during a four-run inning that stretched the lead to 10-3.
Lima kept the pressure on in the seventh. Francis collected his third hit of the game and drove in a run, while Tyler VanSumeren added an RBI single. Avery Wilson and Buffaloe each brought home runs as the Locos plated four more to push the lead to 14-3.
With the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League's mercy rule in effect, Michigan needed to score in the bottom of the seventh to extend the game. The Monarchs were unable to do so, going down in order and ending the contest.
It was an impressive offensive performance for the Locos, who scored 14 runs on 16 hits. Several familiar names led the way, with four players recording multiple hits as Lima improved to 4-1 on the season.
The Locos return home Thursday night to close out the series against the Monarchs at Simmons Field.
WP: Callaghan O’Connor (W, 1-0) - 4.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 K, 2 BB
LP: Cole Bronoel-Cuthrel (L, 0-1) - 5.0 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 5 K, BB
SV: Drew Ferguson (Sv, 1)
Locos Notable Players:
Elijah Buffaloe - 3 for 5, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 3 R, SB
Gabe Gonzalez - 4 for 5, 2B, 2 RBI, R
Desmond Francis - 3 for 4, 2 RBI, 3 R, 2 SB
Jimmy Dionne - 2 for 5, 2 2B, RBI, R
Monarchs Notable Players:
Sean Fox: 1 for 3, HR, 2 RBI, R
Ryan Metz: 1 for 3, SB
Tyler Bruggeman, 1 for 3, SB
Article by Isaac Morrison
June 9, 2026
Guillet Closes the Door in 4-3 Win Over Michigan
The Lima Locos returned home Tuesday night to open a three-game series against the Michigan Monarchs.
Wyatt Dion got the start on the mound for Lima, while Jack Murphy took the ball for Michigan.
Dion was tested early when the Monarchs put a runner in scoring position in the opening inning, but he worked out of trouble to keep the game scoreless. The Locos then struck first in the bottom half of the inning. After drawing two walks, Lima got an RBI single from Shane Miranda to take a 1-0 lead.
Michigan answered in the fourth. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases before a single to left field brought home a pair of runs, giving the Monarchs a 2-1 advantage.
The lead didn't last long as Lima loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth and capitalized when Tyler VanSumeren reached on a fielder's choice, allowing the tying run to score and making it 2-2.
The Locos regained control in the fifth. Grant McGuire came around to score on a hit from Jimmy Dionne, and Dionne later crossed the plate himself following a Michigan error. Lima threatened to add more with two runners in scoring position and two outs, but the inning ended with the Locos holding a 4-2 lead.
Looking for some insurance in the eighth, the Locos once again put runners in scoring position. This time, however, a diving play by the Monarchs' shortstop ended the threat and kept the deficit at two runs.
The Locos however, were not out of the woods just yet as they found themselves in a tough situation in the ninth.
Michigan loaded the bases with no outs and put the tying run on base. The Locos turned to Adam Guillet, who quickly helped turn a double play, recording two outs while allowing one run to score and cutting the lead to 4-3.
With the game on the line, Guillet battled the final Monarchs hitter to a full count before getting the batter to roll over a ground ball to shortstop for the final out. The left-hander earned the save, and the Locos secured a 4-3 victory in the opening game of the series.
With the win, Lima improves to 3-1 on the season. The Locos will travel to Michigan for the second game of the series Wednesday before returning home Thursday for the finale.
WP: Ryne Michaeloff (W, 1-0) - 4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 5 K
LP: Antonio Biggs (L, 0-1) - 2.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, BB
SV: Adam Guillet: (Sv, 2)
Locos Notable Players:
Shane Miranda - 3 for 3, RBI, R
Jimmy Dionne - 1 for 4, RBI, R
Tyler VanSumeren - 1 for 4, RBI
Grant McGuire - 0 for 2, R, BB, SB
Monarchs Notable Players:
Ryan Metz - 3 for 4, 2B, R, SB
Tyler Bruggeman - 1 for 4, 2 RBI, R
Casey Robertson - 1 for 4, R
Article by Isaac Morrison
June 9, 2026
Locos Venue Gets a New Makeover
Simmons Field has a different look this summer.
The longtime home of the Lima Locos debuted a new turf infield during opening weekend, marking the completion of a renovation project that city officials believe will benefit players, coaches and fans for years to come.
Installed by AstroTurf in the fall of 2025, the project also included a new six-pole netting system, a premium split-face backstop wall, updated bleachers and additional concrete work around the facility. While the upgrades improve the appearance of Simmons Field, city officials say the biggest impact may come when the weather doesn't cooperate.
According to Lima Parks and Recreation Recreation Supervisor Brett Roehm, reducing rainouts was one of the primary reasons behind the decision to install a turf surface.
"The number of games lost" throughout both the high school and Locos seasons was a major factor in the city's decision, Roehm said.
During the 2025 season alone, the Locos lost seven scheduled game dates because of weather. While some contests were made up through doubleheaders, others had to be moved elsewhere due to league scheduling requirements. Roehm noted that those cancellations meant "7 opportunities missed" for Lima residents to enjoy baseball at Simmons Field.
With the Locos averaging close to 400 fans per game, Roehm estimated that nearly 3,000 fans missed the chance to attend a game because of weather-related cancellations. The field is also heavily used during the spring by local high school programs, making field conditions a concern well before the summer season begins.
The city also considered the growing costs associated with maintaining a natural infield. Materials such as field drying agents, conditioners and infield dirt had become increasingly expensive, making turf a practical long-term investment.
Beyond reducing maintenance and improving playability, Roehm believes the project helps ensure the Locos remain in Lima for years to come.
"As long as there is a league for them to play, we want the Locos at Simmons Field," Roehm said.
The Locos have called Simmons Field home since 2008, and Roehm said the renovation helps secure that relationship well into the future. As more facilities continue to install turf surfaces, the city wanted to make sure Lima would not be "on the outside watching" if other opportunities became available.
While the turf infield is the most noticeable addition, Roehm said fans should also appreciate the overall transformation of the facility. New fencing, lighting and dugouts have all been added during the past decade, while this latest round of improvements brought a new backstop wall, bleachers and concrete work.
"I think the biggest thing I see when I walk in that facility is the view that has been created of the field with the new backstop," Roehm said. He described the difference between the old and new look as "night and day."
The feedback from coaches and team officials has been overwhelmingly positive. Roehm said everything he has heard has been "in a very positive light" since the installation was completed.
Perhaps nobody has appreciated the changes more than Locos General Manager Sean Boley. Roehm joked that Boley, who often handled field preparation during rainy weather, is "pretty tickled with how it all turned out."
As the Locos begin another summer at Simmons Field, the renovations represent more than just a new playing surface. They are an investment in the future of the facility, the organization and the fans who fill the stands each season.
If you are a resident of Lima or visiting for a different reason, be sure to come out to Simmons Field and enjoy the new look venue and stay for a Locos game.
Article by Isaac Morrison
June 7, 2026
Gonzalez's Three-Run Blast Helps Locos Secure Series Victory
After splitting the first two games of the series, the Lima Locos took the field Sunday night looking to secure a series win against the Flag City Sluggers. Garrett Byrd got the start for Lima, while Parker Faris took the mound for Flag City.
Byrd was tested early. In the second inning, the Sluggers put two runners on with no outs, but the right-hander worked his way out of the jam to keep the game scoreless.
Flag City broke through in the third, scoring two runs to take an early lead. The Locos answered an inning later. Elijah Buffaloe drew a walk and Jimmy Dionne reached to put two runners aboard with one out before Gabe Gonzalez launched a three-run home run, giving Lima a 3-2 advantage.
The Sluggers threatened again in the fourth with two runners on and two outs, but Byrd recorded a strikeout to end the inning and preserve the lead.
Lima added to its advantage in the fifth. Jin Kasuya worked a walk and advanced to third on a single by Nick Fumich before Tyler VanSumeren delivered an RBI single to center field. With runners on first and third and no outs, Flag City turned to its bullpen in an attempt to limit the damage. A wild pitch moved VanSumeren to second, but the Locos were unable to capitalize further, leaving two runners stranded while extending the lead to 4-2.
The Sluggers cut into the deficit with a run in the sixth, making it a one-run game, but Lima responded once again in the seventh. After loading the bases with no outs, the Locos scored a run on a error by the Sluggers and added another on a sacrifice fly by Dionne, pushing the lead to 6-3.
Lima continued to add on in the eighth. With runners on first and third and two outs, VanSumeren ripped a single down the first-base line to bring home a run. Moments later, a balk allowed another runner to score, stretching the Locos' lead to 8-3.
The Locos closed the door in the ninth to secure the victory and claim their first series win of the season. Lima improves to 2-1 on the year and will return to action Tuesday when it opens a three-game series against the Michigan Monarchs at Simmons Field.
WP: Grant Jolly (W, 1-0) - 3.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 4 K, 3 BB
LP: Parker Faris (L, 0-1) - 4.0 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 K, 4 BB
SV: Adam Guillet (Sv, 1)
Locos Notable Players:
Gabe Gonzalez - 1 for 2, HR, 3 RBI, R, BB
Tyler VanSumeren - 2 for 4, 2 RBI
Nick Fumich - 2 for 4, 2 R
Jimmy Dionne - 1 for 2, RBI, R, BB
Sluggers Notable Players:
Ty O'Brien - 3 for 4, 2B, RBI, BB
Trenten Smith - 1 for 3, RBI, R, BB
Drew Tajblik - 1 for 5, RBI, R
Article by Isaac Morrison
June 6, 2026
Locos Lose a Tough One in Their Home Opener
The Lima Locos returned home Saturday night for their home opener looking to improve to 2-0 on the season. Davis Harper got the start on the mound for Lima, while Jackson Urenovitch took the ball for the Flag City Sluggers.
Offense was hard to come by early for the Locos, who were retired in order through the first two innings. Despite the slow start at the plate, Lima's defense helped keep the game scoreless. In the third inning, the Sluggers put two runners on with one out, but a double play ended the threat and kept Flag City off the board.
The Locos had an opportunity of their own in the bottom half of the inning, but two runners were left stranded. Another scoring chance came later when a walk and two hit-by-pitches loaded the bases with one out. However, Jin Kasuya grounded into a double play, ending the inning and leaving all three runners on base.
Flag City finally broke through in the fifth. After loading the bases with no outs, the Sluggers pushed across a run on a walk and added another on a double play. Taylor Echols settled in after the damage, striking out the final batter of the inning to limit the deficit to 2-0.
Lima continued searching for an answer at the plate. In the seventh inning, a walk by Kasuya and a hit-by-pitch gave the Locos another opportunity to climb back into the game, but once again the runners were left stranded.
The Sluggers added some breathing room in the ninth. With two runners aboard, a base hit brought both home and extended the lead to 4-0. The Locos were unable to mount a rally in the bottom half of the inning, dropping their first game of the season.
Lima managed just two hits on the night and moves to 1-1 on the season.
Following the game, coach Ehrnsberger reflected on the team's performance.
"I was definitely disappointed in our approaches tonight, but it's Game 2 and it's a 42-game season," Ehrnsberger said. "It's a little too early to get worried about anything."
The Locos will look to bounce back and take the series finale against the Sluggers at home.
WP: Jackson Urenovitch (W, 1-0) - 6.0 IP, 2 H, 3 K, 3BB, 3 HBP
LP: Taylor Echols (L, 0-1) - 2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 K, 4 BB
Locos Notable Players:
Tyler VanSumeren - 2 for 4
Sluggers Notable Players:
Brett Reed - 3 for 5, R
Miles Mitchell - 1 for 5, 2 RBI
Timothy Leark - 1 for 3, RBI, BB
Article by Isaac Morrison
June 5, 2026
Locos Notch a Win in First Game
The Lima Locos opened their regular season Friday night with a road matchup against the Flag City Sluggers and came away with a 10-6 victory.
The Sluggers struck first, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning to take an early lead. Lima answered in the fourth. Cameron Greene reached on a fielder's choice and later scored on a double by Jimmy Dionne. Grant McGuire followed with an RBI single to bring home another run and tie the game at 2-2.
Flag City regained the lead with a run in the fifth inning, but the Locos responded in a big way in the seventh. With the bases loaded, Avery Wilson launched a grand slam to put Lima in front for good. The blast accounted for all four of Wilson's RBIs on the night and gave the Locos a 6-3 advantage.
Lima added another run in the eighth inning when Greene scored on a wild pitch after the Locos loaded the bases. The Sluggers answered with a run of their own, cutting the deficit to 7-4 heading into the ninth.
The Locos added valuable insurance runs in the top of the ninth. Wilson walked and stole second before advancing to third on a single by Parker Dastou. Nick Fumich entered as a pinch runner and scored on a sacrifice fly by Greene. Dionne later drove in Dastou with a single, and Dionne eventually came around to score after a double by McGuire and a walk by Gabe Gonzalez before crossing the plate on a wild pitch.
Flag City mounted a late rally with two runs in the bottom of the ninth, but Lima was able to close out the season-opening win.
The Locos finished with 10 runs on 11 hits, reaching double digits in both categories. With the victory, Lima improved to 1-0 on the season and will host the Sluggers on Saturday at 7:05 p.m.
WP: Michael Strickland (1-0) - 3.0 IP, 1H, 1R, 3K, 2 BB, 1 HBP
LP: Ben Best (0-1) - 0.2 IP, 3H, 4R, 1K, 1BB, 2 HBP
Locos Notable Players:
Avery Wilson - 1 for 1, HR, 4 RBI, R, 2 BB, SB
Grant McGuire - 3 for 4, 2B, RBI, R
Jimmy Dionne - 2 for 5, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R
Cameron Greene - 2 for 5, RBI, 2 R
Sluggers Notable Players:
Miles Mitchell - 2 for 5, 2B, 2 R
Mickey Anderson - 2 for 5, 2B, 3 RBI
Timothy Leark - 2 for 2, 3B, R, BB
Mason Jacob - 0 for 2, RBI, R, BB, SB
Article by Isaac Morrison
June 2, 2026
New Look Locos
The 2026 Lima Locos took the field for the first time Tuesday night, hosting Portland in an exhibition game.
Neither team was able to generate offense early as the game remained scoreless through four innings. The Locos broke through in the bottom of the fifth when Grant McGuire, Braylon Cordonnier and Gabe Gonzalez singled to load the bases with one out. Jin Kasuya then reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on an error, allowing two runs to score and giving Lima a 2-0 lead.
Runs were hard to come by until the eighth inning when the Locos' offense broke the game open. Lima tallied eight runs in the frame to push its total to double digits and secure a 10-0 victory.
The Locos' pitching staff was dominant throughout the night, as eight pitchers combined for a two-hit shutout. Davis Harper logged the most work on the mound, facing nine batters while allowing one hit and striking out one.
Offensively, Lima received contributions throughout the lineup. McGuire and Tyler VanSumeren each recorded multiple hits, while Cameron Greene delivered the biggest hit of the night with a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Greene finished with three RBIs, while Avery Wilson drove in two runs. VanSumeren and Nick Fumich each added an RBI.
The Locos were also sharp defensively, committing no errors compared with Portland's two. Lima finished with a 10-2 advantage in hits while having a balanced effort in all areas of the game.
Article by Isaac Morrison
June 21, 2025
Five Homeruns Break Locos Drought
After starting pitcher Anderson Hayes blanked the Southern Ohio Copperheads in the top of the first it was a chance for the Locos to perform offensively, and they wouldn't look back from that moment on.
Reese Borho would lead the game off with a sharply hit ball to second base and reached because of an error followed by a Charlie Vercruysse walk putting runners on first and second. On the second pitch of the at bat Braydon Kersey would deliver and crush his fourth homerun of the year to put the Locos up 3-0. Matt Rose was hit by a pitch and Cole Crafton wanted to join the homerun party, scoring two runs and making it 5-0 Locos with no one out. Grant McGuire would double but after nine batters in the inning would be stranded keeping the Locos lead at 5-0 after one.
In the second Anderson Hayes would pick up his first strikeout and put the Copperheads down 1-2-3. This would be the fourth time in an eventual 11.1 innings of work on the season he produced a 1-2-3 inning. The Locos bats wouldn't cool down in the second with an opening single from Borho and a fielder's choice from Vercruysse put a runner on first with one out. Braydon Kersey would deliver his second hit of the day putting runners in scoring position. Cole Crafton would deliver big with a 2 RBI single into shallow right and put the Locos up 7-0 after the second.
To open the third Frankie Clark would get on via a single and a fielder's choice that went wrong resulted in runners on first and second with no outs. After a strikeout from Anderson Hayes and a flyout it looked like the Locos might escape with no runs coming around to score but an error in left field on a ball deflected off of Reese Borho's glove two runs would score. The Locos would put a pair of runners on but they would be left there so after 3 inningins it was 7-2 Locos advantage.
Three well placed singles in the third would score one run in the fourth for the Copperheads and after the top of the fourth inning Anderson Hayes would be replaced. Hayes pitched 4 innings, allowed four hits, three strikeouts, one walk, and three runs (one earned). Locos would go 1-2-3 and the score would remain 7-3.
Anthony Lariz would enter the game and although there was a leadoff single, a caught stealing would allow for Lariz to put down the Copperheads 1-2-3. Southern Ohio would only get five baserunners on from innings 4-8 stranding three and scoring none of them. The bottom of the fifth ended the Locos scoring drought where a leadoff hit by pitch would be followed by David Falloon's second homerun of the year put the Locos up 9-3 where it would remain for one inning.
The sixth inning for the Locos would see back to back homeruns in just seven pitches Braydon Kersey collected his 5th of the season and Matt Rose got the ultimate extra base hit for is first one of the season. These were homeruns four and five of the game, the most since opening day when the Locos had three vs. Muskegon (Kersey, Bradfield, and Falloon). A Cole Crafton walk and single from Evan Holstein put runners on the corners allowing Grant McGuire to grab an RBI on a sac fly to center. This would be the last run scored by the Locos, putting them up 12-3.
Braydon Kersey would end his day 3-4 with two HR, a double and reached on an error and a walk. He recorded 4 RBIs over this time as well. Cole Crafton also had a great day going 2-4 with a homerun, single, and a walk.
The local Loco Billy Bourk would enter to close out the game for Lariz. The Copperheads wouldn't make it easy with a two out rally consisting of three walks and two singles scoring two runs. But with a groundout to Matt Rose to end the inning the Locos would pick up win number eight of the year and ending a five game losing streak.
The rubber match between the Locos (8-5) and Copperheads (6-8) will take place tonight (6/22) at 5:05 from Simmons Field.
WP: Anthony Lariz (2-0) - 4.0 IP, 0R, 3H, 4K, 2BB, 1HBP
LP: Tanner O'Farrel (1-1) - 2.0 IP, 7R(6ER), 6H, 1K, 1BB, 1 HBP
SO 6R 9H 4E 10 LOB
LL 12R 11H 1E 8LOB
Article by Chase Dettrow
June 8, 2025
No Hitter Pushes Locos To A Sweep
The Lima Locos sent the Muskegon Clippers back home with an 0-3 record after the opening weekend of the GLSCL season.
In Game two of the series starting pitcher Evan Shapiro came out firing throwing four innings and only allowing two Clippers on the basepath via walks. Shapiro stated that he was "Getting comfortable from the get-go" by getting ahead in counts and staying calm even after he started behind. Shapiro had eight strikeouts over this time which currently leads the entire Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League.
The Locos bats in game two took a little bit to show up, but in inning number three the top of the order changed this with back to back singles from Reese Borho and Matt Rose put two runners on. Braydon Kersey would destroy a ball past the right center fence and put the Locos up 3-0. Kersey at the end of the series sits at a .308 average with 2 HR and 4 RBIs. Clippers pitching staff would then give up 7 consecutive free passes (six walks and a hit batter). By the end of the third inning Locos were up 8-0.
Brady Fitzpatrick and Stetson Callaway would combine for the rest of the game pitching wise and didn't allow any hits for a combined game no hitter. They had five strikeouts and only two walks over three innings. Locos would add 3 runs in the sixth and end the game in 7 with a final score of 11-0.
Game three would be much more nerve racking for Lima. Clippers star Ashten Wong would walk and advance home on an error putting the Clippers up 1-0 right after the game began. Locos were retired 1-2-3 and found themselves down 1-0 at the end of the first inning.
However after blanking the Clippers in the second inning Locos struck back. Cole Crafton singled on a ball into left field followed by a Charlie Vercruysse walk put them on first and second. A ground ball advanced each into scoring position and Grant McGuire took advantage by sending a ball deep into right center for a stand up double and a 2-1 Locos advantage.
Ashten Wong had a leadoff walk and once on third a wild pitch would bring him home to even up the game at 2 all. After the wild pitch Anderson Hayes would be replaced pitching 2.1 innings, 2 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), 3 strikeouts, and 4 walks. Jonathon Allen came in to the game and ended the third shortly after.
The Locos looked to break the tie in the bottom of the fourth and thanks to an error, walk, and fielder's choice Charlie Vercruysse on third and Grant McGuire on first. Luke Mottola would attempt to break the tie but with great plate discipline walked to first and loaded the bases full of Locos. On the fourth pitch of the at bat leadoff hitter Reese Borho would bloop a single in center field scoring Vercruysse and McGuire and putting the Locos up 4-2 where they would ultimately end inning four.
In the sixth inning with the Locos still up 4-2 a leadoff flyout and back to back singles put Luke Noack and Nolan Zajac on the corners with the lineup heading back to the top of the order. Ashten Wong smoked a ball for a homerun putting the Clippers up 5-4. It was a return to form for Wong who led the league with 8 homeruns last season.
Chad Ehrnsberger said about the homerun that Wong has "Put up numbers every summer so to see him do that didn't shock me". Another thing that didn't shock him was the Locos response.
Right away in the bottom of the sixth Luke Motolla walked, Reese Borho singled, and Matt Rose hit a sacrifice fly that evened the game at 5-5. Ehrensberger said "We've done a good job answering whenever they (Clippers) score. We seem to come back with our best foot forward".
It was the hero of the game for the Locos, Reese Borho, who took a ball deep to right field on the third pitch for what was ultimatelt the game winning run. Borho went 3-5 with 3 RBIs and now finds himself second in the GLSCL batting average standings hitting .500.
The environment created by the Lima Locos is one where no matter the result they are always going to be there for each other, whichi is especially impressive after only being together for a couple of weeks.
Pitcher Evan Shapiro stated "Overall, it's just fun to play with this group of guys. Everyone has fun and everyone roots for each other on. It's a great team to be a part of".
The off the field cohesion has translated directly to the field as the Locos are 3-0 as they get ready for the Flag City Sluggers in a series played on Tuesday-Thursday. Locos will return to Simmons Field Friday and Sunday facing the Xenia Scouts.
June 6, 2025
Locos Blast Past Clippers on Opening Day
Lima - Bottom of the fourth, one out. Jackson Bradfield was up to bat and delivered with a single to left field that would be all Charlie Vercuysse needed to score and tie the game at 4 each. This was just the beginning of what would become the Lima Locos first win on Opening Day of the GLSCL season.
The Muskegon Clippers would jump on starting pitcher Austin Vargas early with a single and a pair of walks in the first three batters. After a strikeout, Ben Meyers would be due up and grounded out to second baseman Braydon Kersey, but that would be enough for the Clippers to go up 1-0, shortly followed (just four pitches later) by a Austin Vargas wild pitch scoring Braden Graves. That would be the last run scored in the first by Muskegon and put them up 2-0.
Clippers starting pitcher Connor Freeman would open his game with a walk in four pitches to Jackson Bradfield, but just one pitch later his defense would help him out on a fielder's choice retiring Bradfield. However, back to back singles form Braydon Kersey and David Falloon would score Matt Rose and score Lima's lone run on inning number one.
Inning number two would see little drama as both pitchers warmed up to the game. Vargas would walk one batter but put Jordan Lewis down looking to end the inning and stranded the runner at third. Freeman had one hit off of him, a single from Charlie Vercuysse, but it would not matter as it was sandwiched between a pair of strikeouts to end inning two.
The Clippers bats would get back on the right track with a leadoff single from Braden Graves. A walk drawn by Casey Barnes would put runners on first and second. Holden Baker delivered with a bullet to left center that would score each of them and put Muskegon up 4-1 over the Locos. Braydon Kersey would respond in a HUGE way in the bottom of the third blasting a ball over the right field wall to put the Locos back within two runs. This would be the first of three long balls of Opening Night.
After a walk and a strikeout Austin Vargas day would be done. The starter hurled 3.1 innings, allowed 3 hits, 4 runs (3ER), had 5 strikeouts, 5 walks, and a pair of wild pitches. Eventual winning pitcher Nick Kolze would come in and immediately proved to be a force on the mound, throwing back to back strikeouts in 10 pitches.
A strikeout from Freeman would open the third but the Locos would respond with a walk and an RBI double from Charlie Vercuysse putting the game at 4-3. Freeman would then be replaced by Ty Randall. Connor Freeman ended with 3.1 IP, 5 hits, 4 runs (4 ER), 4 strikeouts, and three walks. Randall would be in for a rough first couple batters as Bradfield and Rose would each hit a single along with a Kersey walk. A lineout to left would strand a pair of runners on but not before the game could be knotted at 4 all.
Nick Kolze would continue his dominance in inning five by striking out a pair and stranding two runners on via a ground ball to the shortstop. The Locos wouldn't have much offensive luck either, stranding two runners on base after a single form Will Briggs and a walk to Declan Magee.
A leadoff double from Taylor Head to open the sixth put instant pressure on the Locos. It would increase even more after Head took off and successfully stole third base. A flyout to center got out one, but the Locos lone error followed by a Jordan Lewis stolen base made a run seem inevitable. Luckily for the Lima Locos, Nick Kolze didn't care about the odds and retired the side with back to back strikeouts keeping it at 4 all.
It would only take two pitches in the top of the sixth before the train horn would sound symbolizing the go ahead run at Simmons Field. It was a ball Jackson Bradfield destroyed over the left center wall that did the damage. Bradfield would end the day 2-4 with 2 runs scored and a walk drawn. A David Falloon 2-out single would force the hand of the Clippers who had to replace Randall after 2.1 innings (5 hits, 1 run (earned), 2K, and 1 BB). Winston Delp would come in and get out number three on two pitches, but the Locos were now up 5-4.
Nick Kolze was replaced to open the seventh inning by Marion Creech. Kolze went 2.2 innings, had 6 strikeous, gave up no runs, two hit, and two walks. Creech (who earned a save) would only let one Clipper on the basepath via a walk in the eighth inning but would be flawless otherwise with four strikeouts as well.
The Locos weren't done scoring yet. In the seventh inning it was an error, walk, and hit by pitch that would load the bases for Lima. Charlie Vercuysse would send a ball past the shortstop to single and score a pair of runs. With that hit Vercuysse ended the day 3-4 with a double and 2 RBIs. An error that turned into an obscure play involving a caught stealing would end the seventh as Bradfield's second run of the day put the Lima Locos up 8-4.
David Falloon wanted to have some more fun and sent a ball deep down the left field line for the third and final homerun of the night. Fallon went 3-5 with 2 RBIs. That was the last run scored in an Opening Day 9-4 Lima Locos victory over the Muskegon Clippers.
Saturday (7:05) and Sunday (5:05) will be the continuation of this series. The Locos are now 18-19 all time vs. the Clippers and Chad Ehrnsberger is 6-9 (177-77 in his seventh year). The Locos are going to be a tough team to beat when they have hitting performances like tonight hitting .267 as a team with 4 extra base hits.
WP - Nick Kolze (1-0)
LP - Ty Randall (0-1)
SV - Marion Creech (1)
Box Score
MC 4R 4H 4E
LL 9R 12H 1E
July 26, 2024
Locos Fall Short in Series Game One
The Locos fell in game 1 of the GLSCL Semi-Final Playoff Round yesterday 10-4. The Locos now trail the series 1 game to 0 and need to win both games 2 and 3 in Hamilton today and tomorrow to advance to the championship series.
Matteo Pare was given the starting nod for Lima. This was his first start since being named the GLSCL Pitcher of the Year. In his outing against Hamilton, he allowed 8 runs, 8 hits, and walked 3 in 4 innings of work. This line gave him the loss.
Joe’s manager Tyler Thamann, recently named Manager of the Year, gave Cooper Fieher the starting assignment. He received 1st team honors in the GLSCL and that showed against the Locos. In 6 innings of work, he allowed just 3 runs and struck out 5. This line gave him the win.
Ryan Novak started the scoring by hitting a solo home run to right-center field in the 1st. After the Locos threatened, but could not score in the bottom half of the frame Matteo Pare worked around a 2-out walk to keep the score 1-0.
In the bottom half of the 2nd Brice Estep gave Lima the lead by blasting a ball to deep left field scoring himself and Landon Tate; however, that lead was short-lived because the Joes were able to reach the plate 4 times in the 3rd. Paul Osting was scored by Fraasman early in the inning. Later, Novak doubled to knock in a run, Gilkerson singled to knock in another run, and Harrison scored Gilkerson by virtue of a ground ball to short. The score was now 5-2.
The Locos responded in the bottom of the 3rd by scoring once. Sebastian Alexander hit a single to score Liam Richards.
The Joes then scored 3 more times in the 4th to give themselves an even larger lead. Ryan Novak and Cam Gilkerson knocked in the Hamilton runs that inning. Lima was then blanked in their half of the inning.
The next run was scored in the 7th thanks to another Tommy Harrison RBI. Then in the 8th, Braxton Baird scored the final Hamilton run of the game, 10-3. In the 9th the Locos were able to load the bases with 2 outs, but could not capitalize more than once, so the final score was 10-4.
July 24, 2024
Lima Rolls Past Grand Lake
The Locos ran over Grand Lake in the 2024 GLSCL regular season finale 18-7. The game concluded after 7 innings due to the league’s run rule rule in place.
Hunter Allen started the contest for the Locos. He pitched 2 innings, allowed 2 runs and 2 hits, stuck out 2, and walked 2. Jacob Emerson entered the game in relief in the 3rd, pitched 3.1 innings, and picked up the win.
Mason Reyes started for the Mariners. He left the game during the 2nd inning after allowing 10 runs off of 6 hits. Both Hunter Reagan and Johnny Nixon each pitched during the game as well.
Lima batted around in the 1st inning. Sebastian Alexander hit an RBI double to get the scoring underway. After a few Alexander steals, Landon Tate scored Alexander after hitting a single. Andrew Stechshulte then followed that up by launching a ball off the wall to score 2 more Locos. The final runs of the inning were driven in by a Caden Lockwood single to make it 6-0 Lima.
After another quick Grand Lake half inning the Locos batted again. Sebastian Alexander got on base again and was scored by Landon Tate. With the bases loaded and not an out the Mariners went to the bullpen. Andrew Stechshulte then proceeded to work a walk to get an RBI and Caden Lockwood was hit by a pitch right after, 9-0. With still no one out Bo Shinkle stepped up to the plate and put one on the ground and Stephen Di Corrado, the Mariner’s 1st basemen, could not make the play and 2 more runs scored. The final run in the inning came thanks to a Sebastian Alexander RBI single.
In the top of the 3rd Grand Lake finally got on the board. Both Ty Davis and Jackson Rains both got RBI groundouts after Emerson and Bryant reached. The score now stood at 12-2.
In the bottom of the 3rd and 4th Lima scored 4 more runs total. Brice Estep launched one deep to left with a runner on base to make it 14-2, then Sebastian Alexander did the same the following inning, making it 16-2.
In the latter innings, Grand Lake scored a total of 5 runs and the Locos scored 2. On the Lima side, Dane Ebel and Landon Tate each picked up an RBI in inning number 6.
The Locos are now in the postseason and hold the 2nd seed. They have a round 1 matchup against 1st place Hamilton starting tomorrow in Lima.
July 23, 2024
Grand Lake blanks the Locos
The Mariners blanked Lima yesterday 12-0 to start the final 3-game set of the regular season.
Ryan Yinst started the game and only lasted 2 innings. He allowed 7 runs off of 4 hits. He was the only ‘traditional’ pitcher who pitched for the Locos. After trailing 7-0 heading into the 3rd, Coach Ernsberger sent out Caden Lockwood. Liam Richards and Brice Estep also pitched during the contest.
Hayden Bush started and completed the game for the Mariners. He pitched 7 innings of flawless baseball and struck out 7 of the 28 batters he faced.
Cameron Bryant and Jackson Rains each knocked in 3 runs. Ty Davis and Stefan Di Corrado also had multi-RBI nights. The biggest hit of the game came in the second when Jackson Rains launched a ball out of the yard.
The Locos are now 19-5 and still hold the 3 seed in the GLSCL postseason bracket.
July 19, 2024
Lima's Comeback Effort Comes Up Just Short
Despite an explosive 8th-inning comeback, the Locos fell short of victory, 10-8, in yesterday’s contest against the Joes.
Jacob Emerson made his Locos debut and tossed 2.2 innings of work and allowed 4 runs off of 5 hits. He was in line for the loss for much of the matchup, but the loss was ultimately handed to Thomas Howard after he allowed 2 runs in the 9th when the game was tied entering the inning.
Cooper Fiehrer pitched 5 innings of 1 run baseball and was in line for the win until the 8th. Abe Crall ended up earning the win in the end.
The first two frames flew by hastily. In the 3rd inning, the Joes broke the scoreless tie after a Niehaus RBI double. Szymczak then laced another RBI double off the wall. The inning’s final run was knocked in by Allen to give Hamilton a 4-0 lead.
In the 4th, Hamilton scored yet again. Niehaus hit an infield single and Osting doubled to make the score 6-0. In the bottom half of the inning, the Locos got into the scoring column thanks to a Brice Estep RBI sacrifice fly.
The 5th inning saw no scoring, but the Joes scored again in the 6th. Cam Gilkerson smashed a long ball to right field that left the yard. Then in the 7th Frassman scored Baird after an infield single.
Heading into the bottom of the 8th inning the score stood Hamilton 8, Lima 1. Bowen, Alexander, and Richards loaded the bases with not an out. Andrew Stechshulte then reached on an error and a run scored, 8-2. Landon Tate then hit an RBI single to center field, advancing each runner 90 feet. Caden Lockwood then continued the hitting party by hitting a 2 RBI single to cut the Lima deficit to 3. After Lockwood, Bo Shinkle hit a sac fly to make it a 2 run contest. Lou Fujiwara was able to hit another single to score another run, then Sebastian Alexander knocked in the tying run.
With the game now tied and all the momentum on Lima’s side, the Joes were able to start off the 9th with a double. Then Howard walked Baird to put 2 on with no outs bringing Frassman to the plate. After there was a wild pitch, putting 2 runs in scoring position, Frassman hit a sac fly to deep right to give the Joes the lead back. On that same play, Richards’s throw went offline allowing Allen to round 3rd and score the inning’s second run.
In the bottom of the 9th, the Locos were unable to score making the final 10-8. The Locos look to win the series tonight on the road.
July 18, 2024
Locos Win and Clinch 13th Consecutive Postseason Appearance
The Locos defeated the Joes yesterday to clinch a record 13th consecutive postseason appearance. They dominated, winning 6-1 to boost their record to 19-2. They now hold the 2nd spot in the GLSCL standings.
Hunter Allen made his 1st start of the season for Lima. He tossed 4 innings of 1 run baseball. He also struck out 4 Joes. Griffin Howe entered the game in the 5th and also pitched 4 innings. He allowed no runs and one hit to give himself the win.
The Joes had a multitude of pitchers pitch throughout yesterday’s contest. Carson French started the game and picked up his 2nd loss of the year. He allowed 3 runs, 1 of which was earned, off of 2 hits. Boardwine, Rawlings, Brower, and Helms also pitched during the game for Hamilton.
Offensively for Lima Brice Estep started the scoring in the 3rd by launching a solo home run to left. Blake Bowen and Lou Fujiwara also knocked in runs during the 3rd to give Lima a 3-0 lead. In the 4th Lou Fujiwara knocked in yet another run and Landon Tate scored Richards. Then in the 5th Liam Richards knocked in the Locos final run of the game.
The Locos look to inch closer to 1st place in the GLSCL tonight with game 2 against the Joes.
July 11, 2024
Lima Sweeps the Doubleheader
The Locos and Copperheads played 2 games yesterday after Wednesday’s rainout. Lima won both games to put themselves in 2nd place in the GLSCL. They now are in position to have home-field advantage in the 1st round of the postseason with 6 games left to play.
Both games were opposite of each other. Game 1 was a high-scoring game with a final of 7-6. Outside of 2 innings Thomas Howard, Lima’s starter, was flawless. In 6 innings of work, he pitched 4 1-2-3 innings. The 5 runs he allowed came in innings 2 and 3. Hunter Strong and Pauly Mancino each hit a home run to give Southern Ohio a 5-0 lead.
Matthew Blanchard started the game for the Copperheads. He allowed 4 total runs. In the 3rd the Loco runs came after Alexander and Richards drew back-to-back bases-loaded walks. In the 4th Bo Shinkle hit a sac-fly and Caden Lockwood scored after a wild pitch.
No runs came across in the 5th inning, so the score stayed at 5-4. In the 6th inning, Blake Bowen hit a 2-RBI single to give Lima the lead. Lou Fujiwara then scored by stealing home after Blake Bowen got caught in a pickle.
In the final inning, Skyler Lhamon entered the game. He allowed 1 run but held off the Copperheads to pick up his 3rd save of 2024.
Game 2 was a true pitcher’s duel. Pfirrmann faced off against Pare and both looked excellent; however, due to a lot of foul balls, each pitcher’s pitch count climbed fast. Pare left the game after the 4th and Dane Ebel took his place. Pfirrmann left the game after the 5th and threw 103 pitches.
Though 5.2 innings the Pfirrmann did not allow a Lima hit. Southern Ohio had 4 total hits at that point. After 2 walks there was a runner in scoring position for Lou Fujiwara. He broke up the no-hitter in a big way by hitting an RBI single, scoring Estep. That was the only run of the game scored by either team.
In the 7th inning, Southern Ohio led off the inning with a double, but Ebel struck out 3 consecutive batters to end the game.
Both teams will be off for a week due to the league’s All-Star festivities. The Locos return to baseball on July 18th to start a series with the Joes.
July 9, 2024
Locos Roll Past Copperheads
The Locos ran over the Copperheads by a score of 13-4 yesterday. The Locos are now 16-12 and the Copperheads have a record of 12-16. Lima scored 11 of its 13 runs in innings 6 through 9.
Drew Kirby started on the mound for Lima. He pitched 6.2 innings and struck out 8 Copperheads. He also allowed 4 runs off of 6 hits.
Blake Bowen knocked in the game’s first run in the 3rd inning. Kaden Brown hit in Alexander in the 4th. Liam Richards, Brice Estep, and Sebastian Alexander also hit in runs in the 6th and 7th. Gorski, Bowen, Alexander, Brown, and Fujiwara knocked in the other Loco runs in the 8th and 9th.
Ben Bates started for Southern Ohio. In 6.1 innings he allowed 7 runs off of 7 hits and struck out 5. He now has a record of 2-4 this season.
Hunter Strong scored off a wild pitch in the 4th to give the Copperheads their first run. Ben Clark also scored off of a wild pitch and Case Sullivan scored on a passed ball. Joey Canzoni also scored in the game.
The Locos return home after an unexpected off day due to the rain tomorrow to play two 7-inning games.
July 7, 2024
Xenia Defeats Lima in Series Finale
The Scouts handily defeated the Locos 13-4 a day ago at Simmons Field. The Scouts now boast a record of 11-16 and the Locos are 15-12.
Ryan Yingst started the game for Lima. In 2 innings of work, he allowed 4 hits, 4 runs, and 1 walk.
Xenia took the lead in the 1st inning and never gave it back. Jake McNamara hit a 2-run home run to left and Will Lawrence hit a solo shot to center to make it 3-0.
Brenden Holland was tasked with the start for Xenia. He pitched 6 total innings and allowed 1 run through 6, but he ran into trouble in the 7th and was pulled with no outs and the bases loaded. He ended the day with 4 allowed runs and 3 strikeouts. This line was good enough to give him the win.
Offensively for the Locos, Sebastian Alexander hit a solo home run in the 6th, and Justin Gorski and Blake Bowen knocked in the other 3 Loco runs in the 7th.
McNamara ended the day with 4 runs batted in for the Scouts. Ruiz, Winzenread, Wu, Lynch, and Lawrence each batted in at least 1 run as well.
The Locos' next outing will be tomorrow against the Copperheads.
July 6, 2024
Locos Defeat Scouts 6-1
The Locos dominated the Scouts once again to pick up their 2nd consecutive win. 6-1 was the final score, also giving the Locos the series win.
Chase Jarnagin was given the start for Lima. He pitched 6 innings and allowed 1 run to give him his 4th win of the year.
Joshua Hickey started for Xenia and pitched 5 innings. In those 5 innings, he allowed 11 hits and 4 runs. He was given the loss and now boasts a season record of 1-2.
The Locos scored the 1st run of the game in the 1st inning. Blake Bowen knocked in Gorski. The Locos then scored 3 times in the 2nd. Justin Gorski, Liam Richards, and Sebastian Alexander each got an RBI that inning.
The next run of the game was scored in the 6th inning. Each team scored once. Kaden Brown scored Blake Bowen in the top of the inning and Noah Ruiz scored Jake McNamara in the bottom half of the inning.
The final run of the game was scored in the 8th after Blake Bowen launched one into the seats.
Shyler Lhamon also picked up his 2nd save of the season. The Locos look to sweep the Scouts tonight at Simmons Field.
July 5, 2024
Lima Gets a Big Time Win Against Xenia
The Locos defeated the Scouts 12-4 in yesterday’s series opener. The Loco bats were on fire as well. They outhit the Scouts 13 to 7.
Dane Ebel started the game for Lima and picked up his first win of 2024. The only run he allowed was an unearned one in the 1st inning. Noah Ruiz scored from 3rd after a Will Lawrence base knock.
Ryne Kaiser started the game for Xenia. In the 1st inning, he allowed 4 runs. Justin Gorski scored 1st. Liam Richards and Blake Bowen were knocked in by Sebastian Alexander who was later hit in by Brooks Wright.
After a quick 2nd inning the Locos tacked on 2 more runs to extend their lead to 6-1. Landon Tate hit a 2 RBI single to center field with 2 outs in the inning that scored Brooks Wright and Tyler Herron. Then in the 4th, the Locos scored twice more after Kaden Brown hit a 2 RBI double to right field.
The 5th inning was quick for both sides. Lima left the inning with an 8-1 lead and Dane Ebel was in line for the win. To start the 6th Griffin Howe entered the game for Lima. After Troy Lynch got on base Will Lawrence hit a high fly ball to straightaway center field that left the yard making the score 8-3.
In the 7th inning, both teams scored. Jake McNamara hit a ground ball to short that scored Zarko from 3rd. In the bottom of the 7th Andrew Hickman entered the game to pitch for Xenia. In the inning, Tyler Herron hit a sac fly to right field, Landon Tate scored Wright, and Justin Gorski scored Lockwood.
In the 8th inning, Blake Bowen knocked in Liam Richards to make the score 12-4.
Lima will travel to Xenia tonight for game 2 of the 3-game series.
July 4, 2024
Locos Fall to Clippers 9-2
The Locos fell to the Clippers in the series finale yesterday 9-2. The game was ended after 7 innings due to the rain.
Matteo Pare started for Lima and picked up his first loss of the season. He pitched 4 innings and allowed 2 earned runs. He now boasts a season record of 3-1.
Jacob Pallo started for Muskegon and he pitched 6 of the 7 innings that were played. He allowed 2 runs, stuck out 5, and allowed just 2 hits. He now has a record of 3-0 this season.
The Clippers struck twice in the opening inning. Justin Osterhouse picked up another RBI against Lima, knocking in Wong with a single. Later in the inning, Osterhouse scored thanks to a Cooper Hums hit.
In the bottom half of the first Tyler Herron scored Justin Gorski after grounding out.
Between the 2 teams, 6 batters stepped up to the plate, and 6 batters were sent back to the dugout by Pare and Pallo in the 2nd inning.
In the 3rd inning, both teams scored 1 run in their half. Cooper Hums picked up another RBI after hitting a sac fly, scoring Wong. Blake Bowen also batted in a run after he hit a sac fly.
The 4th inning was exactly like the 2nd inning. The pitchers dominated and sat down each batter they saw.
Ryan Yingst entered the game in the 5th. Ashton Wong hit an RBI triple, scoring Cole Mason from first. Wong later scored after a shortstop error. Then Preston Leon hit an infield single allowing McCoy to score. Only 1 of the 3 Clipper runs were considered to be earned that inning. At this point in the game, the score was 6-2.
In the 6th and 7th innings, the Clippers scored a total of 3 more runs. Cicerone scored after a wild pitch and Preston Leon blasted a 2 run-home run in the 7th.
The Locos are back at home tonight. They start a 3 game series with the Xenia Scouts.
July 3, 2024
The Locos Get Back in the Winning Column
The Locos defeated the Clippers 5-2 yesterday to move to 13-10 and drop the Clippers to 13-7.
Thomas Howard started for the Locos and looked terrific. His final line consisted of 5 innings of work, 1 allowed run, and boosted an ERA under 1. He also picked up his 2nd win of 2024 for Lima.
Benjamin Kochany started for the Clippers. He pitched 4 innings and allowed 5 runs off of 8 hits. He picked up his 1st loss of the year.
The Locos started off the game with a bang, scoring 2 runs after allowing 0 in the top of the 1st. Lou Fujiwara scored Gorski after hitting an RBI double. Later in the inning, Alexander scored Fujiwara by hitting a RBI single to left.
After blanking the Clippers in the top of the 2nd, the Locos scored twice more to double their lead. Bo Shinkle hit a home run, scoring himself and Tate.
After a quick 3rd inning on both sides, the Locos scored again in the 4th inning. Lou Fujiwara hit a sac fly to right field, allowing Bo Shinkle to score.
In the 5th, down 5-0, the Clippers managed to score their first run of the game. Justin Osterhouse scored Carson McCoy with an RBI single.
Skyler Lhamon entered the game in the 6th inning for Lima and dealt 2 no-hit innings. The only run he allowed was in the 8th inning. Justin Osterhouse hit a home run to right-center field to make it 5-2.
Lhamon shut the door and picked up the save in the 9th inning, putting the Clippers down in order.
The Locos have a 4th of July, series decider tonight if the weather permits.
July 2, 2024
Muskegon Defeats Lima 7-1
The Locos fell to the Clippers in game 1 of the 3-game series 7-1.
Drew Kirby started on the mound for Lima. In 3 innings of work, he allowed 5 runs; however, only 2 of them were earned. He also allowed just 1 hit and struck out 5. Zach Viresenga started for the Clippers. He struck out 8 and allowed no runs through 7 innings of work.
Offensively, the Locos’ only run came in the 8th inning. Caden Lockwood hit the first home run at Simmons Field for Lima this year. Ashton Wong, Justin Osterhouse, and Cooper Hums each batted in run(s) throughout the game.
The Locos look to end their 2 game skid tonight. Thomas Howard will face off against Benjamin Kochany pitching-wise.
June 30, 2024
Locos Fall to the Mariners
Yesterday Lima’s winning streak came to an end after they fell to the Mariners 8-5.
The pitching matchup was Dane Ebel vs Marco Dumsky. Ebel pitched 4 innings, struck out 7, and allowed 1 earned run. He left the game with his team up 4-2. Richards, Brown, Wright, and Stechschulte each knocked in run(s) for the Locos.
Dumsky pitched 5 innings, allowed 4 runs, and struck out 5 to pick up the win. Offensively for the Mariners, Taylor, Bryant, Kell, and Barnitz got into the RBI category.
The Locos now are 12-9 this year. They have an upcoming 3 game set at Simmons Field against the Clippers starting tomorrow.
June 28, 2024
Locos Extend Their Winning Streak to 5
Yesterday Lima picked up its 5th consecutive win with a dominating victory over Michigan 9-1.
Matteo Pare started for the Locos and looked fantastic. He pitched 6 shut-out innings and allowed just 3 hits. He now has a season record of 3-0 and a 1.80 earned run average. Offensively, Brooks Wright knocked in 3 runs after singling in the 3rd. Gorski knocked in a run in the 7th and in the 8th Landon Tate knocked in another run. The Locos scored 4 times in the top of the 9th. 2 of their 4 runs that inning were scored on a bases-loaded walk. It is also worth noting Carter Parks got a 3-inning save.
Johnny Nixon started the game for the Mariners. He pitched 7 innings and allowed 3 earned runs. After being given the loss, his season record is 1-3. The Mariners’ only run was scored in the 7th inning. Jackson Rains hit an RBI double.
Game 2 of the 3-game set will be played in Lima tonight.
June 27, 2024
Locos Sweep Michigan
After Wednesday’s game was postponed the Locos and Monarchs participated in the doubleheader yesterday. Both games were played in Howell, Michigan and both games were won by Lima.
The Locos took game one, 10-7. The Locos scored 5 runs in the opening inning and the Monarchs did not score in their half of the 1st. Austin Fisher started the game for Michigan and was pulled after the first inning. His final line was 1.0 innings pitched, 5 allowed runs, 3 of which were earned, he walked 5, and he boasted an ERA of 4.5. The Locos starter was Cody Soliday, he pitched 3.0 innings and allowed a total of 6 runs and 7 hits. Drew Kirby came in for Soliday in the 4th and picked up the win. Kirby pitched 4 innings and allowed 1 run.
On the offensive side for the Locos Justin Gorski, Liam Richards, Kaden Brown, Brice Estep, Landon Tate, Caden Lockwood, and Bo Shinkle each knocked in at least 1 run in the 1st game of the day.
Game 2 of the doubleheader boasted a final score of 3-1. The pitching matchup was Thomas Howard vs Sam Bassett-Kennedy. Both starters pitched 5.0 innings and allowed 1 earned run. 2 of the Locos’ 3 runs were scored in the 3rd inning. Landon Tate hit an RBI double early in the inning and Blake Bowen knocked Tate in the latter half of the inning. The Monarchs’ lone run came in the 5th inning when Ruiz scored Harden. In the 6th, Blake Bowen gave the Locos an insurance run by knocking a ball out of the yard. He is now up to 2 home runs hit this year.
The Locos have now won 4 consecutive games to give them a 10-8 record. The Locos travel to Grand Lake tonight to take on the Mariners.
June 23, 2024
Locos Avoid Getting Swept
The Locos defeated the Joes 11-2 to avoid getting swept.
The Joes assigned Nathan Ciemny the start, his 3rd of the year. His final line consisted of this: 4 innings, 3 runs, and 1 strikeout. Paul Osting knocked in 2 runs to start the game. The Joes failed to score again despite the hot start.
Chase Jarnagin got the starting nod for the Locos. He looked fantastic and was able to earn his 2nd win of the game. Outside the 1st he allowed no runs through 4.1 innings of work. Griffen Howe finished the final 3.2 innings and allowed 0 runs. Offensively, the Locos had a total of 8 RBI. Blake Bowen, Lou Fujiwara, Sebastian Alexander, Brooks Wright, Liam Richards, and Landon Tate each got into the RBI category throughout the game. The Locos scored 5 times in the 8th inning, all of which came against William Stultz.
The Locos travel to Michigan to take on the Monarchs tomorrow to start a 3-game set.
June 22, 2024
Locos Fall to Joes
Thanks to the 7th inning heroics from Kieser, Novak, and Szymczak the Joes took down the Locos 7-5 yesterday to boost their record to 11-3 and drop the Locos to 6-8.
The Locos started out the contest strong and led 5-2 through 7.5 innings. Matteo Pare had another excellent start on the mound. His final line was: 5 innings pitched, 2 earned runs, 2 strikeouts, and 4 hits allowed. Bowen started the scoring by hitting a 2 RBI double in the 3rd. Alexander and Shinkle batted in the other 2 Loco runs in the 4th and 7th.
The Joes tasked Conner Hutchinson with the start. He pitched 4 innings and allowed 4 runs, none of which were earned. He also struck out 4. Griffen Paige entered the game in the 5th and allowed 1 run in 4 innings of work. That line was enough to give him his 1st win of 2024. Gilkerson and Szymczak each knocked in a run in the 2nd and 4th. It wasn’t until the 7th that the Joes struck again. After pitching a quick 6th, Christian Pownall re-entered the game for Lima to pitch the 7th. After a walk and a hit-by-pitch to put runners on 1st and 2nd Eli Kieser launched a ball out of the yard to left, tying the game. Ryan Novak later hit a sac fly to give the Joes the lead and Mitchel Szymczak knocked in another run later in the inning. Dispute loading the bases in the 9th the Locos failed to score and Jake Teke picked up his 2nd save of the year.
The Locos look to avoid getting swept tonight back home at Simmons Field.
June 20, 2024
Locos Clinch 2nd Consecutive Series Win
The Locos clinched their second consecutive series win yesterday with an extra-inning win over Xenia. Lima won the game 8-8 in sudden death.
Drew Kirby started the game for Lima pitched 4 innings and allowed 5 runs, 3 of which were earned. Soliday also pitched and allowed 3 runs in 3 innings of work and Urish finished the game. Gorski, Fujiwara, Tyson, Tate, and Shinkle knocked in runs for Lima.
Jordan Oliver started the game for Xenia. He pitched 3 innings and allowed 4 runs. McNamara, Ruiz, Winzenread, and McGuire each got into the RBI category yesterday.
The Locos look to go above the .500 mark with the win tonight against the first-place Joes.
June 19, 2024
Locos Fall to Xenia 2-1
Yesterday the Locos fell to the Scouts 2-1 to move to 5-6 this year. The game was delayed 10 minutes due to rain.
Ryan Yingst started on the mound for Lima. He was very efficient right from the get-go. He put down Zarko and McNamara in just 2 pitches. Then after walking Ruiz, he struck out Lawrence to end the inning.
The Locos faced Brenden Holland. After Gorski and Richards were outs 1 and 2, Blake Bowen hit a single into center to on base. Sebastian Alexander then walked to put runners on first and second; however, Kaden Brown struck out swinging to end the inning.
Inning number 2 was another quick inning. In the top half of the inning, Troy Lynch and Chase Eakes got on base but were stranded. In the bottom half of the 2nd, the Locos were sent down in order.
The pitcher’s duel then continued into the 3rd. Both the Locos and the Scouts were able to get a base run in their half of the inning, but both were stranded.
The first run of the game came in the top of the 4th inning. After Donohue struck out, Troy Lynch launched a double to center field. Later, Kaden Wu got a double of his own to uneven the ledger.
In the bottom of the 4th Kaden Brown got on base with 1 out in the inning. Brice Estep then struck out after working a 9-pitch at-bat. Tagger Tyson also struck out to end the inning.
Innings 5 and 6 were very quick. Griffin Howe entered the game in the 5th for Lima and was very efficient. Christopher McClean entered the game for Xenia in the 6th and was also efficient.
In the 7th the Scouts got their first lead off hitter of an inning on base. Chase Eakes singled to center, then Bo Solley entered the game to pinch run. Kaden Wu then singled to center, putting runners at 1st and 2nd with no outs. Coach Ernsberger decided to go to the bullpen at that point, so Luke Geske entered the game. He walked the first batter he faced and then walked Zarko to make it 2-0 Xenia. With the bases still loaded and still no outs the Locos were in a little bit of trouble, but Geske did a fantastic job and put out the next 3 batters he faced to keep the score 2-0.
Landon Tate singled in the 7th, but became the 6th Loco stranded after he was unable to advance home.
In the top of the 8th Geske pitched around a one-out walk to keep it 2-0. Gorski led off the Lima 8th and hit a double to left, then advanced to 3rd after a Solley throwing error. Needing a big hit Liam Richards stepped up to the plate and he delivered. He hit a single left, scoring Gorski, making it 2-1. That run was deemed to be uneared because of the Solley error earlier in the inning. The new pitcher Wentz then sat down Bowen, Alexander, and Brown to keep the score the same.
Geske was efficient once again in the 9th and did not allow any runs. Heading into the bottom of the 9th, Brooks Wright and Tagger Tyson both grounded out quickly. After that, the tying run, Landon Tate singled. Shinkle also kept the Locos alive by hitting a single of his own. With 2 outs and 2 on Justin Gorski stepped up to the plate. He battled, but ultimately struck out to end the game.
The Locos look to win the series tonight in Xenia and move back to .500 record-wise.
June 18, 2024
Lima Wins Again
For the 4th time in 5 games, the Locos got into the win column. Yesterday they defeated the Xenia Scouts 11-5 to move to 5-5. It is also worth noting the Locos outhit the Scouts 14-4.
Chase Jarnagin started on the mound for Lima and picked up his first win of the season. Innings 1 and 2 were dominated by the Scouts. They scored 4 times to take a 4-0 lead. Jake McNamara hit a 2-run home run early and Zach Zarko hit a 2 RBI single. The Scouts’ only other run came in the 6th.
The Locos scored twice in the 3rd, once in the 5th, three times in the 6th, once again in the 7th, then four times in the 9th. Blake Bowen, Sebastian Alexander, Brooks Wright, Kaden Brown, and Liam Richards each batted in runs. Ryne Kaiser started the game for Xenia. He allowed 3 runs. Manny Soto was given the loss after allowing 4 runs in one inning of work.
The Locos look to win a 4th consecutive game tonight and move above .500 record-wise for the first time in 2024.
June 16, 2024
Lima Gets a Big Time Win to Win Their First Series of 2024
The Locos got a great team victory yesterday over the Copperheads to win their first series of the season. 12-1 was the final in 7 innings.
Matteo Pare started on the mound for Lima and looked fantastic. He put down Neuer, Canzoni, and Unger in 7 pitches to open the game. Lou Fujiwara also made 2 fantastic plays over at short.
Ben Bates started to game for the Copperheads and in the bottom of the first, the Locos scored 4 times! Brice Estep hit an RBI single to score Fujiwara to open up the scoring. Brooks Wright then reached on an error. Bowen scored on that same play. Kaden Brown later knocked in Alexander and Richards hit a sac fly to center, scoring Estep.
In the 2nd Pare once again sat down the Copperheads in order, keeping the lead at 4-0.
In the bottom of the 2nd Bowen and Alexander got on base with 2 outs, but were stranded after an Estep fly-out.
In the top of the 3rd, the Copperheads were able to string together some hits against Pare and loaded the bases. Unger then hit a rocket to 3rd resulting in an infield single, scoring Smith from third. Clark then grounded out to 3rd to conclude the half-inning.
With the Locos lead slimmed to 3 heading into the bottom of the 3rd Wright got on base via the walk and Richards reached after a fielder’s choice. With 2 outs in the inning, Gorski stepped up to the plate and hit a line drive, 2 RBI, double to center to make the Locos lead 5.
In the 4th Pare continued his domination and sat down the Copperheads in order for a 3rd time in 4 innings.
In the Locos’ half of the 4th, they were able to score 4 times. Alexander got on base after a 5-pitch walk and then stole 2nd. Alexander then advanced to third after a throwing error by Ben Clark. Estep then got on base after he was walked bringing Wright to the plate. Wright then hit a double to right field, scoring Alexander. Kaden Brown then hit a sac fly to center field, scoring Estep. The last batter Ben Bates faced was Liam Richards. Richards was walked on 4 pitches. Landon Oliver entered the game to pitch for Southern Ohio. Oliver then proceeded to throw a wild pitch allowing Richards and Wright to advance 90 feet. After that, Shinkle hit a single to left, bringing Richards and Wright to the plate. Gorski then flew out to end the inning.
Pare was efficient in the top of the 5th. He pitched around a single and a walk in the inning to keep the score 10-1.
Fujiwara and Bowen both got on base to lead off the bottom half of the 5th. Fujiwara was able to score after another catching error by Ben Clark. Brooks Wright then scored Bowen after he singled to right.
Andrew Stechshulte then entered the game to pitch and put down the Copperheads in order. And Oliver was able to keep the Locos from scoring in their half of the inning.
Going into the top of the 7th the Copperheads needed to score at least once to keep the game going, but they were unable to do that.
The Locos now boast a record of 4-5 going into their next series with the Scouts.
June 15, 2024
Locos Bounce back and Defeat the Copperheads 9-1
The Locos got back in the winning column yesterday(6/15) defeating the Copperheads 9-1.
Drew Kirby started the game for Lima and pitched 4 innings of shutout baseball. He also struck out 7 of the 16 batters he faced. Cody Soliday also pitched 4 innings of shutout baseball. Soliday was credited with his second win of the early season.
Blake Bowen knocked in another run. He now has RBI in 5 of his first 8 games. Tagger Tyson and Liam Richards also batted in runs. It is also worth noting that Lou Fujiwara got 4 hits in 6 at bats. The Locos had 17 hits in total!
The Copperheads’ starting pitcher was Jaren Slusher. Slusher pitched 5 innings and allowed 10 hits and 2 runs. He was given his second loss of the season. The Cooperheads’ loan run came in the bottom of the 9th after a Luke Geske wild pitch.
The Locos now have a record of 3-5 and look to win their first series of the season tonight back at home.
June 14, 2024
Copperheads Defeat Locos 9-5
After 5 days off the Locos were back in action yesterday(6/15). They had a matchup with the Copperheads and fell short of victory. 9-5 was the final score dropping the Locos record to 2-5. They now have had their worst start since 2014.
The Cooperheads starting pitcher Matthew Blanchard was credited the win. He pitched 6 innings and allowed 4 runs, 2 of which were earned. Trenton Neuer, Alex Unger, Hunter Strong, Aidan Dunlap, Joey Canzoni, and Michael Budolick each knocked in runs during the contest.
The Locos’ starting pitcher was Thomas Howard. He was given the loss after pitching pitching 3.1 innings and allowing 5 runs. Dane Ebel entered the game in the 6th and looked impressive in the 2 innings he pitched. He put down all 6 batters he faced and stuck out 4. Blake Bowen and Brooks Wright had the only RBI in the game for Lima. Brooks Wright knocked in Fujiwara in the 2nd, but it was considered an unearned run because Fujiwara reached base earlier that inning due to a fielding error. It is also worth noting that Blake Bowen’s runs batted in came off of a double. He has had a red-hot start to the year. In 29 at-bats he has 11 hits, driven in 8 runs, and boasts a .379 batting average.
The Locos are back in action tonight at 7:05 to take on the Cooperheads in game 2 of the 3 game set.
June 12, 2024
Welcome to the Hall of Fame Rob Livchak
Last Thursday, Lima Loco’s legendary coach Rob Livchak was inducted into the GLSCL Hall of Fame. He was invited to throw out the first pitch at Simmons Field and join the Loco’s broadcast.
Rob said that he found out he was receiving the honor by getting a phone call. Back in 1991, Livchak was asked to coach the Locos. 2 years later, the Locos won their first title. Livchak mentioned that that year they did great job recruiting players.
He coached the Locos for 16 seasons. In those seasons he won 339 games and won 2 GLSCL Championships.
Another thing with Rob Livchak is, he is a very humble man. He made sure to mention players and former coaches in his interviews.
On Thursday Livchak was interviewed by Brady Laber and Rob finished by saying this: “I just love this team and this organization and praise god for this opportunity.”
Congratulations to Rob!
June 8, 2024
Locos Split Doubleheader with the Clippers
The Lima Locos split today’s doubleheader with the Clippers. Yesterday(6/8) the Locos and Clippers were set to play at 7:05, but the weather had other plans.
In game 1 Muskegon defeated Lima 14-10. Christian Pownall started the game for Lima and Colton Blackstrom started for Muskegon. The Locos went into the third inning leading 3-2. Brice Estep hit a home run early in the 2nd and Sebastian Alexander knocked in 2 runs later in the inning. In the 3rd the Clippers scored 10 times. All runs were scored with Chase Jarnagin on the mound. Justin Johnson and Sam Clay both hit home runs in the 3rd. Chase Raymond and Zachary Warren each knocked in runs as well. 3 unearned runs also were scored in the inning.
Gorski, Alexander, Bowen, Estep, and Tate all had runs batted in during game 1. Will DeMasse was the winning pitcher after 1.2 innings of work and a 16.20 ERA.
Game 2 was the complete opposite of Game 1. Lima won 2-0. Matteo Pare made his second start of the year and threw 5 shutout innings. Justin Gorski started off the game with a bang, hitting his first home run of the year. The Locos other score came in the 4th inning when Estep hit a sac fly to left, scoring Alexander. Luke Geske was credited the save closing the door in innings 6 and 7. Owen Willard was credited for the loss despite pitching 5 innings, allowing 2 runs, and striking out 6,
The Locos now boasts a record of 2-4 and will travel to South Ohio to take on the Copperheads on Friday, June 14th.
June 7, 2024
Muskegon Takes Down Lima 8-3
Friday night(6/7/24) Muskegon took down Lima 8-3. The Clippers grabbed the lead in the bottom half of the 1st inning and didn’t give it back.
Kaden Brown had both RBI for the Locos. He hit a 2-run home run in the first to give the Locos the early lead. The Locos’ third run came in the 7th inning. It was an unearned one after an Austin Ciceron fielding error at 3rd allowing Shinkle to score. Calvin Urish started on the mound for Lima and pitched 2.1 innings. He allowed 9 hits and 7 runs giving him a 27.00 ERA. Ryan Yingst entered the game in relief and pitched 5.2 no-hit innings. He allowed 1 run, struck out 3, and walked 3. He finished the game with a 1.59 ERA.
Ethan Baird, Diego Pena, Cooper Hums, and Carson McCoy all knocked in runs for the Clippers. Chase Raymond started the game for Muskegon and pitched 3.2 innings and allowed 2 runs. Cooper Apigian then entered the game and also pitched 3.2 innings. The only run that scored well he was pitching was an unearned one and Apigian was credited the win. Jacob Pallo finished the game on the mound for the Clippers boasting a 0.00 ERA and allowed 2 hits.
The Locos take on the Clippers again tonight at 7:05 for game 2 of the 3-game set.
June 5, 2024
Locos Defeat Monarchs 12-3 to Get Their First Win of 2024
Yesterday(6/7/24) the Lima Locos got into the win column for the first time this season after defeating the Michigan Monarchs 12-3 in the series finale.
Carter Parks made his first start on the mound for Lima. The Monarchs 3 hole hitter, Alonzo Paul knocked in Tanner Mally to score the game’s first run. The Monarchs proceeded to then get runners at the corners with just 1 out. From there Parks struck out Liam Pollock and got Gumieny to ground out to 3rd, ending the frame.
Cole Gebben took the mound for the Monarchs in the bottom of the first inning. The Locos wasted no time as Gosrki reached base via the walk and Settlemires knocked a single into left field. This set the stage for Blake Bowen who singled into left field to score Gorski from second and even the ledger. The Locos were not done yet, Tagger Tyson got hit by pitch to load the bases and then Kaden Brown also got hit by pitch making it 2-1 Lima. Caden Lockwood then hit into a 4-6-2 double play which scored Bowen from third.
Carter Parks then breezed through the top of the second inning to keep Lima in the lead.
After a 34-pitch first-inning Gebben trotted back out to the mound. Shinkle led off the Lima second with a base knock, then proceeded to swipe second. Gorski then became the third player to get hit by a Gebben pitch. After a wild pitch, Shinkle and Gorski both moved 90 feet closer to home plate putting runners on 2nd and 3rd. With two outs in the inning and the bases loaded Kaden Brown stepped up to the plate and laced a line drive base hit into center scoring both Shinkle and Gorski to extend Lima’s lead to 5-1.
Reginald Sharpe led off the 3rd with a base hit bringing Alonzo Paul to the plate. Paul struck out swinging making him the first out of the inning. Tagger Tyson then threw out Sharpe trying to swipe 2nd. To conclude the half-inning Liam Pollock struck out for a second time.
After a Lockwood pop out to second Landon Tate singled to right field. Tate was able to steal 2nd during Richard’s at-bat. Bo Shinkle hit a ball to 2nd base that Sharpe had trouble fielding which resulted in the bases being loaded. Gorski then singled into shallow center field, scoring Tate. The Monarchs went to their bullpen bringing in Cooper Mullet. Mullet pitched out of the jam and kept the score 6-1.
In the 4th Ryan Drumm got on base after Gumieny grounded out to first. After that, Alex Cheeseman got a single of his own putting runners at 1st and 2nd. After retiring Middleton, Parks allowed a base hit by Tanner Mally to load the bases. Coach Ernsberger decided that would be it for Parks and motioned to the bullpen. The new pitcher for the Locos was Cody Soliday. Soliday tossed a four-pitch walk to Sharpe giving the Monarchs their 2nd run of the game. With the bases still loaded and 2 outs Soliday then got Paul to strike out looking to end the frame.
The bottom of the 4th and the top of the 5th saw fantastic pitching. Both Mullet and Soliday pitched 1-2-3 innings.
The bottom of the 5th was a completely different story. The Monarchs brought in Kyle Harris to pitch and the Locos were able to bat around. The Locos were able to score 4 times extending their lead to 10-2. After reaching base via the walk Tate was able to score after a wild pitch. Bowen later drove in Gorski and Richards with a 2 RBI single to right. The final Loco run in the inning came after Kaden Brown took a bases-loaded walk.
Soliday continued his excellent pitching, putting the Monarchs down in order for a second time.
In the bottom of the 6th, the Locos scored 2 more times. This time the scoring came against Lucas Dawson. Settlemires knocked in Richards with an RBI single and Gorski scored for a 4th time, this time due to a passed ball. 12-2.
In the 7th the Locos had a chance to end the game due to the GLSCL run-rule rule, but Tanner Mally was able to score after a Caden Lockwood fielding error at 1st.
After a quick bottom half of the 7th and a quick 8th, the Locos brought in Liam Richards to pitch because they were up by 9 runs. After Richards got Mally to ground out, the Monarchs loaded the bases. Liam Richards then got Fukofuka to ground into a game-ending double play, scored 4-6-3.
The Locos return home to Simmons Field on June 16th at 5:05p to take on the Copperheads.
June 3, 2024
Monarchs Defeat Locos 12-8 in 2024 Season Opener
Thanks to the late-inning offensive efforts of Michigan’s offense the Monarchs took down the Locos 12-8 on Tuesday, June 4th.
The game started all Lima as they led 3-0 after 1 inning of play. Gorski scored on a wild pitch, and Lockwood and Bowen scored later thanks to a 2 RBI single hit by Settlemires.
The second inning saw no scoring despite Lima threatening and leaving the bases loaded.
McLaughlin pitched innings 1 and 2 allowing 1 earned run, striking out 2, and walking 3.
In inning 3 Fukofuka laced a single into center field scoring Sharpe to get the Monarchs on the board. Fukofuka later scored after Cheeseman hit a sac fly to deep right field.
In the bottom half of the inning, the Locos matched the Monarchs by scoring 2 runs of their own. Shinkle hit an RBI single early in the inning to score Bowen and Tyson scored later in the inning after Landon Tate took a bases-loaded walk.
After a scoreless 4th inning pitched by Pare coach Ernsburger went to the bullpen. Matteo Pare looked fantastic pitching 4 innings in total allowing 2 runs, and 5 hits, and he stuck out 3.
In the bottom half of the 4th, the Locos extended their lead to 7-2 after Settlemires bounced into a field choice scoring Bowen, and Shrinkle knocked in Tyson with an RBI single.
Jarnagin pitched 2 scoreless innings before running into trouble in the 7th. After loading the bases Alex Cheeseman took a walk to cut into the deficit and make it 7-3. The Monarchs were not done, Ruiz hit a 2 RBI single scoring Fukofuka and Harden. Coach Ernsberger then went to the bullpen again and brought in Luke Geske. Geske pitched a wild pitch allowing Cheeseman to score, then he later allowed a Gumieny RBI single to tie the game at 7-7.
Cole Fisher then entered the game for Michigan and pitched a 3 strikeout inning to keep the Locos from scoring.
Geske stayed in the game and allowed 4 more runs to give the Monarchs their first lead of the evening. Harden hit an RBI single scoring Fukofuka. Later, after advancing to third via the wild pitch Harden made it home after a 3rd wild pitch of the at-bat. Middleton then hit a pop fly single just into the outfield grass scoring Cheeseman and Ruiz.
In the 9th inning, each team scored 1 run. Michigan had 12 hits and 6 errors in the game and Lima had 10 hits and 1 error. Fisher was credited the win and Geske was handed the loss.
Following the game coach Ernsberger told Todd Walker that he believed they played great offense, scoring 8 runs, 10 hits, and getting 17 players on base. He also mentioned he is getting to know the pitching staff and he said there are things to learn from the last 3 innings.
The Locos return home tomorrow to finish up a 3 game set with Michigan. The first pitch will be at 7:05 p.m.
July 31, 2023
LOCOS WIN SEVENTH CHAMPIONSHIP, DEFEAT SCOUTS 8-2
Lima scored three runs in the fifth inning, winning four consecutive games in playoffs to secure their seventh title in the franchise.
In the top of the fifth inning, junior catcher Mason Sawyer put an exclamation point in a three-run frame behind a home run to left-center field, getting two RBIs in the process and Lima towards 8-2 over Xenia.
"I knew he had a really good fastball," said Sawyer. "He put it up high and sometimes all you gotta do is just turn around and put a bat on it and it'll do the work for you."
Sawyer's second-career home run off Xenia senior left-hander Griffith Hughes gave Ohio State a 3-1 lead after five frames.
The home run was Sawyer's first hit of the game – he hit two doubles in the next two innings – he finished with three hits against the Scouts, three RBIs, and two runs scored.
"Mason had a huge homerun to put us in the lead," said head coach Chad Ehrnsberger. "Mason picked a great day to have his best game of the summer, that's for sure."
The Locos would score eight runs in the final five innings, and freshman designated hitter Cade Belyeu would help to extend the lead.
Belyeu would show his plate disciple by getting two walks; in the top f the sixth inning, Belyeu would record a walk with the bases loaded to bring him his first RBI.
Belyeu would get his final RBI in the eighth after an RBI single. Belyeu would finish 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two walks.
Junior righty Blaine McRae would dawn the Locos jersey for only his second time after getting signed two weeks ago, throwing six shutout innings and receiving his first win.
McRae would give up an early score as the Locos would go down 1-0 in the first, but McRae lives for the pressure of big-time games and situations.
"I love the pressure, I love big situations," said McRae. "I want to get the last out of a big game that's important to me, these guys gave me that opportunity."
McRae would give up one run on three hits with six strikeouts to get his first win.
The Locos won four straight games against Muskegon in the divisional round and two against Xenia to win the championship after being back o back runner-ups in 2021 and 2022.
Lima is rooted in playoff wins, and Chad Ehrnsberger had told his players what was expected of them at the beginning of the season.
"Beginning of the season I said championship or bust," Ehrnsberger said. "That's my mindset that's rhw Locos culture and that's what we do, I asset the goal and made the guys aware of it."
The Locos are now second in titles (7), only behind Columbus All-Americans (8), marking their first title since 2019.
"A great group of guys in that dugout, I couldn't be prouder and happier for these guys," said Ehrnsberger. "The amount of work these guys put in and everything they've done, it really means a lot that we get to send them home with a ring and a championship."
July 28, 2023
LOCOS WILL GO BACK TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE TIME, DEFEATING CLIPPERS 6-5.
The Locos lock up a fourth consecutive championship series birth after taking out the number one-seeded Clippers Friday at Simmons Field.
An RBI single from sophomore infielder Landon Underhill in the bottom of the fourth inning pushed Lima to a 6-5 victory over Muskegon in Lima.
A back-and-forth affair, the Loocs took the lead in the bottom of the first inning after trailing 1-0; the Locos would take the lead and never relinquish it.
The Clippers came up with answers in the middle innings but ran out of gas down the stretch to fall to Lima for the second-straight time. Junior first baseman Brandon Scheurer led the way on offense, going 2-for-3 and scoring two RBIs.
The Locos first got on the board in the home half of the first inning, taking a 2-1 lead on a two-run double from freshman Cade Belyeu. Belyeu finished the night 1-for-4 and brought home two runs.
Belyeu came into Friday night's game struggling at the plate in the previous three games, batting below .200 with only one hit. However, Belyeu got out of the slump for his first hit in two games.
Belyeu showed why he was named the Ron Miller Top Player Prospect in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League.
Sophomore outfielder Anthony Zarlingo would continue to build the lead after hitting a two-run RBI single to left field, scoring two runs. Landon Underhill would build on a two-run bottom of the third, bringing another run in the fourth to end the lead 6-1.
Despite the five-run lead, Muskegon was not fazed and responded quickly, scoring three runs in the top of the sixth and getting RBIs from Scheurer and senior outfielder Danny Passinault to bring the game within two 6-4.
The Clippers would run out of gas after Junior outfielder Brett Stanley hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the ninth to make the game 6-5; sophomore right-hander Micah Takac would close the door, getting his fourth save of the season after pitching his final one-third not allowing a hit or run.
Sophomore righty Daniel Gutierrez would relieve his first-ever loss, allowing three hits, three runs, and three walks in two-thirds innings of work.
Lima looks for its first title since 2019 after being back-to-back runner-ups.
The Locos will face the Xenia Scouts in a three-game series starting tomorrow at Simmons Field at 7:05 p.m.
July 26, 2023
CASH, FIGUEROA STRIKEOUT 13 CLIPPERS IN LIMAS' WIN OVER MUSKEGON
After allowing 15 runs in the final two innings in a 15-4 loss versus Muskegon Sunday, Lima responded with a dominant pitching performance Thursday at Marsh Field.
Sophomore left-hander Steven Cash and sophomore righty Alex Figueroa combined for 13 strikeouts on the mound to help the Locos beat the Clippers 1-0 and earn their first playoff win of the series.
"The guys were ready to go tonight," head coach Chad Ehrnsberger said. "It was an uneventful bus trip up, the guys were ready, cash threw really well, then Figueroa came out and shut them out for four innings."
Cash allowed four hits and struck out a career-high eight batters in five innings, earning his second consecutive win in five starts.
"He';s got three good pitches, when he's throwing them for strikes he going to be really tough to hit," Ehrnsberger said.
Figueroa struck out five batters over four scoreless innings, securing the shutout win that snapped Lima's (25-13) four-game losing streak.
"That's the best outing Alex has thrown for us this summer," said Ehrnsberger. "He was pounding the zone with the fastball and with his slider, he was getting a lot of swing and misses, they were not comfortable against him in the box."
The pair surrendered just five hits, with 13 strikeouts and one walk.
Offensively, the Locos notched three hits with one double. The double came in the top of the fourth inning; sophomore infielder Aidyn Coffey jumped on a pitch from sophomore left-hander Jack Decker, redshirt freshman Jack Porter would then hit a sacrifice flyout, bringing in the game's only run.
Despite the dominant performance by Decker, Lima would secure the victory and break the Clipper's (33-5) nine-game win streak.
Decker would throw eight innings, giving up one run and three hits with nine strikeouts receiving his second loss of the season.
"We just faced a really good pitcher tonight, he threw really well, our guys were ready and were focused."
The Locos will travel back to Lima with the second game of the playoffs Friday at 7:05 p.m.
July 22, 2023
CLIPPERS SWEEP FIRST OF TWO DOUBLEHEADERS
The Locos lose the series-opening doubleheader to Muskegon Saturday.
Lima lost the first game against Muskegon in tight fashion, falling 2-1 in a pitcher's duel in the series opener; the Clippers would erupt for an offensive explosion in the second game, winning 11-2 to two, securing a first-place finish in the north division.
Sophomore infielder Donovan Rinehart had a series-high four hits, while the rest of the Clipper's offense would hit four nine-doubles between both games.
The Clippers starting rotation excelled in both games. Muskegon's rotation gave up two earned runs, striking out 14 batters over 14 innings.
Game one:
For the second-straight outing, sophomore right-hander Alex Figueroa tossed a pitching gem. However, it was not enough, as Lima fell 2-1 to Muskegon in a classic pitcher's duel.
Figueroa did not allow a walk in a season-high six innings, giving up two runs on six hits.
Muskegon left-hander Jack Snow would only allow one run on four hits.
Sophomore righty Daniel Gutierrez would come in for relief after four innings, not allowing a hit or a run in one inning to get his sixth win.
The Locos and Clippers combined for three runs and 12 hits, with early chances to score.
In the top of the first inning, with the bases loaded, the Locos would strike out and ground out in back-to-back at-bats to strand three runs; the Loco would leave nine runners stranded in the game.
Muskegon broke the ice in the bottom of the fifth inning when senior outfielder Colin Cornwell ripped an RBI double, getting his first hit of the game.
Freshman righty Jaxon Huffman earned the save for the Clippers, pitching the final two innings, not allowing a hit or run while striking out two. Figueroa picked up the loss despite six strong innings.
Game two:
After being held to two runs by Lima in the previous game, Muskegon quickly jumped on Lima in the next game.
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth inning, junior infielder Stoney Smith would rip a triple off a pitch by freshman right-hander Perry Stow to bring in three runs.
The Clippers would complete the doubleheader sweep with an 11-2 victory. Muskegon would dominate the box score with 13 hits and 10 RBIs in 31 at-bats.
Stow would receive the loss for the Locos after allowing eight runs (four earned) on seven hits with four walks. Senior right-hander Isiah Lindsey would pitch a gem after throwing for all seven innings allowing seven hits with two runs and five strikeouts to receive the win.
The Locos and Clippers wrap up the regular season with another doubleheader today, starting at 4:05 p.m. at Marsh Field.
The Clippers (31-5) need to win one game today to set a new GLSCL single-season win percentage record previously held by the Delaware Cows (.815) in 2001.
If the Clippers sweep the series, they will tie the GLSCl all-time single-season wins record with 33 previously set by the Toledo Glass Sox in 1988 and the Northern Ohio Baseball Club in 2000.
July 15, 2023
LOCOS SWEEP SERIES AGAINST LEPRECHAUNS, CLINCH PLAYOFF BERTH
A two-run single from sophomore infielder Aidyn Coffey in the bottom of the seventh inning pushed Lima to a 9-3 victory over Royal Oak Sunday in Lima, securing a playoff berth for the Locos.
A back-and-forth affair, the Locos (23-8) took the lead on Coffey's two-RBI single; after relinquishing an early two-run advantage.
The Leprechauns (12-19) came up with answers in the middle innings but ran out of gas down the stretch to fall to Lima for the third straight time. Junior shortstop AJ Kostic led the way on offense, going 2-for-4 and scoring two runs.
The Locos first got on the board in the home half of the first inning, taking a 1-0 lead on a single to center field from sophomore outfielder Eduardo Martinez. Martinez finished the night 3-for-4 and brought home three runs.
Martinez came into the game on a three-game hit streak, extending the streak to four games. Martinez would hit his third home run in the fifth inning bringing in two runs, raising his batting average to .313.
Despite the home run, Royal Oak was not fazed and responded quickly, scoring two runs in the top of the sixth and getting RBIs from sophomore designated hitter Caden Duryea and Junior outfielder Collin Overholt to tie the game at 3-3.
However, in the home half of the eighth inning, Lima responded accordingly.
After Coffey brought in two RBIs in the seventh, with two runs on the bases, sophomore catcher Hudson Parker would extend the lead on a three-run blast to make the game 9-3. The inning would end, but not before Parker brought in three runs.
The Locos pitching staff would have six shutout innings between junior righty Reese Bassinger and sophomore right-hander Alex Figueroa. Lima would record 13 strikeouts between the two and not allow a single walk in the game.
After Bassinger pitched the first five innings, Figueroa would close the door on the Leprechauns in the final four innings.
Figueroa stuck out a career-high eight batters in tonight's game against Royal Oak, getting the win. Figueroa allowed five hits, two runs, and eight strikeouts.
With the win, the Locos have clinched a playoff spot and a series against the Muskegon Clippers. The Locos are up seven games against the Sandusky Bay Ice Haulers with seven games left in the season and have the season tie-breaker against Sandusky.
The Locos will take on Jet Box Baseball Club in a three games series starting on July 19th at Milford High School.
July 14, 2023
OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION GUIDES LOCOS TO VICOTRY 16-10
Lima scored five runs in the seventh inning, sealing the victory in the series’ first game against Royal Oak Friday.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, sophomore outfielder Eduardo Martinez capped off a five-run frame behind a single to left field, getting two RBIs in the process and pushing Lima (21-8) towards a 16-10 win over Royal Oak.
Martinez got his third RBI of the sophomore right-hander Aidan McWayne, giving Lima a 16-9 lead after seven frames.
Sophomore infielder Kolton Schaller would give the Locos a 6-0 lead to start the game after two innings.
With one man aboard, Schaller would step up to the plate and hit a deep ball to right field off of a pitch by sophomore righty Kurt Barr for a home run bringing in Martinez.
Schaller got his third career home run, giving Lima a 6-0 lead after two frames.
Royal Oak (12–17), trailing 6-0 after three innings following a two-run home run by Schaller, attempted a comeback in the game scoring nine runs between the fourth and seventh innings.
Royal Oak sophomore infielder Caden Duryea brought Maryland within one run of Lima after taking a pitch from sophomore right-hander Ryan Denison and singling two center field, bringing in two runs.
Duryea went 1-4 at the plate; he had one walk and two RBIs, the most for the Leprechauns.
Sophomore righty Hudson Parker received the win behind 3 1/3 innings with four hit balls, striking out three while giving up four runs (two earned) and three walks. Sophomore starter Kurt Barr got the loss after giving up six runs, two walks, and four hits in two innings pitched.
Lima wins its seventh consecutive series opener, only having lost the first game to start a series once this season.
The Locos will battle the Royal Oak Leprechauns on the road at Memorial Park Field in Royal Oak at 7:05 p.m. tonight.
July 13, 2023
LOCOS TAKE SERIES AGAINST MICHIGAN, WIN ONE OF TWO THURSDAY
After four-unanswered runs scored in a 6-4 victory over Michigan Thursday, Lima travels on a high note back to Lima after playing a doubleheader in Michigan.
With the doubleheader final win against the Monarchs, the Locos (20-8) take one of two against Michigan (10-18).
Lima fell in the first of two games against Michigan in tight fashion, falling 5-3 before finding success with a 6-4 victory in the series final Thursday.
Game 1:
The Locos railed in the fourth inning, but their two-game winning streak snapped in the form of a 5-3 loss to Michigan.
In the top of the fourth inning, sophomore catcher Caleb Herd rifled a pitch from Michigan sophomore right-hander Jason Arbini for a single. Freshman outfielder Cade Belyeu came home to score, tying up the game 3-3.
Lima's comeback bid fell short as sophomore infielder Connor Ashby grounded out to first base, and the Monarchs sealed the first game.
The Locos would accumulate seven hits, but more was needed as the Monarchs jumped on starting left-hander Landon Price with three runs in the first two innings. Sophomore infielder Cooper Vance, senior outfielder Jake Dresselhouse hit sacrifice flyouts, and junior fielder Jacob Gumieny roped in an RBI single.
"They got a lot of bloop hits and infield hits, I bet they had three infield hits and another three broken bat hits to our outfielders," said head coach Chad Ehrnsberger. "That first game just wasn't very good, just gotta overlook it."
Michigan did most of its damage, scoring two runs in the fourth inning, anchored by an Arbini RBI single to retake the lead; Arbini would get his second RBI and a hit of the season. Vance would hit a sacrifice flyout to put the Monarchs back up by two.
Sophomore infielder Landon Underhill provided a bright spot for a Lima offense that went 7-for-28 at the plate, going 2-for-3 and scoring one run.
Price earned the loss in his fifth start for the Locos, while junior left-hander Quinton Konuszewski got his fourth win for the Monarchs.
Game 2:
The Locos used a four-run sixth inning to take a 6-4 victory over Michigan, winning the three-game series.
Lima generated six RBIs on eight hits, putting runners in scoring positions and bringing in runners on 75% of the hits.
The Monarchs would strike first after an RBI single by junior infielder Mason Malysz in the bottom of the second. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the third, the Monarchs would walk in two runs, then a sacrifice flyout in the fourth would put the Monarchs up by two.
In the top of the sixth inning, Lima loaded the bases. After an RBi single by sophomore catcher Hudson Parker, Ashworth cleared the bases with a three-run double to break open the game.
The Lcoos would then fend off the Monarchs, and sophomore righty Micah Takac would pitch the final three innings, not allowing a run or hit to seal the comeback for the Locos.
"He came in and was a bulldog for us, he basically was like "hey, I'm gonna throw strikes, and you guys are gonna be forced to hit it," and they weren't able to," said Ehrnsberger.
Takac earned the win in three innings, giving up no runs or hits and punching out three Michigan batters.
Lefty Eddie Bieniasz picked up his first loss of the season, pitching two innings and allowing four runs and six hits.
Takac would retire the side to end the game.
The Locos will take on the Royal Oak Leprechauns in a three-game series; game one will be tonight at Simmons Field, with the first pitch at 7:05 p.m.
July 11, 2023
LOCOS WIN COMFORTABLY 12-2 IN THE SERIES' FIRST GAME
Lima scored five runs in the second inning, winning against Michigan in the series' first game Tuesday.
In the top of the second inning, sophomore infielder Connor Ashby capped a five-run inning behind a sacrifice groundout getting an RBI in the process and pushing Lima (19-7) towards a 12-2 win over Michigan.
"The offense looked great, it's good to see," said head coach Chad Ehrnsberger. "The guys had energy and the guys had good at bats even when we didn't score, overall it was a great offensive day for us."
The Locos would amass 12 hits with six different players for a combined 11 RBIs.
Redshirt freshman outfielder Jack Porter would lead the way for the Locos, going 4-for-5 and getting his first multihit game of the season with three singles and a double. Porter would get an RBI single in the third inning to bring in freshman infielder Justin Rumfield.
"He's had good at bats, he had a great game today," Ehrnsberger said.
Junior catcher Mason Sawyer would lead the locos in runs batted in with three, getting his first multi-RBI game of the season, putting his total at five.
Sawyer would get two RBI singles in the second and eighth innings bringing in Rumfield and Porter. In his final at-bat, Sawyer would hit a sacrifice fly-out to score his final RBI.
"He's come on the plate, earlier in the season he struggled and it took him a while to get that first hit, once he got that first hit the pressure came off. He's had a lot of good at bats lately," said Ehrnsberger.
Michigan (9-17) would only score two runs off an RBI double by senior Sam Thompson and an RBI single from Steven Casas.
Lima's pitching would allow only two runs on seven hits; sophomore left-hander Peyton Nelson would lead the way for the Locos. In five innings, Nelson would allow four hits with two runs, two walks, and three strikeouts, getting his third win.
"He gave up two runs in five innings. I think that's his worst outing of the summer," said Ehrnsberger. "It shows how great he's been for us this summer."
Sophomore right-hander Kaden Arn and junior righty Brandon Doehne would throw a combined four innings pitching the shutout, allowing just three hits with four strikeouts and two walks.
The Locos will play a doubleheader to wrap up the series against Michigan, the first game at 5:05 p.m. at Cleary University.
July 8, 2023
4-RUN FIRST INNING GUIDES LIMA TO 6-2 VICTORY
With no one aboard and no outs in the bottom of the fourth inning, Lima sophomore third baseman Aydin Coffey launched a pitch for Sandusky freshman left-hander Kyle Fitzgerald, getting his second home run on only three hits.
Coffey came into the game with only two hits in 37 at-bats but made the most of his hits. With three hits, Coffey has two home runs and seven RBIs; Coffey got his first hit since a June 24th game against Jet Box.
Head coach Chad Ehrnsberger has seen a difference in Coffey's game and the developments he has made throughout the summer.
"He looked good today," said Ehrnsberger, "I said something to another coach during batting practice. I was like "Aiden looks different today," and he came out in the game and barrelled up three balls. He's put in a lot of time and he looks really good."
Lima's first-inning rally proved the difference, guiding the Locos to a 6-2 win Friday at Simmons Field and a victory over the Ice Haulers.
In the bottom of the first inning, Lima (18-7) would score the first two runs with RBI singles from sophomore second baseman Landon Underhill and freshman first baseman Justin Rumfield. Redshirt freshman Jack Porter would hit a sacrifice groundout, and Rumsfeld would come in to score the final run off a balk.
The Locos had six steals from three different runners and seven walks compared to three strikeouts; the Loco's ability to be disciplined at the play and put runners in scoring position was the key to victory against Sandusky.
However, Sandusky would cut into the lead at the top of the seventh inning.
Freshman outfielder Braden Shepard would hit a two-out rally with two runners on base, singling back up to the pitcher scoring a run, shutting down the Locos shutout game as the Locos gave up four walks, one in the seventh, helping lead to a run scored.
"Just too many walks," Ehrnsberger said. "I don't like giving up free bases and we definitely gave up a lot of them, since they left a few guys on base, when you have six hits that shouldn't happen."
The Locos pitch, though, would hold the Ice Haulers (13-11) in all but two innings as the Locos pitching staff had ten strikeouts, giving up only six hits.
Junior righty Reese Bassinger would win after two innings, allowing no hits or runs with two strikeouts. Fitzgerald would receive the loss, pitching five innings and giving up five hits, five runs, and four walks.
Ehrnsberger hopes the Locos can play nine strong innings and peak at the right time, as there are only 13 games left in the season.
"Lately we've had some good innings early and not so late, when earlier in the summer it was the opposite," said Ehrnsberger, "It'd be nice to have nine strong innings and hopefully we'll get there and will peak at the right time."
July 4, 2023
LOCOS WIN FIRST, LOSE SECOND GAME IN DOUBLEHEADER AGAINST MUSKEGON
Lima started strong at Simmons Field, defeating Muskegon 5-3 in the first game of the doubleheader.
Both teams would go 1-1, splitting the doubleheader, Lima would take game one, but Muskegon would come back to win game two. The highly anticipated matchup lived up to the billing; Muskegon leads the north division as Lima trails right behind them.
Lima's win over Muskegon marked the first time this season that the Locos have beaten Muskegon this season, as Lima looked to try and win the final game of the series to gain ground on the current division leaders.
Game 1:
The Locos used a three-run fourth inning to take a 5-3 victory over Muskegon.
Lima generated nine hits in the game, using the entire field to get extra-base hits. The Locos recorded three doubles and a triple.
"We had good at bats, when we have good at bats we have success," said head coach Chad Ehrnsberger. "We don't get ourselves out, that first game we did what we were supposed to do."
The Locos struck first in the bottom of the second inning when freshman Cade Belyeu hit an RBI single down the right-field line off of a pitch by freshman right-hander Matthew Hoover bringing in sophomore center fielder Eduardo Martinez.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Locos would bring in three runs starting with an RBI single by freshman third baseman Justin Rumfield. Sophomore catcher Hudson Parker would get an RBI double, recording his first RBI and an extra-base hit of the season, and sophomore left-fielder Anthony Zarlingo would bat in an RBI single for the third run.
Martinez would lead the way for the Locos at the plate, going 3-for-3.
Martinez would record two doubles, a triple, and three runs while being two hits short of the cycle.
"When he hits the ball good things happen, he's getting more confident and hopefully he's seeing the success he's having because of the hard work he's putting in," Chad Ehrnsberger said.
Sophomore righty Kaden Arn earned the win in five innings, giving up three runs (one earned) on three hits and three walks. Sophomore right-hander Micah Takac would close the door on the Clippers, getting his third save of the season; in two innings, Takac would not allow a hit or run with one walk and one strikeout.
Takac forced the Clippers to leave one stranded in the top of the seventh with a game-ending strikeout.
Game 2:
Despite beating Muskegon in the first game 5-3, the Clippers rescinded with a 2-0 in the second game on Tuesday.
The Clippers jumped on starting right-hander Jacob Pruitt with two runs in the third. Freshman second baseman Aaron Piasecki recorded an RBI single, and senior outfielder Colin Cornwell recorded a sacrifice groundout to drive in the second run.
Freshman right-hander DJ Thompson got the win after throwing all seven innings, allowing no runs on two hits with eight strikeouts.
Thompson's performances left Ehrnsberger surprised and confused as Thompson pitched a shutout game for the Clippers.
"I am going to have to talk to the hitters and see what was up, you gotta give him credit as he threw a seven inning shutout, obviously he was doing something where our hitters couldn't hit it," said Ehrnsberger.
Pruitt received his first loss on the season after pitching seven innings, giving up two runs and three hits with nine strikeouts.
The Locos will finish the three-game series tonight at Simmons Field, first pitch set for 7:05 p.m.
"I like our chances, on paper we've got the best team, we need to show it on the field and today in the second game we didn't do that," said Ehrnsberger. "Hopefully tomorrow we come out and show we're the better team."
July 2, 2023
LOCOS TAKE ONE OF TWO AGAINST SANDUSKY
Lima splits the doubleheader against Sandusky, going 1-1.
The Locos started strong at Simmons Field, defeating Sandusky 5-0 in the first game, with a loss to Sandusky 4-3 in the second game.
Game 1:
The Locos used a three-run fifth to take a 5-0 victory over Sandusky Bay.
Lima generated four hits in the game but used its plate awareness to reach base, and five batters combined four six walks.
The Locos struck first in the bottom of the third inning when freshman third baseman Justin Rumfield came in to score off a fielder's choice by senior outfielder Kyle Ashworth.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Lima loaded the bases. After a two-RBI single by sophomore left fielder Anthony Zarlingo, Sophomore Eduardo Martinez would bring a run on a sacrifice groundout to break open the game.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, sophomore second baseman Kolton Schaller would bring in redshirt freshmen Jack Porter for an RBI on a sacrifice groundout.
Sophomore left-hander Peyton Nelson earned the win in six innings, giving up no runs on two hits and two walks. Nelson struck out seven Sandusky batters, now having over 20 strikeouts on the season with 21.
Senior lefty Parker Newby tossed four innings for the Ice Haulers, picking up the loss, allowing one hit with three runs and four walks.
Junior righty Reese BAssinger forced a game-ending flyout in the top of the seventh inning.
Game 2:
After defeating Sandusky 5-0 in game one, the Ice Haulers responded with a 4-3 victory in the second game.
Sandusky jumped on starting left-hander Landon Price with three runs in the first. Senior infielder Elijah Snider roped in an RBI off of a sacrifice groundout, and junior infielder Rhett Stokes and Sophomore Infidler JT Popick hit RBI singles to drive in the third run.
Locos pitching would throw five shutout innings after giving up four runs in the first two innings, allowing the Locos to cut the lead down to one.
First Basemen Just Rumfield would hit a two-RBI single off a pitch by freshman right-hander Cooper Fiehrer, bringing in Senior Kyle Ashworth and sophomore shortstop Landon Underhill, cutting the lead down 4-2.
Rumfield, in both games, would go 4-for-5, collecting two RBIs, two runs, and two walks with one stolen base.
Anthony Zarlingo would hit an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth, bringing in Kolton Schaller to cut the lead down to 4-3. The Loco's rally would fall short as sophomore righty Seth Sleasman would put away all three batters in the bottom of the seventh inning to get the save.
Price would receive the loss after five innings of work, giving up five hits with four runs. Fiehrer would receive his third win, giving up two runs on eight hits with two walks and three strikeouts.
The Locos will play another doubleheader tomorrow at Simmons Field against the Muskegon Clippers, with the first game at 3:35 p.m.
June 30, 2023
RICHMOND OFFENSE POWERS JAZZ PAST LIMA 12-1
Richmond scored twelve runs getting the run rule to claim a 12-1 win over Lima, who dropped their first game in the series.
Richmond put runners on base and made them count, going 15-for-29 as a team, batting a .517 and getting 13 RBIs, while Lima went 6-for-25 despite six hits in the game.
Sophomore right-hander Jacob Young earned the win, tossing four shutout innings and striking out six.
Sophomore righty Jayden Jerger went 4 ⅓ innings for the Locos against Richmond but allowed an RBI single and a sacrifice flyout in the bottom of the third inning, opening up the scoring.
The Jazz scored three in the bottom of the fourth on a two-run triple by senior outfielder Jordan McKenzie and a sacrifice fly by sophomore Brayton Bowen.
The Locos would get on the board in the top of the second inning off of a one-run single from sophomore left fielder Anthony Zarlingo; Zarlingo would put up the only Locos run of the game.
Two Jazz pitchers threw shutouts over the next five innings, plating 11 more runs after the second inning.
Richmond junior right-hander Kaelan Racculia got senior outfielder Kyle Ashworth to strikeout to end the game, giving the Jazz their first win after a two-game skid.
Lima will finish the series tonight at McBride Stadium starting at 6:35 p.m.
June 29, 2023
PORTER MAKES A MIRACULOUS CATCH, LANDS ON SPORTSCENTER
In the top of the third inning, redshirt freshman right fielder Jack Porter made a miraculous play denying a home run to the Jazz.
Sophomore outfielder Brayton Bowen would rifle a pitch from sophomore right-hander Steven Cash to deep right field; Porter would make a spectacular play at the Jazz bullpen. Extending his arm to catch the ball, he barrels into the fence, doing a somersault and landing on the bench with the ball still in hand.
"I was tracking the ball, hoping when I got close to the fence I'd feel the warning track and know how close I was," said Porter. "I took one step on it and jumped so I didn't really know how close I was for sure."
Porter would save a three-run shot and deny the Jazz (11-8) back into the game; the save would give the Locos the win 5-4.
Porter would stick the somersault, landing on the bench of the Jazz with the ball still in hand. The nerves were there for Porter, knowing it was a short fence and that the bench was right in front of him.
"When I hit the fence I was just trying not to drop the ball and was kind of nervous about the landing because it's a short fence and I knew the bench was there," Porter said.
The Locos (14-4) would only give up one run in the top of the third off an RBI single to senior Liam Patton.
The fans were in disbelief, and many exclaimed that it was one of the best catches they had ever seen. The dugout was full of laughter, excitement, and shock as the play motivated and propelled the Locos to victory.
"In the dug out everyone was laughing and kind of shocked," said Porter.
The video would go viral, amassing millions of views on Twitter and Tiktok, as BleacherReport Sportscenter and Baseball Quotes would all post about the catch.
Sportscenter would feature the video in its top 10 plays at number two. Making Jack Porter an overnight sensation, Porter never expected to be on Sportscenter when he went to bed, he was surprised to find out he had made it on the show.
"I didn't think I would be on Sportscenter when I woke up," Porter said. "I woke up to my family texting me, telling me the news and I was happy."
Looking back at the video, Porter wishes he had found the fence instead of running into it.
"Now that I've seen the video, I should have probably tried to find the fence instead of hitting it," Porter said.
June 28, 2023
LIMA MAKES IT FIVE STRAIGHT WINS, DEFEAT RICHMOND 5-4
A sacrifice flyout from sophomore infielder Landon Underhill in the bottom of the seventh inning pushed Lima to a 6-5 victory over Richmond Wednesday in Lima.
A back-and-forth affair, the Locos (14-4) took the lead on Underhill's sacrifice fly after relinquishing an early two-run advantage; Underhills hit kept the win streak alive for the Locos moving the win streak to five games.
The Jazz (11-8) came up with answers in the later innings but ran out of gas in the closing stages to fall to Lima for the second straight game. Junior infielder Cooper Miles led the way on offense, going 2-for-5, scoring one run and one RBI.
The Locos first got on the board in the home half of the first inning, taking a 1-0 lead on a one-run blast from Landon Underhill. Underhill finished the night 1-for-2 and brought home three runs.
Underhill now sits atop the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League in doubles after hitting his sixth against the Jazz and second in the GLSCL in RBIs with 18.
Sophomore outfielder Jack Porter, who played right field on Wednesday against the Jazz, saved ave three-run home run in the third inning from Richmond sophomore left fielder Brayton Bowen.
Bowen rifled the ball off the bat, and as it went back towards the fence, the glove of Porter reached above the fence line, stealing away a possible three-run shot and keeping the game in Lima's favor.
Despite the two-run lead, Richmond was not fazed and responded quickly, scoring two runs in the top of the seventh and getting RBIs from Cooper Miles and sophomore infielder Landen Johnson to tie the game at 4-4.
A sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh inning would seal the victory for the Locos, with two pitchers coming in the final two innings to hold off the Jazz.
Sophomore righty Micah Takac would come in the eighth inning and give up three hits, no runs, and one strikeout. Sophomore right-hander Jacob Pruitt would shut the door on the Jazz in the ninth inning, allowing one hit and two strikeouts with no runs giving him his first save of the season.
Junior right-hander Reese Bassinger gets his second win of the season.
In three innings, Bassinger would allow four hits and two runs (one earned), with three strikeouts. Senior left-hander Jacob Bishop would receive the loss behind six and one-third innings played, allowing 10 hits, five runs, one walk, and four strikeouts.
The Locos will be on the road to finish the series against Richmond; game three will be Friday the 30th at McBride Stadium, with the first pitch at 6:35 p.m.
June 27, 2023
LOCOS WIN AFTER WALK-OFF SLAM, DEFEAT RICHMOND 8-6
Down 6-4 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Lima struck a rally and scored four runs to seal the comeback over Richmond.
With the lights shining and the fans cheering, freshman infielder Justin Rumfield put an exclamation point on a wild comeback for the Locos (13-4). Rumfield hit a grand slam to left field against Richmond sophomore right-hander John Cederberg, getting four RBIs and leading to Lima's 8-6 Victory over Richmond.
"I was trying to do something for the team, I was trying to look for something up, the slider he hung it there, I bet it on the barrel for the team," said Rumfield.
Rumfield got his first home run of the season.
The home run was Rumfield's first hit of the game after striking out twice and flying out twice.
"With two strikes he still made contact," said head coach Chad Ehrnsberger. "As soon as he got to two strikes I was just hoping he would make contact and put the ball in play, fortunately the pitcher left it up."
Plate Disciple and sitting back on pitches were crucial for Lima's Comeback. Richmond walked two Locos in the bottom of the ninth inning and eight over the final four frames, in which Lima scored seven runs.
Lima tallied 10 walks to five strikeouts as a team.
Sophomore infielder Landon Under, who played second base Tuesday against the Jazz (11-7), went 1-for-5.
Underhill was first to put a run on the board for the Locos, singling to right-center field in the bottom of the fifth inning. Underhill had one RBI on the night.
Richmond designated hitter Brayton Bowen helped to create a big lead against the Buckeyes.
Bowen was 2-for-5 at the plate with a single and a home run, accumulating two RBIs in the seventh inning in which the Flyers scored three runs.
Sophomore righty Hudson Parker received the win behind two innings with three strikeouts, allowing no runs or hits to the Jazz.
Cederberg received the loss, giving up two hits, four runs, and two walks in the bottom of the ninth.
"We are playing great baseball from the fifth inning on, in a way that's good because the guys don't give up," said Ehrnsberger. "If we play a full nine innings like we are capable, I think we're going to win a lot of games."
Lima will face Richmond in the second game of the series tonight at Simmons Field starting at 7:05 p.m.
June 25, 2023
LOCOS WIN FIVE CONSECUTIVE SERIES, BEAT JET BOX 12-4
Lima scored five runs in the fifth inning, completing the comeback against Jet Box in the series' second game.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, sophomore infielder Landon Underhill put the cherry on top of a five-run frame behind a single to center field, getting two RBIs in the process and pushing Lima (11-4) towards a 12-4 win over Jet Box.
Underhill got his 14th RBI off Jet Box junior right-hander Adam Amodei, giving Lima a 5-4 lead after five frames.
The single was Underhills first hit of the fifth inning - hitting another single in the seventh inning - he finished with going 2-for-3 with a run and two RBIs against Jet Box (2-11). Underhill's 14 RBIs make him second in the league and first on the Locos.
Senior outfielder Joshua Robinson would put Jet Box on the board first, hitting a sacrifice fly to center fielder Eduardo Martinez scoring an RBI.
Designated hitter Zac Jones would extend the lead, in the top of the second inning, on only his second hit of the season. Jones launched a pitch from sophomore right-hander Garitt Krupp hitting a home run, his first of the season, and getting three RBIs, his first RBIs, giving Jet Box a 4-0 lead.
The Locos would throw seven scoreless innings after giving up four runs in the second.
Sophomore righty Jacob Pruitt would replace Krupp; in five and two-thirds innings, Pruitt would give up only one hit and no runs with six strikeouts to three walks. Pruitt moves to 3-0 after winning; in 11.1 innings pitched, Pruitt has a 0.79 ERA.
Pruitt's teammate at Indiana State, sophomore Max McEwan, would pitch the final two innings allowing only one hit with three strikeouts and two walks.
Lima has won all five series so far this season. After defeating Jet Box to win the series, the Locos will go for the sweep against Jet Box.
The Locos will play the series' final game away today at 5:35 p.m. at Oakland University.
June 25, 2023
LOCOS SWEEP SERIES, DEFEAT JET BOX 13-3
Lima scored 11 runs in five innings, sealing the series sweep over Jet Box.
The Locos get their fifth consecutive series win, firmly putting them in the top half of the north division behind 13 hits and 11 RBIs. They are winning by 10 or more runs for the second time this season.
"We out scored them all three games, we must be swinging the bat pretty well," said head coach Chad Ehrnsberger.
In the top of the ninth inning, Sophomore center fielder Eduarny Matinez capped off a high-scoring game for the Locos with a home run, getting an RBI in the process and pushing Lima (12-4) towards a 13-3 win over Jet Box.
Martinez got his second-career home run off of a pitch by senior right-hander Brandon Biggerstaff.
The home run was Martinez's second hit on the game - getting a single in the fifth inning - hitting 2-for-3, moving his batting average to .300, with three runs and three walks last night.
Jet Box would get on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning after an error with two outs allowed a runner to score.
Sophomore infielder Brady Krzciok would bring in every RBI for Jet Box (2-12).
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Krzciok rifled a pitch by sophomore right-hander Micah Takac for a two-RBI single. Krzciok would go 1-for-2 with two RBIs.
Sophomore left-hander Peyton Nelson gets his first win for the Locos, giving up only two earned runs in four starts.
"Peyton looked really good," said Ehrnsberger. "He looked as good as he has all summer, he threw five innings and he could've went more if we wanted him to."
In five innings, Nelson allowed hits with one run, two walks, and four strikeouts. Opposing batters have a .114 average against Nelson.
The pitching staff for the Locos continues to be efficient, last night giving up three runs and 10 hits with three walks to seven strikeouts.
"We've had a couple games where we've been sloppy, but you're going to have that over the course of the season," Ehrnsberger said. "Hopefully they continue to perform the way they are."
The Locos pitching staff is third best in earned runs allowed with 48, second in strikeouts with 136, and have an ERA of 3.02 through 16 games.
"I'm pretty excited about where we are at as a team right now," Ehrnsberger said. "I've always said complacent is the first step to mediocrity, you can always do better no matter how good you are."
The Locos will be back at Simmons Field Tuesday the 27th against the Richmond Jazz at 7:05 p.m.
June 23, 2023
Locos Lose Late, 6-5
The Locos hit the road for a match with the rival Grand Lake Mariners. The Locos lost in walk off fashion 6-5, as the Mariners put up 2 runs in the Bottom of the 9th. Zach Boyer (Bossier Parish CC) claimed the win in relief for the Mariners going 3.0 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits, walking 3 and striking out 2. Patrick Dillon (Toledo) took the loss and blown save for the Locos. Dillon went 0.1 innings, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits while walking 2 batters.
The rest of the Locos pitching had some nice outings. Jonathan Machamer (Dayton) got the start for the Locos, going 5.0 innings, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits while striking out 10. Fred Sisco (Campbell) came on in relief and threw 2.0 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits, while striking out 1. Caleb Bohn (Mercer) pitched the 8th inning allowing 1 run on 1 hit while walking and striking out 1 each.
The Locos offense piled it on early, but the pitching could not lock down the win. The offense opened up with a Miller Ladusau (Abilene Christian) Solo Home Run in the Top of the 2nd. Jay Sorohan (Kennesaw St) came home on a Fielder's Choice in the Top of the 3rd. The Locos would double their lead to 4-0 in the 4th inning courtesy of a Jake Smallwood (Montevallo) Solo Home Run and a Jake Hutchins (Lincoln Trail) RBI Single. Colton Ledbetter (Samford) doubled home Smallwood to make it 5-3 Locos. The pitching could not hold the lead though as Grand Lake walked it off.
The Locos head to Sandusky for a 7:05 first pitch against the Ice Haulers on June 24, 2021.
June 23, 2023
LOCOS TAKE GAME 1 OVER JET BOX 7-5
A six-run inning in the bottom of the first inning pushed Lima to a 7-5 victory over Jet Box Friday at Simmons Field.
A back-and-forth affair, the Locos (10-4) took the lead on a wild pitch by junior right-hander Joshua Korson bringing in sophomore second baseman Landon Underhill after being down early 2-0.
Jet Box (2–10) came up with answers in the second inning but ran out of gas down the stretch to fall to Lima for the first time in the series. Underhill led the way on offense, going 2-for-4 and scoring two RBIs.
Sophomore first baseman Brady Krzciok would get Jet Box on the board first after a two-RBI double off of a pitch by junior righty Reese Bassinger.
Underhill would hit a two-RBI triple with no outs in the bottom of the first to wipe away the 2-0 deficit. Freshman third baseman Justin Rumfield would put the cherry on top after a single to left field bringing in two runs.
Despite the sic run inning, Jet Box was not fazed and responded in fashion, scoring three runs in the top of the second inning and getting three RBIs from sophomore center fielder Michael Tchavdarov bringing the game within one, 6-5.
Designated hitter Jack Porter in the bottom of the fifth inning would give the Locs an insurance run bringing in a run after a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 7-5.
Loco pitching would settle in for the rest of the game, pitching seven shutout innings after giving up five runs in two innings.
Sophomore right-hander Jayden Jerger won, making it his second of the season. In five innings pitched, Jerger gave up two hits and no runs with six strikeouts to no walks.
In 18 innings this year, Jerger has yet to give up an earned run and has struck out at least one batter every inning he has pitched.
Junior righty Joshua Korson would revive the loss after allowing seven runs (all earned) on six hits with five walks and no strikeouts moving his ERA up to 7.43.
The Locos look to build upon last night's success and win back-to-back series; game two will be played tonight at Simmons Field, with the first pitch at 7:05 p.m.
June 22, 2023
LOCOS FIVE GAME WIN STEAK ENDS AFTER A 10-5 LOSS TO LEPRECHAUNS
With two runners aboard and two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning, Royal Oak junior outfielder John Orberson would hit an RBI double by a pitch from LIma sophomore right-hander Landon Price, beginning a four-run frame for the Leprechauns.
In the next two at-bats, sophomore outfielder Caden Duryea would get hit by a pitch putting two runners on base. Junior outfielder AJ Kostic would hit a line drive over the fence for a home run bringing in three RBIs.
Royal Oaks sixth-inning two-out rally proved to be the difference, guiding the Leprechauns (5-7) to a 10-6 victory at Memorial Field and denying the series sweep for the Locos.
In the top of the second inning, Lima (9-4) seemed to pick up where they left off from Wednesday’s win. With two runners aboard, sophomore shortstop Adiyn Coffey would strikeout out, leafing to the next two at-bats being flyouts, but senior left-hander Zachary Hopman escaped the inning.
Hopman allowed just three hits and struck out three Lima batters over three innings.
In the top of the seventh, sophomore catcher Caleb Herd would start a four-run comeback hitting an RBI single.
Sophomore Anthony Zarlingo would hit a two-RBI double with another scoring after a passed ball bringing the Locos deficit to three runs. The Leprechauns would then pitch two shutout innings to secure the win in the eighth and ninth.
Price got the loss in just four innings as the reliever, giving up eight runs - seven earned - on five hits while walking three.
Lima looks to bounce back when it hosts Jet Box at 7:05 p.m. at Simmons Field.
June 21, 2023
LIMA OFFENSE POWERS LOCOS PAST ROYAL OAK 10-5
With two runners aboard and no outs in the bottom of the first inning, Loco's sophomore center fielder Eduarny Martinez hits a home run off of senior right-hander Ben Riffe, beginning a five-run frame for the Locos.
In the next five at-bats, sophomore third baseman Aidyn Coffey would score an RBI off of a fielder's choice, and junior catcher Mason Sawyer ripped a one-run single.
Lima's first-inning rally proved the difference, guiding the Locos to a 10-5 win on Wednesday at Simmons Field and a series victory over the Leprechauns.
In the bottom of the first inning, Lima (9-3) picked up where they left off from Tuesday's win—getting 11 hits Tuesday and 13 on Wednesday, though the Locos left 11 on base in the second game.
"I always want better situational hitting," said head coach Chad Ehrnsberger. "Its hard to complain when you do score 10 and have 13 hits, every game you're gonna leave guys on base you just try to limit it."
Martinez hit his first home run of the season, bringing the Loco's total of home runs up to six.
Martinez would go 3-for-6 with four RBIs and two runs, bringing his batting average up to .241.
"Eddy was someone we expected big things from this summer," said Ehrnsberger. "Last couple of games he's come out and been hitting the ball hard."
Sophomore outfielder Caden Duryea was first to put point on the board after singling to left-center field, bringing home sophomore Joshua Getz for an RBI in the top of the first inning.
The one-run lead would be the only time the Leprechuans (4-7) would be ahead the rest of the night.
Aidyn Coffey would be the second Loco to hit a home run.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Coffey would lead off with a solo home run to left field, getting his first hit and home run. The Locos are now second in the Great Lakes in home runs with seven.
Coffey would go 1-for-4 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs.
Riffe would receive the loss after an inning, and one-third played, giving up five hits, five runs (four earned), and two walks.
Junior righty Brandon Doehne would receive the win giving up three runs (two earned) and two hits with two walks and strikeouts.
The Locos will take on Royal Oak in the series final today at 7:05 p.m. at Memorial Park.
June 20, 2023
LOCOS ON A FOUR-GAME WIN STREAK, DEFEAT LEPRECHAUNS 6-3
In a back-and-forth battle, the Locos defeat the Leprechauns 6-3, winning the series' first game.
The Locos (8-3) are now 4-1 in their last five after a strong performance. The Locos had double-digit hits as the offense kept on rolling.
"The guys were free swinging and hitting the ball hard," said head coach Chad Ehrnsberger. "The guys had good at bats and we had some hits with runners in scoring position."
Sophomore infielder Kolton Schaller would be the first to bat for the Locos and get a hit, hitting a triple his first time up, his first of the season.
Sophomore infielder Connor Ashby would get the Locos up on the board first, getting a sacrifice RBI and bringing in Sophomore infielder Kolton Schaller.
Designated hitter Landon Underhill would put the game out of reach in the top of the sixth inning.
Underhill would hit RBI double, bringing in Titan Kamaka, giving the Locos a 4-2 lead.
Underhill would go 2-for-4 with a run and two RBIs. Freshman Justin Rumfield and Sophomore Caleb Herd would also have two hits as the Locos team would bat a .314 average.
Junior outfielder John Oberson would put the game within reach after an RBi-single to cut the lead down to one. Oberson would be the only player for the Leprechauns (4-6) with multiple hits going 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Sophomore righty Jacob Pruitt would get the win making it his second.
"Pruitt came out and he got us out of a really tough situation in the second, came in with teh bases load and no outs and dint give up a run," said Ehrnsberger. "To come throught eh way he did was big time for us."
In four innings, Pruitt would give up three hits, one run with four strikeouts.
Sophomore Micah Takac would shut the door on the Leprechauns coming in for the save getting three strikeouts in two innings pitched, giving up three hits and one run.
The Locos will return to Simmons Field Tuesday to take on the Royal Oak Leprechauns.
June 17, 2023
LIMA WINS RIVALRY SERIES, DEFEAT MARINERS IN SUDDEN VICTORY
Lima wins the final three games in the series, defeating rivals Grand Lake.
In the series' final game, the Lima Locos defeated the Grand Lake Mariners 2-2 after a sudden victory in the 11th inning.
After being tied going into the 11th inning, the home team, that is Grand Lake, gets to decide if they want to go back out on defense and try to deny a run or play offense and score. The Mariners choose to play defense.
The Locos had a ghost runner, sophomore Eduardo Martinez, who was placed first.
Senior Caleb Edwards-Dugan would come in to pinch hit. Edwards-Dugan would take the first pitch, then swing at the second, getting a single to center field and moving Martinez to third.
Sophomore outfielder Anthony Zarlingo would hit a sacrifice fly with no outs to bring in the winning run.
This is the second time the Locos (7-3) have played in a sudden match scenario.
On Jun. 8th, the Locos lost to the Sandusky Bay Ice Haulers after failing to score a run in the 11th inning.
In the top of the first, after one out, sophomore infielder Connor Ashby would hit a home run, his first of the season, putting the Locos on the board first.
Sophomore catcher Lucas Steele would hit 3-for-5 with a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth inning. Steele was a triple away from the cycle after hitting a home run, double, and single.
Sophomore righty Micah Takac would win after one inning pitched, allowing no runs and hits with two strikeouts.
Freshman right-hander Ivan Hoyt would receiver the loss for the Mariners (3-6).
In three innings of work, Hoyt would allow two hits and a run. The Mariner's pitching staff would give up three runs, seven walks, and five strikeouts.
The Locos will have a two-day break before taking on the Royal Oak Leprechauns Tuesday the 22nd.
June 16, 2023
JERGER, BASSINGER TOSS 9 SHUTOUT INNINGS IN LIMAS 8-0 WIN OVER GRAND LAKE
Lima rolls through Grand Lake in the third game, winning by eight runs.
After not scoring in the first two innings, the Locos (6-3) would drop off six runs in one inning, securing a 6-1 victory going into the series' final game.
In the bottom of the third inning, Lima scored six runs when sophomore infielder Kolton Schaller ripped a two-run double. Sophomore infielder Titan Kamaka hit a one-run single to give the Locos an early four-run lead.
After an error and a wild pitch, Schaller would come into score, giving the Locos a six-run lead.
Kolton Schaller continues his dominant performance in the series so far over the past two games hitting a home run and scoring seven RBIs, tying him for second in the league in RBIs with eight.
Sophomore outfielder Jack Porter would hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the eighth. Porter gets an RBI making it his second in back-to-back games.
Hometown player Caleb Edwards-Dugan would come in to pinch hit in the ninth, getting a single to center field and bringing in a run, improving his batting average of .308 and getting his third RBI on the season.
The Locos would not give up a single run in the game, allowing only one walk.
Junior Ryan Uhlenhake would receive the loss.
In three innings pitched, he would give up six runs (five earned) and five hits; the Mariners would give up as many walks (eight) as they did strikeouts. Giving up seven hits and eight runs as a team.
Sophomore right-hander Jayden Jerger would start and play six innings allowing only three hits with six strikeouts earning the win.
In 13 innings played, Jerger has yet to give up an earned run and has 12 strikeouts to only one walk. Jerger is only one of eight players who still has an ERA of zero.
Junior eighty Reese Bassinger would close the door on the Mariners (3-5), giving up one hit in the final three innings with three strikeouts.
The Loco's pitching would have nine strikeouts to one walk allowing only four hits.
The Locos will play the series' final against Grand Lake ahead in the series 2-1 at Montgomery Field.
June 15, 2023
LOCOS MERCY RULE MARINERS IN 7 INNINGS 16-2
Seven innings was all it took for Lima to beat rival Grand Lake at Simmons Field.
After not scoring in the first three innings, the Locos offense exploded with 16 runs and two home runs in the next two, securing a 16-2 victory.
Lima erupted with five runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, starting when designated hitter Landon Underhill ripped a one-run single to get the Locos on the board.
Sophomore infielder Kolton Schaller would then come up to the plate and hit a grand slam, hitting his second home run of the season and scoring four RBIs.
Schaller went 1-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs. Schaller is tied for first in home runs with two on the season.
One inning later, the Locos (5-3) hit their second home run in the ballgame, a three-run shot by the designated hitter Landon Under, his second of the season, tying him with Schaller for first in home runs.
Underhill would help elevate the Locos from the plate in his three at-bats. Underhill would go 2-for-3 with three runs and five RBIs, leading the Locos.
Sophomore catcher Caleb Herd would keep the RBI train going by roping a two-run single.
Grand Lake (3–4), with two outs in the bottom of the fifth and the bases loaded, would walk six runs in. Sophomore right-hander Aidan Plummer in one-third of an inning would throw over 40 pitches, walking in six runners.
The top of the third and sixth innings would be the only time the Mariners scored.
Sophomore catcher Lucas Steele would hit an RBI double in the top of the third. Freshman infielder Gunner Collins would hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the sixth.
The Mariners would walk only twice as a team compared to seven strikeouts against seven hits.
With the win, the Locos get their first multi-home run game and mercy rule of the season.
June 14, 2023
LOCOS RALLY FALLS SHORT AS GRAND LAKE TAKES FIRST GAME 6-5
The Locos rallied in the sixth inning but lost the series' first game in the form of a 6-5 Loss to Grand Lake.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Sophomore outfielder Anthony Zarlingo refiled a pitch with no outs from Grand Lake senior lefty Don Goodes to left field for a single. Sophomore infielder Kolton Schaller and sophomore outfielder Jack Porter came home to score, bringing Lima (4-3) within 6-4 as the Mariners led following a grand slam by freshman Gunner Collins.
Lima's comeback bid fell short as sophomore Anthony Zarlingo struck out swinging for out number three, and the Mariners (3-3) sealed the series-opening win.
Freshman infielder Justin Rumfield would begin the comeback for the Locos in the bottom of the sixth inning, hitting a line drive deep into left field for a double off Goodes, making it his second hit and giving Rumfield a two-game hit streak.
Rumfield was a triple and a home run away from the cycle as he tailed a single and a double.
Rumfield hit 2-5 on the night, now batting .208 on the season. The Sophomore had one run.
The Locos left 13 men on base as Head coach Chad Ehrnsberger questions the slow start and inconsistency in last night's game.
"We've been having slow starts the whole summer so far," said Ehrnsberger. "we've just been inconsistent, and we've struggled early in games with our approach."
In the top of the fifth inning, with one out, Gunner Collins took the pay-off pitch deep left field for a grand slam extending the Mariner's lead 6-0. Sophomore catcher Lucas Steele, senior outfielder Clay Jacobs, and sophomore outfielder Aaron Walton would all come into soccer along with Collins.
Collins hit 1-4 on the night, leading the team in RBIs with four and scoring one run.
Sophomore right-hander Hudson Parker receives the loss. In three innings of work, Parker gave up one run and one hit with two strikeouts.
Goodes would receive the win for the Mariners, playing five innings, giving up five runs (four earned) along with four hits, seven walks, and six strikeouts.
Chad Ehrnsberger and his team look to return strong and defeat their rivals before leaving Simmons Field.
"The best way to shut teams up is to score a bunch on them, hopefully they come out wth a chip on their shoulder and they can execute that," Ehrnsberger said.
June 11, 2023
ARN, PRICE TOSS 8 SHUTOUT INNINGS IN LIMA'S 4-1 WIN OVER MICHIGAN
The Loco's defense came alive, winning a three-game series against the Monarchs.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, sophomore infielder Titan Kamaka rifled a pitch with one out up center field for a single. Sophomore outfielder Jack Porter and senior infielder Caleb Edwards-Dugan came home to score, bringing in the game's first runs for Lima (4-2), extending a lead they would never relinquish.
Kamaka quickly became a key piece for the Locos driving in critical runs.
"Titan has been playing great," said head coach Chad Ehrnsberger. "You don't start 40 games at Florida State as a freshman without being really good, looking for big things out of Titan this summer."
Kamaka hit 2-4 on the night, now batting .364 on the season. The sophomore had one RBI.
The Locos would score another two runs in the bottom of the seventh, scoring four in two innings.
Sophomore infielder Connor Ashby with two outs, would stay disciplined behind the plate with the bases loaded. In a 3-1 count Ashby would sit back and take another ball, bringing in sophomore Caleb Herd.
Right-hander Julio Lopez would receive the loss for the Monarchs. In six innings played, Julio would allow four hits, two runs, and three strikeouts.
Locos pitching had eight shutout innings against Michigan (3-3), allowing only seven hits and one run.
Sophomore righty Kade Arn started on the mound and made quick work of batters, going fast, not allowing time for the hitters to think.
"Love speed, love going as fast as I can," Arn said. "It started when I was 17 or 18, my summer ball coach told me to work a little faster and it stuck, less time to think just go."
Go he did; Arn threw five innings, giving up three hits, no runs, and three strikeouts. In 10 innings played, Arn has yet to give up an earned run.
Sophomore lefty Landon Price would come and close the door on the monarchs.
Price only has four hits and one run with six strikeouts in four innings, adjusting as coming out of the bullpen not starting.
"It's a little bit of a different mindset than starting, I feel like I can do both and do both pretty well," Price said. "Coming out here and being able to compete it's a blessing."
June 10, 2023
LOCOS 6TH-INNING RALLY FALLS SHORT IN 6-4 LOSS TO MONARCHS
The Locos rallied in the sixth inning but came up short in a 6-4 loss to the Monarchs.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, with the bases loaded, sophomore Jake Johnson riffled a ball to second base for a single. Sophomore Connor Ashby came home to score. Senior Kyle Ashworth hit a sacrifice fly, bringing home sophomore Kolton Schaller and the Locos (3-2) within two.
Sophomore right-hander Nolan Higgins sealed the deal by striking out three of four batters in the bottom of the ninth to win the second game in the series for Michigan.
Schaller would get his first home run of the season, hitting a one-run shot to right field.
Schaller would go 1-for-3 on the night with three runs, one RBI and two walks.
Lima’s stout defense fell apart against the Monarchs (3-2) as their offense was firing on all cylinders.
The Locos came into game two second best in earned runs allowed with (eight), fourth in runs allowed (13), and first in strikeouts (40). The defense unraveled as the Monarchs had eight hits and six runs on the night.
Johnson received the loss for the Locos.
Playing three innings, giving up four hits and four runs. Walking more batters, six, than strikeouts, two.
The Locos had seven errors in game one and gave up four errors in game two, placing them second in the league in errors (11), only behind the Cincinnati Steam (15).
The Monarchs, who were fourth in runs allowed (30), gave up only four runs to the Locos.
Freshman righty Dylan Eggl gave up two hits, two runs, with two strikeouts.
Sophomore Nolan Higgins received the save. Higgins gave up one hit in one inning of work and recorded three strikeouts.
The Locos look to bounce back and win the series in game three Monday at 7:05 p.m. at Simmons Field.
June 9, 2023
LOCOS WIN HOME OPENER IN STUNNING FASHION WINNING 8-7 OVER MONARCHS
Down 7-6 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Lima rallied and scored two runs to seal the comeback over Michigan.
With the lights shining and the fans cheering, freshman Cade Belyeu put an exclamation point on a wild comeback for the Locos (3-1). Belyeu hit the ball grounded towards second base as freshman Cale Vinson missed it and the ball rolled back towards center field.
Senior Kyle Ashworth and sophomore Caleb Herd both came in to score on unearned runs, leading to an 8-7 Locos win over Michigan.
"We did that a couple times up in Sandusky, I like the fight the team had," head coach Chad Ehrnsberger said. "I don't want to get in a habit of coming back late in the game, but it was nice seeing that we can do it."
The error was the Monarch's first and only of the night.
Belyeu would go 1-for-4 on the night with a hit and an RBI.
Timely hitting and using the entire field was crucial for Lima's comeback. Michigan gave up four-second base hits, one home run, and multiple singles, allowing the Locos to compile 14 hits.
"We were using the whole field and we got a lot of hits because of it," Ehrnsberger said. "You don't get a lot of hits by looking to pull it or yank it."
Sophomore infielder Connor Ashby, who played shortstop against the Monarchs (2-2), went 3-for-4 in his third game.
Ashby was third to put a run on the board for the Locos, singling after a wild pitching in the bottom of the second inning. Ashby had a double and two RBIs on the night.
"I focused on just being on time and letting the ball travel, good things happen when you put the ball in play," said Ashby.
Senior outfielder Jake Dresselhouse helped to create a lead against the Locos.
Dresselhouse was 1-for-4 at the plate but accumulated four stolen bases, two RBIs, and two runs.
Sophomore righty Garit Krupp won by pitching one-third innings with one hit. Junior right-hander Reese Bassinger started throwing three strikeouts, giving up two runs in three innings.
Sophomore righty Micah Takac pitched a perfect inning striking all three batters out, retiring the side in the top of the ninth and receiving the save.
"I just wanted to pound the zone, not walk anyone, try to get ahead not worry about velocity and more about where I was throwing it," said Takac. "Overall, my stuff felt great, it was a good night with my arm."
Sophomore Robert Klann got the loss after giving up two hits and two runs in one inning played.
Lima beat Michigan in the home opener at Simmons Field. The Locos will play their next five games at home.
"We had a good crowd, an energetic crowd. It was good to get a win for them, it's always a lot better when you leave happy then leave after a loss," said Ehrnsberger.
June 8, 2023
Locos lose final game of the series by tiebreaker
The Sandusky Bay Ice Haulers won in 11 innings because of the GLSCL tiebreaker scenario.
At the end of 10 innings of play and with the score tied 3-3, the home team, the Ice Haulers, were given two options. Go to the plate and try to score a run or go on defense and hope its pitching can prevent Lima from scoring.
The Locos (2-1) would score all three runs in the fifth inning.
Sophomore Landon Underhill would get his first home run of the season. Getting a solo shot to start the innings gave him his first RBI of the season.
Senior Caleb Edwards-Dugan then singles to bring in Mason Sawyer after wild pitching advancing Sawyer.
With the bases loaded, Freshman Cade Belyeu takes a walk to advance the runner home.
Freshman DJ Newman would produce two hits on five at-bats for the Ice Haulers (1-2). Newman would hit two doubles and score one run.
Both teams were carried by great pitching late in the game. Sophomore right-hander Alex Figueroa would pitch three hitless, scoreless innings, striking out five batters.
Freshman Cooper Fiehrer started in the field for the Haulers at third base before coming as a reliever. He would receive the win by pitching the final two and 2/3 innings holding the Locos scoreless in the tiebreaking inning to earn the win.
The three-game series was hard fought; Lima won two one-run games before Sandusky won the tiebreaker to win their first game of the season.
Lima will return home for a three-game series against the Michigan Monarchs (2-1), playing at home for the first time this season.
June 7, 2023
Price helps guide Lima to victory, beating Sandusky Bay 2-1
Lima wins the pitching duel edging out Sandusky Bay 2-1.
Sophomore left-hander Landon Price kept Sandusky at bay for the night as the two teams were locked in a stalemate for most of the contest.
“One of the main factors that contributed to my performance tonight was my ability to throw all four pitchers for strikes and keep the hitters off balance,” Price said.
In five innings on the mound, Price gave up two hits and one run with two strikes.
Sophomore Kade Arn then brought it home for the Locos (2-0), throwing four innings, allowing only three hits with no runs picking up the win. Lima only allowed five hits with one run, one walk, and five strikes.
“He went four innings and gave up no runs, he was getting ahead of the hitters which makes pitching a lot easier,” said head coach Chad Ehrnsberger.
Sophomore left-hander Robert Perebzak would receive the loss for Sandusky Bay (0-2), only playing a third of an inning, allowing two hits and one run.
Lima native, senior Caleb Edwards-Dugan was the only Locos player to record an RBI.
In the top of the second inning, with the bases loaded, singles to first, advancing all the runners and allowing sophomore Jack Porter to score. Edwards-Dugan goes one-for-four from the plate. Freshmen DJ Newman would lead the Ice Haulers at the plate. Getting two hits in three at-bats, recording a single and a double.
Lima struggled from the plate, only having six hits in 36 at-bats. Coach Ehrnsberger hopes it is just because it is the beginning of the season.
“I hope it's just early season jitters,” says Ehrnsberger. “We left 12 guys on base yesterday and nine tonight, it’s a positive that we are getting so many guys on base, I think we just need to change our approach a little bit.”
June 6, 2023
Locos Win First Game of 2023 Season, Score 1 in the 9th to Win 3-2
Tied 2-2 at the top of the ninth inning, Lima scores the winning run to seal the comeback over Sandusky Bay.
With the lights shining and tensions high, sophomore Titan Kamaka puts an exclamation point on a wild comeback for the Locos (1-0), singling and scoring the winning run leading to a 3-2 Lima win over Sandusky Bay (0-1).
"He had good at bats all night; he had the two big hits for us," said head coach Chad Ehrnsberger. "It's great to have him here and to come through and get to big hits for the first win of the year."
The single was Kamaka's second hit of the game, getting another single in the seventh, bringing in two runs.
Down 2-0 in the top of the seventh inning, Kamaka got his first hit of the season against sophomore right-hander Ben Keller, getting two RBIs.
Kamaka went 3-5 at the plate with three singles, one run, and two RBIs.
Good pitching down the stretch was crucial for Lima's comeback. After giving up two hits and two runs between the fourth and sixth innings, Lima would only give up one hit and three walks. Lima, as a team, would tally nine strikeouts to five walks.
"Overall, our pitching was really sharp, only giving up two runs which were unearned, defiantly good to see on opening day," Ehrnsberger said.
Junior Reese Bassinger gets his first win and saves as a Loco. Bassinger pitched one and two-thirds innings allowing one hit while recording one strike and one walk. Sophomore right-hander Seth Sleasman gets the loss for Sandusky. Through one inning of work, Sleasman gave up two hits, one run, and two walks and strikes.
Sandusky scored first after an error by the sophomore first baseman Kolton Schaller. It is the first game of the season for the Locos, and defensive positioning is something they are still working on.
"We've got some guys that play a lot of positions, we'll figure it out," says Ehrnsberger. "it's one of those things where guys are playing different positions than what they're used to. They'll get used to it."
Lima picks up their first win of the season, getting the monkey off their shoulders.
"The fact that it was opening night and we came from behind at the end I think that's a huge momentum boost for us. Hopefully we come out in the first inning ready to go," said Ehrnsberger.
June 4, 2023
Locos Start Off 2023 With an Exhibition Win Beating Scouts 10-4
In the first game of the season, the Lima Locos defeated the Xenia Scouts 10-4 in an exhibition game.
The game featured a rotation of pitchers every inning and playing all nine innings regardless of the score. Nevertheless, the Locos viewed it as an actual game and dominated throughout.
With the bases loaded, Sophomore Caleb Herd walks up to the plate. After taking two balls, he was given the green light to swing, hitting a single and driving in two runs putting the Locos on the board.
Sophomore Connor Ashby and Senior Caleb Edwards-Dugan would come in to score, giving the Locos the lead and never giving it up.
Sophomore Caleb Herd helped to lead the Locos to a win after going two for two from the plate. Scoring a single and a double, accumulating three RBIs.
The Locos hit two home runs in the seventh inning.
Two out of the first four batters would hit home runs. Connor Ashby would be first; with one player already on base, he lunched on deep, bringing in Sophomore Jack Porter and himself.
Ashby would have two runs, two RBIs, and one hit.
Mason Sawyer would then follow up with a solo home run, accumulating one hit, two walks, two runs, and one RBI.
After rotating through eight different pitchers, sophomore Jonathan Allen would get the win. Allen would pitch one inning. Giving up one hit, two walks, and a strike out, and zero runs to the Scouts.
Head Coach Chad Ehrnsberger starts his second stint with the Locos getting his first win. Ehrnsberger comes back after coaching the Locos from 2013-16, compiling a 105-49 record and leading the Locos to two league titles.
The Locos will take on the Sandusky Bay Ice Haulers in Sandusky Tuesday at 7:05 p.m.
May 25, 2023
Dugan Excited to Play in Hometown, Reflects on Previous Season
Dugan, who is from Lima, Ohio, will get to play for his home baseball club, the Lima Locos of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League. Dugan will be playing in his second season with the Locos.
"It's really big for me," says Dugan. "it'll be great to come back and play for the city of Lima."
Dugan played only six minutes from Simmons Field, playing at Lima Senior during high school. He developed many relationships throughout his career and looks forward to playing for them.
"I developed a lot of relationships with the younger generation," Dugan says. "it'll be great to play for them, it just means a lot."
After graduating from Lima, Senior Dugan went to Ivy Tech.
Dugan as a freshman at Ivy Tech. He had a .357 batting average in five games, three RBIs, eight runs, and four stolen bases.
Transferring to Lourdes University for his sophomore season, he would contact former assistant general manager Tim Clark about playing for the Locos.
"I reached out to then general manager Tim Clark, and he ended up finding me a spot on the team; we had a meeting, and he signed me, and that was that," Dugan said.
In his first summer in 2022, Dugan had 49 at-bats with ten hits, seven runs, three RBIs, and a .204 batting average.
Dugan learned a lot about the differences between college and summer seasons.
"During the summer season there is greater competition," says Dugan. "You see a lot of these big division one guys coming in and playing pretty hard."
After getting a taste of summer league baseball, Dugan returned to Lourdes looking to improve.
"I've been trying to develop my approach," says Dugan. "Getting into the box ad really trying to stick to my plan as the at bat goes on."
In the 2023 season, Dugan took what he learned from his time with the Locos and has improved.
In the 2023 season, he batted a .324 average in 74 at-bats compared to .283 the previous season in 94 at-bats.
Going into his second season with the Locos, Dugan looks to be a vocal presence in the dugout and steer guys in the right direction.
"These guys are talented, and I mean leading them in the right direction, cheering teammates on, and being a good team player.
Dugan hopes to help the Locos win while representing his hometown
"Gonna be ready to win it, putting Lima Locos across my chest and representing my hometown," says Dugan.
August 11, 2022
Locos Name Boley and Rau Dual General Managers
The Executive Board of the Lima Locos met Wednesday and interviewed candidates for the General Manager position. By the conclusion of the interviews the Board, in trail blazing fashion, unanimously voted to name Sean Boley and Matt Rau as Dual General Managers. Sean Boley will oversee club operations while Matt Rau will oversee the players and club personnel. They will work collaboratively in decision making and will report directly to the Executive Board. “The unique qualities of these two lifetime baseball men will definitely bring a new dynamic to the standard role of a singular General Manager and will further our Club’s endeavors to take the Lima Locos to the next level of excellence.” said Board President Bill Leahy.
Sean Boley, a former Locos player (2005-2007), played his four years of collegiate baseball for the University of Toledo. He has also coached baseball for seven years and has been a member of the Locos Board of Directors for the past five years. “What the Lima Locos organization has been able to accomplish over the years is incredible, and I look forward to working closely with Matt in our expanded roles to serve the team and the community.” said Sean Boley
Matt Rau served as a Lima Locos assistant coach for two seasons (2015-2016) and has coached baseball for ten years. His baseball endeavors include Major League Baseball experience as an Associate Scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks for three years (2011-2013). Matt has served on the Locos Board of Directors for three years including the past two years as the Assistant General Manager. “I am excited to begin working with Sean in our dual roles to enhance the Locos’ organization and build upon the history and legacy of the past 36 years of a great tradition.” said Matt Rau.
The first order of business for Boley and Rau will be working with the Executive Board to name a new head coach for the 2023 Season.
Contact ---- Keith Cheney 419-230-1856
July 30, 2022
Locos fall in finals; Furuto steps down
HAMILTON – Forget about the Hamilton Joes’ woeful pitching in Game 1 of the championship series.
Pitching helped carry the Joes to an 8-3 victory over the Lima Locos to win the championship in Game 3 of the best-of-3 championship series of the Great Lakes Collegiate League Sunday at Hamilton’s Foundation Field.
The Joes won the final two games of the series to win the best-of-3, 2-1, for the title.
“They (Hamilton) did a great job and they have a great team,” Locos coach Matt Furuto said. “They did a great job finishing the last two games.
“We grinded it out, but just came up short.’’
Furuto, in this third year as Locos head coach, announced he was resigning as coach after Sunday.
He took the Locos to the title in 2019 and they finished second the last two years.
“I’m going to step down,” Furuto said. “I’ve done it (played and coached summer ball) for so long, I just needed a break.’’
It’s the Joes fourth GLCL championship and second in a row.
It marked the second year in a row the Joes and Locos have met in the championship series.
Joes catcher Evan Ulrich (Charleston) led the offense, going 2 for 4 with a double, triple and three RBI.
“This is sweet to do it at home this year,” Ulrich said. “This amazing, especially playing in Hamilton this year. We finished out in Lima last year. Lima always has a good atmosphere, but being to do it at home is everything. It’s been a pleasure to play with these guys. It’s just exciting.
“We played our cards right and made sure we had enough arms for the last game.’’
The Joes took a 1-0 lead in the first. They added five in the second to take a 6-0 lead.
The Joes had an 8-2 lead after seven.
Lefty Dawson Hall (Minnesota) started for Hamilton. He worked four innings and gave up one run, earned, on six hits. He struck out five and walked none.
Justin Boggs followed Hall to the mound and threw two shutout innings, giving up one hit.
Clay Brock gave up a run in one inning of work.
Jakob Hughes threw a shutout eighth and struck out three.
Closer Chase Hopewell, who saved Game 2, came in and closed out the ninth for the Joes.
Anthony Kyle (Findlay) started for the Locos. He had a 0.90 ERA this summer in 20 innings.
Kyle threw four shutout innings of relief and got the win on Wednesday in Game 2 of the semifinals series against Michigan.
Whether it was the three-days rest or not, Kyle wasn’t his usual dominating self.
“I think they did a good job of barreling, then they got some cheap hits, as well,” Furuto said. “I think he ran into some bad breaks.’’
Parker Lester led off the home first with a slicing triple into left-field corner. Nichols Winner hit a parachute RBI single to center to provide the Joes with a 1-0 lead.
In the third for the Joes, Andrew Patrick doubled and Wimmers singled.
Stephen Sigler’s broken-bat RBI single to right pushed the Joes’ lead to 2-0.
Ulrich pounded a two-run double to left to give the Joes a 4-0 lead.
Ulrich later scored from third on a wild pitch and the Joes’ lead was 5-0.
Clay Badylak’s RBI single to right made it 6-0, Joes.
“That made it tough because they have good arms,” Furuto said. “Those big innings made it tough to come back from it.’’
The Joes started the third with six straight hits off Kyle.
“That third inning was something else,” Ulrich said. “The pitchers kept their foot on the gas after that third inning.’’
The Locos got within 6-1 in the fourth.
Cade Sadler doubled and scored on an RBI single to right by Brennen Norton to make it 6-1.
The Joes added an unearned run in the fourth off Locos reliever Dillon Masters to take a 7-1 lead.
Ulrich had an RBI double off the center-field fence to give the Joes an 8-1 lead in the sixth.
The Locos got within 8-2 in the seventh on an RBI double by D.J. Jackson.
Jackson added a sacrifice fly to center to make it 8-3, Joes in the ninth.
Kyle went 22/3 innings and gave up six runs, all earned, on 11 hits. He struck out four and walked none.
Dillon Masters came on in relief and went 3 1/3 innings and gave up two runs, on earned, on three hits. He struck out five and walked none.
The Locos were 10-13 on July 1 and rallied to reach the playoffs. On Sunday, they were knocked out in the final game of the championship game.
“They never gave up,” Furuto said. “There were a lot of times during the year when they could have, but they didn’t. They kept grinding and working hard and gave all they had into the summer and I think that will reward them in the future.’’
Locos notes: The Locos have won six GLCL titles (1993, 2004, 2011, 2015, 2017 and 2019).
Defending champion Hamilton has won four titles (2010, 2016, 2021, 2022).
July 29, 2022
Locos unable to close out series
HAMILTON – The Lima Locos offense had racked up 29 runs over their last three playoff games.
Enter Joes right-hander Tyler Hutson.
Hutson (Southern Indiana) held the Locos in check with a 3-1 Hamilton victory in Game 2 of the best-of-3 Great Lakes Collegiate League championship series Saturday at Hamilton’s Foundation Field.
The series is even at 1.
“We have to battle back and be better tomorrow,” Locos coach Matt Furuto said. “We need to string better at-bats together.’’
Added Locos first baseman DJ Jackson, “The approach (tomorrow) is to do whatever it takes to win. If it’s hitting five bombs, it’s hitting five bombs to win. … It’s scratching and clawing and doing whatever it takes to win.’’
There will be one final game to determine the GLCL championship.
Game 3 will be at 7:05 p.m. today at Hamilton.
Hutson (1.57 regular-season ERA) rolled out a 92 mph, along with a moving, jumping breaking ball.
Hutson worked seven innings and gave up one run, earned, on five hits. He struck out seven and walked none.
Hutson threw 90 pitches.
“He commanded the zone and attacks,” Furuto said of Hutson “He threw three pitches for strikes and he threw first-pitch strikes, which made it tough. We let his pitch count stay low and we didn’t build that up so he was able to deep. Credit to him for working quick and throwing strikes.’’
Hamilton led 3-1 entering the top of the ninth with Chase Hopewell (Cincinnati) on the mound.
Jayden Davis led off the ninth with a triple for the Locos.
Hopewell then got a strikeout, a shallow pop to right and a strike out to end it.
Hopewell threw the final two shutout innings with two strikeouts for the save.
“He’s a good arm,” Furuto said of Hopewell. “We forced him to make good pitches and he did.’’
The Locos took a 1-0 lead in the fourth. The Joes came back with three in the home fourth to take a 3-1 lead.
The Locos jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the fourth when Jackson blasted a solo home run to left. The ball hit three-fourths of the way up the netting, which is attached to the top of the fence.
“I think I got it all,” Jackson said. “That was the only pitch I could have hit and I didn’t miss it.
“He (Hutson) threw strikes. He got in a groove and once he got in a groove, he got rolling.’’
The Joes came up with three runs in the fourth to grab a 3-1.
After the first two Joes made outs in the fourth, Tristen Melvin singled. Clay Badylak and Samuel Low walked to load the bases.
Cal Brazier lined a two-run single to left and the Joes had a 2-1 lead.
The Joes’ lead grew to 3-1 on an RBI single to center by Parker Lester.
In the seventh, the Locos’ Josh Mrozek singled with one out. Cade Sadler lined a shot deep to left, but Joes left fielder Stephen Stigler made a running catch, falling down against the fence.
Lefty Grant Reising (Eastern Michigan) started for the Locos. He went four innings and gave up three runs, two earned, on six hits. He struck out three and walked three.
Jacob Newman came on in relief and threw four shutout innings. He gave up four hits and struck out two.
Locos notes: This is the fourth time the Locos and Hamilton have met in the GLCL championship series.
The Locos took the title in 2015, while the Joes won the title in 2016 and 2021.
Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
July 28, 2022
Locos remain hot at plate
LIMA – The Lima Locos’ bats continue to sizzle.
The Locos hit .280 on the season and are pounding away in the playoffs.
The Locos knocked off the Hamilton Joes 13-6 in Game 1 of the Great Lakes Collegiate League best-of-3 championship series Friday at Simmons Field.
Game 2 is at Hamilton’s Foundation Field at 7:05 p.m. today.
Game 3, if necessary, will be at 7:05 p.m. Sunday in Hamilton.
Locos starter Jaren Slusher (Shorter) threw only 18 innings this summer, but entering Friday, had made three strong outings in the row.
Slusher made it four straight strong appearances with six innings of work for the Locos.
“I started trusting the dudes behind me,” Slusher said. “I think I just got comfortable playing with the fans here. I love it here. They (the fans) were amazing tonight.’’
Slusher gave up two runs, both earned, on four hits. He struck out four and walked three.
Slusher threw 99 pitches, 56 for strikes.
Locos catcher Joe Salvo said, “I think his best pitch was his fastball. He did a good job locating it.’’
In the third inning, with the Locos leading 1-0, Slusher loaded the bases with two outs, but got Evan Ulrich to ground out to third to escape damage.
“I told myself I had to get out of it,” Slusher said. “I couldn’t let them score. … Overall, I thought I did pretty well tonight. Everything was there.’’
Locos coach Matt Furuto said, “That was big time (from Slusher). That’s what we really needed. He really stepped up and came ready.
“He’s been great because he’s been able to mix off-speed pitches for strikes, which really speeds up his fastball. When he can do that, he can be really effective.’’
Dillon Masters came on and went two innings for the Locos and gave up two runs, one earned.
The Locos scored 13 runs on 10 hits. They still left 14 on base, as Joes’ pitchers walked 15 batters.
“There was a lot of craziness in that one,” Furuto said.
For the Locos, Ty Gill went 2 for 5 with two RBI.
Bryant Herring was 2 for 5 with two RBI.
Brennen Norton was 2 for 4 with two RBI.
Jayden Davis was 2 for 5 with a triple and an RBI.
Cade Sadler was 2 for 3 with two RBI.
Lima scored one in the second and added four in the fourth to grab a 5-0 lead over the Joes.
The Joes got within 5-2 with a two-runs sixth.
The Locos used two Joes’ errors to score six in the home sixth to pull out to an 11-2 lead.
The Locos took a 1-0 lead in the second.
Davis went the other way with a triple in the right-field corner.
Davis scored on an RBI single to right by Sadler. That made it 1-0, Locos.
The Locos chased Joes starter Josh Laisure from the game in the fourth.
Laisure got the first two batters out in the fourth. He walked the next two and Gil reached on a perfect bunt single to the third baseman. That loaded the bases.
Herring walked with the bases loaded and the Locos’ lead grew to 2-0.
Josh Mrozek scored from third on a wild pitch and it was 3-0, Locos.
Norton delivered a two-run, chopping single to right and the Locos had a 5-0 lead in the fourth.
Hamilton got within 5-2 in the sixth on a two-run single to center by Cal Brazier.
The Locos pushed across six in the home sixth to make it 11-2
Gill’s two-run single to center gave the Locos a 10-2 lead. Herring’s RBI single made it 11-2.
The Locos led 13-4 entering the eighth and used two everyday players, Herring and Caleb Dugan, to close out the eighth, giving up two runs.
Hamilton’s Laisure (Wright State) was firing 94-95 mph, but lacked command of his fastball.
Laisure went 3 2/3 innings and gave up five runs, all earned, on four hits. He walked seven and struck out three.
Heading into Game 2, Slusher said, “We just have to play like we did tonight and we’ll be good.’’
Locos notes: Jacob Newman (Samford) is expected to start for the Locos in Game 2.
The Hamilton Joes defeated the Locos in the GLCL championship series last year, 2-1, in the best-of-3.
Four Locos return off that team: catcher Joe Salvo, outfielder Jake Hutchins, first baseman D.J. Jackson and pitcher Patrick Dillon.
The Locos and Joes didn’t meet in the regular season this summer.
The Locos have won six GLCL titles (1993, 2004, 2011, 2015, 2017 and 2019).
Hamilton has won three titles (2010, 2016, 2021).
Locos pitchers Jonathan Machamer and Miller Riggins have left the team for the summer.
Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
July 27, 2022
Locos even playoff series
LIMA — The Lima Locos dug out of a first-game hole and remain alive.
The Locos evened the series with a 6-4 victory over Michigan in Game 2 of the Great Lakes Collegiate League best-of-three semifinal playoff series Wednesday at Simmons Field.
The series is tied at 1 with final game, Game 3, at Michigan’s Siena Heights at 7:05 p.m. today.
“How we played the last three innings, take that into the game tomorrow and just play that way the entire game,” Locos second baseman Jayden Davis said.
The Locos scored three in the home eighth to take the lead 6-4 after trailing most of the way.
“We had been pushing and couldn’t get anything going, then we were able to catch some breaks, have some good at-bats and string them together and we were able to make an impact when we needed to,” Locos coach Matt Furuto said.
Kevin Korte (Saginaw Valley State) started for Michigan. He gave up only three runs through seven innings.
But Korte gave up singles to Bryant Herring and DJ Jackson to start the eighth and his day was over.
Korte left with a 4-3 lead in the eighth.
Jaylen Jones (Michigan) came on in relief for Michigan.
Brennen Norton reached on an error on the Michigan third baseman to load the bases.
Davis pounded an RBI single to right to tie the game at 4.
“I got ball up and out and the guy was throwing pretty hard so I tried to stay easy with it and take it that way,” Davis said. “I like opposite field. That’s when I’m hitting my best, when I’m hitting up the middle and opposite field.’’
Furuto added, “He stayed simple and he’s done it all year. He can hit.’’
Jake Hutchins walked with the bases loaded and the Locos had a 5-4 lead.
Norton scored from third on a strikeout/wild pitch and the Locos’ lead grew to 6-4.
Anthony Kyle (Findlay) came on in relief for the Locos to get the victory. He threw four shutout innings and gave up three hits.
“That was fun. That was a blast,” Kyle said. “I felt good. Everything was working well. It’s fun to play in front of this Lima crowd. They’re a rowdy bunch.
“In the ninth, the objective didn’t change (with the lead). It’s getting after guys and getting outs.’’
Kyle struck out six and walked none. He struck out the side in the ninth.
“He did a great job and he’s done a great job all season,” Furuto said. “He kept us in that ballgame and the offense found a way to score a couple of runs. He really earned that win.’’
For the Locos, Herring went 2 for 4 with an RBI.
Jackson was 2 for 4.
Davis was 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBI.
Isaiah Velazco went 2 for 4.
Carter Doorn (Purdue) started for the Locos. Doorn, the league ERA champion (0.88), gave up two unearned runs in the third.
It was Doorn who had a throwing error, allowing Reece Longstaff to reach first in the third.
Tyler Nelson then walked.
Seth Gergely delivered an RBI single to left to give Monarchs a 1-0 lead. Nelson scored from third on a wild pitch and it was 2-0, Michigan.
The Locos got within 2-1 in the home third.
Ty Gill walked and went to second on a passed ball. Gill scored on an RBI single to right by Herring to make it 2-1, Michigan.
Lima tied the game at 2 in the home fourth on a solo home run to left by Davis. While it was ruled a home run, Michigan’s center fielder and left fielder both protested that the ball had bounced over the fence into the bullpen.
But with a blinding sun coming straight toward the plate, it was hard to tell if it bounced over or not.
The three umpires had a conference and ruled it a home run.
Michigan took a 4-2 in the fifth on a two-run single to left by Joe Kido.
With two out in the single home seventh, the Locos’ Carson Garner singled. He scored on an RBI double to left by Gill.
That brought the Locos within 4-3.
Doorn went five innings for the Locos and gave up four runs, two earned, on five hits. He struck out four and walked three.
Doorn threw 97 pitches, 58 for strikes.
Locos notes: The Hamilton Joes won their semifinal series over Licking County in two straight games.
If the Locos win the series against Michigan, they will play Hamilton in Game 1 of the championship series at 7:05 p.m. Friday in
Lima. Games 2 and 3 will be in Hamilton on Saturday and Sunday.
Locos pitcher Carter Doorn (Purdue) was named the pitcher of the year and the pitching prospect of the year for the North Division of the GLCL. Doorn went 2-1 with a league-leading 0.88 ERA. He struck out 47 in 41 innings.
He was also named to the first team all-GLCL team.
Joining Doorn on the first team were second baseman Jayden Davis (Samford) and pitchers Anthony Kyle (Findlay) and Miller Riggins (Kennesaw State).
Named to the second team were shortstop Ty Gill (Purdue), who led the league in hitting at .375, third baseman Brennen Norton (Jacksonville State) and pitcher Patrick Dillon (Toledo/Findlay).
Named honorable mention were catcher Isaiah Velazco (California) and outfielder Bryant Herring (Kennesaw State).
July 27, 2022
Locos advance to championship series
ADRIAN, Mich. — The Lima Locos moved on to the championship round of the Great Lakes Collegiate Summer League with a 10-6 victory against the host Michigan Monarchs.
Lima will play host to the Hamilton Joes in the first game of the best of three finals at 7:05 p.m. Friday at Simmons Field.
Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
July 23, 2022
Locos look to make playoff run
LIMA – If it sounds like the Lima Locos have been here before, they have.
For the second straight year the Locos made a late charge to reach the playoffs.
Last year the Locos won their final 12 regular-season games to qualify for the postseason.
This year, after being 10-13 on July 1, they went 11-4 the rest of the way to reach the Great Lakes Collegiate League playoffs.
The Locos (21-17), who finished second in the North Division, will meet first-place Michigan (23-15) in the best-of-three GLCL semifinals.
Game 1 is at the Michigan Monarchs’ Siena Heights University at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday.
Game 2 is at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday at Lima’s Simmons Field.
Game 3, if necessary, is back at Siena Heights at 7:05 p.m. Thursday.
The last year the Locos didn’t make the playoffs was 2010.
Back on July 1, the Locos had just lost nine out 10 and were 10-13.
“Honestly, the way we were losing, we had one or two innings that were tough,” Locos coach Matt Furuto said. “But I knew the potential that we had.
“They kept playing and we were able to get better pitching performances and were able to hit when we needed to. … It feels good.’’
One player who cranked it up in the second half was shortstop Ty Gill (Purdue), who entered Sunday’s games leading the league in hitting at .375.
He also leads the league in walks (30) and is second in stolen bases (25).
Over Gill’s last 15 games, he’s hit .464 (26 for 56).
Another key to the offense has been Locos veteran first baseman Derrick (D.J.) Jackson (Jacksonville State), who is hitting .377 with two home runs and 13 RBI over his 53 at-bats since joining the team on June 26.
“They turned it on,” Furuto said of Gill and Jackson. “When we needed something, we had guys we could trust. And we had guys at the bottom of the order step up.
“D.J. is always dangerous. When he is confident, he can be really good.’’
Gill’s 25 stolen bases is tied for second most in Locos’ history with Mike Mulligan. Tyler Grogg has the team and league stolen-base record with 41.
“Ty has the ability and when he gets going, he can be really good,” Furuto said. “He does a lot of good things. He’s gets on base and is able to run.’’
Second baseman Jayden Davis (Samford) has been steady all summer. He’s hitting .337 with a team-high seven doubles and 19 RBI. Davis was still playing high school ball in Tennessee this past spring and was first team all-state.
Outfielder Bryant Herring (Kennesaw State) is hitting .329 with four doubles and a team-high 21 RBI.
Third baseman Brennen Norton (Jacksonville State) is batting .304 with six doubles and 16 RBI.
Catcher/designated hitter Isaiah Velazco (California) is hitting .300 with 12 RBI.
First baseman Cade Sadler (Kennesaw State) is hitting .280 with 15 RBI.
Overall, the Locos lead the league in hitting (.280) and on-base percentage (.394).
The Locos rank seventh in team ERA at 4.90.
Right-hander Carter Doorn (Purdue) leads the league in ERA at 0.88. He’s 2-1 and has 47 strikeouts in 41 innings.
Doorn’s fastball sits between 88 to 90, but has gotten it up to 92 to 94. He also throws multiple off-speed pitches for strikes.
Doorn pitches for Furuto’s brother, Dan, who is an assistant coach at Purdue.
“He didn’t get the opportunity (at Purdue) as a freshman this year, but I knew he had potential,” Matt Furuto said. “He’s done a great job.
“I’ve seen him 94 and when he is 88 to 90 and mixes in the off-speed pitches, he’s really tough.’’
The bullpen has also improved in the second half with the emergence of Patrick Dillon (Toledo/Findlay), Caden Kline (Toledo/Defiance) and Anthony Kyle (Findlay/Perrysburg).
Kyle joined the team in late June and is 1-0 with a 0.90 over 20 innings. He has 27 strikeouts.
Dillon is 3-1 with a 2.28. He has 42 strikeouts in 23 innings.
Kline (5.90) has thrown six shutout innings in a row. He has 30 strikeouts in 21 innings.
Furuto added that Kyle, Dillon and Kline could also start a playoff game.
Left-hander Miller Riggins (Kennesaw State) is slated to start Game 1 on Tuesday.
Riggins is 2-0 with a 2.01. He has 32 strikeouts in 22 innings.
Doorn is penciled in to start Game 2 at home on Wednesday.
Michigan owns a 5-1 record against the Locos this summer.
Outfielder Reece Longstaff leads the Monarchs in hitting at .325 with three home runs and 14 RBI.
Infielder Hayden Jatczak is batting .303 with two home runs and 15 RBI.
Outfielder Seth Gergely is hitting .290 with 21 RBI.
Nick Powers is the Monarchs’ top starter and is 0-0 with a 0.94. Keaton Ballard is 4-0 with a 3.89.
The last time the Monarchs faced the Locos was on June 30.
“When we last played them, everything was going right for them and nothing was going right for us,” Furuto said. “If we play good baseball, we can play with any team. I’m excited for the challenge.’’
July 21, 2022
Locos clinch playoff spot
RICHMOND —The Lima Locos are heading to the postseason after posting a 15-5 victory over Richmond Friday night.
Because the Locos owned the head to head tiebreaker over Jet Box, Lima clinched the spot with the win. The Locos are 20-17 win one game left in the regular season.
The semifinals begin with a trip to Michigan (22-14) to face the first-place Monarchs at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Locos’ Patrick Dillon picked up the win after going five and one-third innings and giving up two hits, two runs while striking out 10 and walking three. Kevin Bellamy tossed an inning and two-thirds and gave up five runs on three hits. Grant Reising pitched one inning and fanned two while walking two and not giving up a run.
The Locos pounded out 19 hits and led 13-3 after six innings.
Brayden White went 4 for 5 with 5 RBI and a run and Cade Sadler drove in three runs, going 3 for 4 with a run scored. DJ Jackson went 3 for 5 with an RBI and two runs and Josh Mozek was 2 for 5 with an RBI and a run scored. Isaiah Velazco scored four times, collecting three hits and driving in a run.
July 20, 2022
Locos erupt against Jazz
LIMA – The matchup screamed for a memorable pitcher’s battle.
For six innings, that’s what the fans saw. That all came to a screeching halt when Richmond went to its bullpen.
The Locos scored six in the seventh and went on to post an 11-1, eight-inning, run-rule victory over Richmond on Wednesday at Simmons Field.
The game was tied at 1 before the Locos scored six in the seventh against two Jazz relievers.
The Locos (19-17) are tied with Jet Box (19-17) for second place and the final playoff spot in the North Division of the Great Lakes Collegiate League.
The Locos own the head-to-head tie-breaker over Jet Box.
“We definitely needed to win that one,” Locos coach Matt Furuto said. “Thankfully, we stuck in there and blew it open when we needed to.’’
Michigan (22-14) has clinched first place in the North.
The Locos have two games left, both at Richmond (Ind.). Richmond is 17-19.
“It’s going to be a battle (this weekend), and we have to win,” Furuto said. “If we can hit, I think we’ll have a good shot.’’
For the Locos, catcher Joe Salvo went 3 for 5 with two RBI.
“It felt awesome,” Salvo said. “We’re getting close to the playoffs. Now we have to take two from Richmond and go into the playoffs on a hot note.’’
Ty Gill was 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI.
Bryant Herring was 2 for 5 with two RBI.
Derrick “DJ” Jackson was 2 for 2 with four walks.
Jayden Davis was 2 for 4. Isaiah Velazco had one hit, two RBI and a nice diving catch in left field.
In the home seventh, Carson Garner had an RBI single to shallow center field, which the defense didn’t see, to give the Locos a 2-1 lead.
Isaiah Velazco’s RBI single made it 3-1.
Salvo delivered a two-run single to center and the Locos’ lead grew to 5-1 in the seventh.
The three-hit night was a season high for Salvo. He entered the night with eight hits on the summer.
“I got behind in the count, and I just tried to put something in play,” Salvo said. “I got jammed a little bit, but it found its way up the middle.
“It feels awesome. I feel like I’ve been seeing the ball better lately. I really needed it.’’
Added Furuto, “(Salvo’s) been working hard. He just hasn’t caught any breaks.’’
Bryant Herring’s sacrifice fly made it 6-1, and the Locos added a seventh run on a passed ball in the seventh.
The Locos tacked on four more runs in the eighth to end it.
Jackson’s RBI single to center made it an 11-1 walk-off win in the eighth.
The pitching matchup featured the two top ERA pitchers in the league.
Lima sent Carter Doorn (2-1, 0.77 ERA) to the mound, and Richmond countered with Matt Dickey (4-1, 1.12).
Doorn went six innings for the Locos and gave up one run, earned, on six hits. He struck out four and walked two.
Doorn (Purdue) threw 95 pitches, 68 for strikes.
Dickey also went six innings and gave up one run, earned, on seven hits. He struck out eight and walked four.
Dickey threw 111 pitches, 67 for strikes.
Dickey strutted off the mound to the dugout after his sixth and final inning doing a “rock the baby” impression.
“He (Dickey) was one of the better arms in the league,” Salvo said. “I saw him a couple years ago when we (Samford) played him (at Tennessee-Martin). He had a good cutter, and we just had to find a way to get him out of the game.’’
Both pitchers pitched out of trouble and came up with big pitches in the clutch.
The Locos left the bases loaded in both the fifth and sixth innings. They had 10 left on base through the first six innings and 15 for the game.
Richmond left eight on base through the first six innings.
“Both pitchers did a great job getting out of jams,” Furuto said. “It was stressful throughout. Then, when we broke it open, it was a sigh of relief, and we could breathe a little bit.’’
Richmond took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third.
The Locos tied the game at 1 in the fourth with an RBI single to right by Davis.
Anthony Kyle (Findlay) picked up the victory with two innings of shutout, no-hit relief. He struck out two and walked none.
“He’s done a great job coming out of the pen,” Furuto said.
Locos notes: The Locos conclude the regular season at Richmond on Friday and Saturday.
Locos shortstop Ty Gill (Purdue) is second in the league in hitting at .364. Jayden Davis (Samford) is sixth at .337.
Gill leads the league in walks (25) and is second in stolen bases (23). The 23 stolen bases are third most in Locos’ history behind only Tyler Grogg (41) and Mike Mulligan (25). He’s tied with R.C. Dickerson (23).
Derrick Jackson (Jacksonville State) has lifted his average to .326 with two home runs. Over his last six games, he’s hitting .461 (12 for 26).
Game 1 of the GLCL semifinal playoff series starts on Tuesday.
July 19, 2022
Locos fall 5-4 to Jazz
LIMA — It’s down to the final week of the regular season.
And every game is critical to the Lima Locos’ drive to the playoffs.
Richmond knocked off the Locos 5-4 Tuesday at Simmons Field.
Richmond led 5-3 entering the home ninth.
The Locos got within 5-4 in the ninth when after two were out, Josh Mrozek was hit by a pitch, Ty Gill singled and Jayden Davis walked to load the bases.
Josh Mrozek scored on a wild pitch to get the Locos within 5-4.
But that was as close at the Locos would get.
With runners at second and third and two out, Richmond closer Logan Spivey struck out Derrick Jackson to end it.
The Locos (18-17) are tied with Jet Box (18-17) for second place and the final playoff spot in the North Division of the Great Lakes Collegiate League.
The Locos do hold the head-to-head tie-breaker over the Jet Box.
The Locos have three regular-season games left, all with Richmond.
“It’s going to show tomorrow because we’ll face a really good arm and after losing today it’s how we bounce back,” Locos coach Matt Furuto said. “If we can do that, we have a good shot (at the playoffs). But we have to bounce back, stay hungry and play better tomorrow.’’
Richmond is 17-18.
For the Locos, Gill was 2 for 5 with two stolen bases to give him 23 on the year.
Jackson was 2 for 5 with a home run and two RBI.
Mrozek went 2 for 3.
The Locos led 2-0 in the third, but Richmond scored five in the fifth to take the lead to stay, 5-2.
DJ Jackson launched a two-run home run to left to give the Locos a 2-0 lead in the home third inning.
Locos starter Dillon Masters (Ohio University) cruised through the first four innings. But in the fifth, he gave up five runs on four hits.
Richmond’s Conor O’Malley singled and Brandon Schreff doubled to put runners at second and third.
Trenton Neuer hit a comebacker back to the mound to Masters. Masters tried to get O’Malley sneaking off at third, but he returned safely to third and bases were loaded.
“He had been doing a good job, but they got some cheap hits and they made us pay for it,” Furuto said. “He was trying to make a play and he probably should have taken an out (at first).’’
Drew Barber walked with the bags loaded and Richmond got within 2-1.
JoJuan Wimbley’s infield RBI single to deep short tied the game at 2.
Peyton Lane’s parachute RBI single to left gave Richmond the lead 3-2. Richmond made it 4-2 on a double-play groundout.
The Jazz pushed its lead to 5-2 when Wimbley scored from third on a balk.
The Locos got within 5-3 on a sacrifice fly to center by Jake Hutchins in the sixth.
Lima had the bases loaded and no outs in the sixth, but could only manage the one run on Hutchins’ sacrifice fly.
“We have to come through in those opportunities,” Furuto said. “You can’t waste them. And we didn’t come through and they did when they had their opportunities. That was the difference in the ballgame.’’
Nate Hemmerich (Earlham) started for the Jazz and went five strong innings for the win. He gave up two runs, both earned, on four hits. He struck out two and walked one.
Myles White pitched two shutout innings of relief for the Jazz. He struck out five. Spivey earned the save.
Masters worked four innings and gave up five runs, all earned, on five hits. He struck out five and walked two.
Caden Kline (Toledo/Defiance) came in relief for the Locos and threw five shutout, one-hit innings. He struck out six and walked four.
“He (Kline) did a great job because we were kind of in a hole, pitching-wise, today,” Furuto said.
Locos notes: Richmond returns to Lima at 7:05 p.m. today at Simmons Field. The Locos wrap up the regular season at Richmond Friday and Saturday.
nfielder Diego Hines, who is transferring out of Indiana State, has left for the summer to take care of the transfer portal, according to coach Matt Furuto. Hines hit .278 with three home runs and 17 RBI.
With four hits on Monday, Locos shortstop Ty Gill (Purdue) is second in the league in hitting at .361. Gill was hitting .273 on June 24. He’s batting .487 (19 for 39) over his last 11 games.
Jayden Davis (Samford) is fifth in the league at .352.
Carter Doorn (Purdue) leads the league in ERA at 0.77 in 35 innings.
The Locos lead the league in hitting at .270. They rank seventh in team ERA at 5.07.
Doorn and Locos first baseman Derrick Jackson were named the GLCL players of the week.
Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
July 16, 2022
Mariners 6, Locos 4
CELINA — Lima fell to 17-16 on the season on a 4-6 loss to the Mariners while Grand Lake improved to 15-18. Jayden Davis (Samford) had a hit and three RBI and Cade Sadler (Kennesaw State) had a pair of hits for the Locos.
July 15, 2022
Locos defeats Mariners 8-2
LIMA – A steady drizzle came down on Simmons Field most of the night. But Locos right-hander Carter Doorn wasn’t the least bit bothered by the annoying rain. Doorn was overpowering in the Locos’ 8-2 victory over Grand Lake on Friday.
Grand Lake could manage only two hits on the night against four Locos pitchers.
The Locos have won three in a row and five of their last six games.
“I think we have a really good group of guys who really care about being good,” Locos coach Matt Furuto said. “Through the struggles, we were still doing well, but one bad inning killed us. But they stayed positive and continued to work.’’
The Locos (17-15) are one game in front of Jet Box (16-16) for second place and the final playoff spot in the North Division of the Great Lakes Collegiate League.
The Locos have six regular-season games left.
Grand Lake is 14-18.
Locos starter All-Star Doorn (Purdue) threw 51/3 innings of no-hit ball before Grand Lake’s Adam Ebling broke up the no-hitter with an infield single to short in the sixth inning. Doorn worked six innings and gave up one run on two hits. He struck out 11 and walked three.
“He’s been great,” Furuto said of Doorn. “He’s done a great job of mixing multiple pitches and then he has a good fastball. And he’s super competitive.’’
Doorn threw 94 pitches, 60 for strikes. In the sixth inning, Doorn was throwing between 90 and 92 mph. He was also throwing his breaking ball, change-up and slider for strikes.
“I had four or five pitches in the zone for strikes,” Doorn said. “I was working inside, outside to a lot of the hitters and was going up and down. It was one of those days where everything was working. It’s a lot of fun as a pitcher when you’re out there knowing that everything you throw is going to be over the plate.
“The fastball felt really good tonight. The biggest thing with me with the fastball was having the confidence in knowing that where ever I was going to throw it, I knew where it was going to go. Velocity helps, but when you can locate your fastball, that’s the biggest thing.’’
The game started at 8:11 p.m. after a one hour, and six-minute rain delay.
The Locos pushed across four runs in the third inning with only one hit to take a 4-0 lead.
Grand Lake starter Clark Gilmore (Dartmouth) struck out the first five batters he faced, as he faced only six hitters through the first two innings.
But in the third, he walked five and hit a batter, which led to the four Locos’ runs.
Locos shortstop Ty Gill had the only hit in the inning with an RBI single to left to give the Locos a 1-0 lead.
Bryant Herring’s sacrifice fly to left made it 2-0.
Derrick Jackson walked with the bases loaded and the Locos made it 3-0.
Gill scored from third on a wild pitch to give Lima a 4-0 lead.
The Locos added two runs in the fourth to make it 6-0.
Herring’s second sacrifice fly of the night gave the Locos a 5-0 lead.
Gill’s RBI single to left made it 6-0. Gill then stole second for his 20th steal of the year.
The Locos made it 8-0 in the fifth on a two-run double to center by Clay Jacobs.
“He (Jacobs) was good tonight,” Furuto said.
Grand Lake’s Manny Vorhees (Northern Kentucky/Wapakoneta) had an RBI single in the sixth to bring the Mariners within 8-1.
For the Locos, Gill went 2 for 3 with an RBI and a stolen base.
Herring had two RBI.
Jackson was 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI. Jacobs had two RBI.
The Locos stood 10-13 on July 1. Since then, they are 7-2.
“We went through that really rough patch where we lost nine of 10,” Doorn said. “There were a few ballgames we had and we threw them away. We weren’t doing the little things right.
“As a team, it was the point of the season where it was do or die and a lot of these guys aren’t ready to go home. We want to make a playoff run.’’
Locos notes: The Locos head to Grand Lake Saturday and Sunday on the turf at Montgomery Field. Saturday’s game will start at 7:05 p.m., while Sunday’s will start at 4:05 p.m.
The Locos return home at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday against Richmond.
Second baseman Jayden Davis (Samford), who was given Friday off, is second in the league in hitting at .367.
Shortstop Ty Gill (Purdue) is second in the league in walks (22) and third in stolen bases (20).
Pitcher Carter Doorn (Purdue) leads the league in ERA at 0.77.
Pitcher Brayden Lybarger (Indiana State/Elida) was put on the inactive list after he had to leave a game on June 26 after experiencing discomfort in his right arm. He underwent Tommy John elbow surgery in May of 2021.
Grant Reising and Nicolas Lavelle pitched one inning of shutout, no-hit relief.
Caden Kline (Toledo/Defiance) pitched the ninth and gave up one unearned run and struck out three.
July 14, 2022
Locos outslug Mariners
LIMA – It was one more wild game between longtime rivals Lima and Grand Lake.
The game included four home runs, 21 runs and 22 hits.
In an offense-heavy night, the Lima Locos knocked off Grand Lake 13-8 Thursday before 582 fans at Simmons Field.
The Locos led 9-1 in the fourth, but Grand Lake rallied back as close as 9-8 in the sixth.
The Locos were able to pull out to a 12-8 lead in the home sixth, then added one more in the seventh to make it 13-8.
This game typified many of the Locos vs. Grand Lake games over the years going back to the early 1990s.
The Locos ended up with 12 hits and three home runs. The Mariners had 10 hits and one home run.
“No matter whoever is good or bad, it’s always a competitive game (against Grand Lake),” Locos coach Matt Furuto said. “It’s fun to play this game because we’re close and we get good crowds. It’s just a fun experience, but it’s never easy. It’s always crazy.’’
The Locos (16-15) are one-half game ahead of second-place Jet Box (16-16) for second place and the final playoff spot in the North Division of the Great Lakes Collegiate League.
Michigan is in first place at 21-11.
The Locos have seven regular-season games remaining.
Grand Lake is 14-17.
For the Locos, Ty Gill went 1 for 3 with two stolen bases (19 on the year) and one RBI.
Bryant Herring was 2 for 3 with two RBI.
Brennen Norton went 2 for 5 with three RBI. Norton also made a high-leaping stab of a line drive in the ninth inning.
Derrick Jackson was 1 for 5 with a home run and three RBI.
“He’s always a dangerous hitter,” Furuto said of Jackson. “He’s always a dangerous hitter. You know he’s always one swing away from changing a game, which he did in that game.’’
The Locos’ Cade Sadler went 1 for 2 with a home run and one RBI.
Carson Garner was 3 for 4 with a home run and one RBI.
After getting within 9-8 in the top of the sixth, the Locos answered in the home sixth.
Garner led off the sixth with a solo home run to left to make it 10-8. It was his second home run in two games.
Norton’s RBI single gave the Locos an 11-8 lead. Jayden Davis’ fielder’s choice RBI groundout made it 12-8, Locos.
Grand Lake took 1-0 lead in the second on an parachute RBI single to right by Andrew Nykoluk.
The Locos pounded out six runs in the third, with a pair of home runs, to grab a 6-1 lead.
Sadler started the fireworks in the home third with a solo home run to left to tie the game at 1.
Garner and Gill both singled to put runners on the corners.
Gill stole second and when the throw from the catcher ended up in center field, Garner scored from third.
That gave the Locos a 2-1 lead.
Norton and Davis then singled.
Derrick Jackson then pounded a three-run home run to left to push the Locos’ lead to 6-1.
It was Jackson’s first home run after coming in late this summer. He had six home runs and hit .283 last summer for Lima.
“I came up with a new approach and it’s working well,” Jackson said. “I’m working on being simple, see ball, hit ball.
“I’ve tried to let the home runs come instead of forcing them. I try to hit the ball hard and if it goes to the fence, it goes to the fence. … Tonight it was one of the hardest hits I’ve ever had.’’
The Locos tacked on three runs in the fifth to balloon the lead to 9-1.
Gill’s RBI groundout gave the Locos a 7-1 lead. Herring’s RBI single gave the Locos a 8-1 lead. Norton reached on an infield error, which scored a run and it was 9-1, Locos.
Grand Lake came back with three unearned runs in the fifth to get within 9-4.
Adam Ebling hit a two-run home run to make it 9-4 Locos.
Grand Lake added four in the sixth to get within 9-8.
Locos starter lefty Dillon Masters (Ohio U.) deserved a better fate before he tired in the sixth inning.
Masters, who picked up the win, went 5 1/3 innings and gave up eight runs, four earned, on nine hits. He struck out seven and walked two.
Jaren Slusher earned the save with 32/3 innings of shutout relief to close it out. He gave up one hit, struck out six and walked one.
“He’s done well,” Furuto said. “We really like what he’s done for us and we can use him in different roles. He may start a game or he can come in as a bullpen arm.’’
For Grand Lake, Brandon Green went 2 for 4 with two RBI.
Locos notes: The Locos are back at home at 7:05 p.m. today against Grand Lake. Then, the Locos head to Grand Lake Saturday and Sunday.
Locos pitchers Matt Gauer and Hunter Pidek, who both made the All-Star team, have reached their summer-innings limit and will be shut down for the rest of the summer.
The Locos added pitcher Nicolas Lavelle (Heidelberg/Findlay) to the roster.
The Locos rank third in the league in hitting at .264. They rank seventh in pitching with an ERA of 5.28.
Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
July 10, 2022
Locos rollercoaster ride continues
LIMA – This doubleheader was the Lima Locos’ season in a nutshell.
There was plenty of good pitching and timely hitting mixed in with some so-so-pitching along the way.
The Locos managed a split of their doubleheader with Muskegon Sunday at Simmons Field.
Muskegon knocked off the Locos in the first game 10-5.
The Locos rebounded to take the second game 9-5.
Both games were seven innings.
“There were a lot of good things and there were a lot of bad things,” Locos coach Matt Furuto said. “It’s been up and down all summer and really one bad inning just kills us. If we can find a way to cut those in half or avoid those or make them earn everything, then we have a chance to come back in those games.’’
The Locos (15-15) stand five games behind first-place Michigan (20-10) and are tied with Jet Box (15-15) for second place for the final playoff spot in the North Division of the Great Lakes Collegiate League.
The Locos have eight regular-season games remaining.
“We’re in control of our own fate,” Furuto said. “As long as we play well and win games, we can take care of it (and reach the playoffs).’’
Muskegon is 13-17.
In the second game, the Locos jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning.
Isaiah Velazco had an RBI single to give the Locos a 1-0 lead.
Josh Mrozek’s sacrifice fly to center gave the Locos a 2-0 lead.
The big blast in the inning was a three-run home run to left by Carson Garner.
That gave the Locos a 5-0 lead.
“It was awesome,” Garner said. “We had gotten four singles in the inning. I knew I was going to
go up there and get something to hit and I did. I laid off the curveball and got the fastball I could hit.
“We were all pretty mad (after the first game) because we knew these were two pretty big games for the season. After the first game it was kind of like a rude awakening. We went and hit the cages and we were determined we weren’t going to lose again.’’
Muskegon got within 5-1 in the second.
The Locos responded with one in the home second on an RBI double by Derrick Jackson to give the Locos a 6-1 lead.
Lima added three in the fifth when Mrozek launched a three-run home run to right.
That gave the Locos a 9-2 lead.
The Clippers scored two in the sixth to get within 9-4. They added one more in the ninth to make it 9-5.
“The motto right now is find a way to get in the playoffs,” Garner said. “If we can find a way, then let’s go dancing.’’
Locos Game 2 starter Miller Riggins (Kennesaw State) made his first start of the summer after compiling a 1.74 ERA in 10 innings of relief.
Riggins relied heavily on his breaking ball and went five innings and gave up two runs, one earned, on five hits. He struck out five and walked three.
Riggins threw 82 pitches, 54 for strikes.
“It felt good,” Riggins said. “I think I did a good job of locking in and getting a lot of outs with what I didn’t think was my best stuff. I relied a lot on my curveball, which I don’t always do, but I did today.’’
Furuto said of Riggins, “I think he’ll be a starter (the rest of the summer). He’s done a great job. He’s super competitive and wants the ball.’’
The big inning for Riggins was the fifth when he had two outs and the bases loaded.
The Locos were leading 6-2 at the time.
He struck out Trent Nielsen on a 3-2 breaking ball.
“Bases loaded, 3-2, I knew the curveball had been my best pitch all day,” Riggins said. “I knew if I executed it, it was going to be an out. I was pretty pumped.’’
In the second game, Locos’ Jackson went 3 for 4 with an RBI.
Mrozek was 1 for 2 with a home run and four RBI.
Garner was 1 for 3 with a home run and three RBI.
Velazco was 2 for 3. Bryant Herring went 2 for 4.
The second game was tied at 1 after the first inning.
Muskegon exploded for seven runs in the second to grab an 8-1 lead.
In the second, the Locos made two errors and Lima starter Jonathan Machamer walked four.
Machamer went 11/3 innings and gave up eight runs, all earned, on four hits.
Muskegon pushed its lead to 10-2 in the fourth when Jacob Anderson blasted a two-run home run to left.
James Geshel (Western Michigan) earned the win with five innings of work. He gave up four runs, three earned, on five hits. He struck out four and walked two.
Geshel threw 90 pitches, 56 for strikes.
Anthony Kyle (Findlay) did a nice job in relief for the Locos. He went the final 52/3 innings and gave up two runs, both earned, on six hits. He struck out seven and walked two.
“He did a great job coming in a hard time,’’ Furuto said. “He challenges and throws strikes.’’
In the first game for the Locos, Jayden Davis went 2 for 3.
Brennen Norton went 2 for 4.
Locos notes: Locos named to the GLCL All-Star team were the following: shortstop Diego Gines, third baseman Brennen Norton, second baseman Jayden Davis, pitcher Hunter Pidek, pitcher Matt Gauer and pitcher Carter Doorn. Gines and Norton were named starters. The All-Star game is at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday at Mason’s Prasco Park.
The Locos return after the All-Star break against Grand Lake at 7:05 p.m. Thursday at Simmons Field.
Davis (Samford) leads in the league in hitting at .362. Doorn (Purdue) leads the league in ERA at 0.62.
July 7, 2022
Locos sweep Jet Box
HIGHLAND, Mich. — Winning pitcher Dillon Masters (Ohio University) allowed one run, six hits and a walk while striking out eight in 6 1/3 innings as the Lima Locos defeated Jet Box 2-1 in the first game of a Thursday Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League doubleheader sweep.
Jayden Davis (Samford) had two hits, including a double, and Diego Gines (Indiana State) doubled and had an RBI also for Lima. Patrick Dillon (Toledo) earned the save.
In game two, Shawnee graduate Jacob Hutchins had two hits and two RBI and Brennen Norton (Jacksonville State) and Isaiah Velazco (Glendale Community College) each had two hits and an RBI in the Locos’ 6-3 victory.
July 4, 2022
Six Locos named to the GLCL All-Star team
Six Locos named to the GLCL All-Star team: SS Diego Gines, 3B Brennen Norton, 2B Jayden Davis, P Carter Doorn, P Matt Gauer and P Hunter Pidek.
Gines and Norton named starters. All-Star Game is 7:05 pm July 12 at Mason's Prasco Park.
June 28, 2022
Locos drop game 1 of series with Monarchs
Monarchs 4, Locos 2
ADRIAN, Mich. — Locos starting pitcher Carter Doorn (Purdue) did not give up a run and allowed two hits and four walks while striking out five in five innings. Bryant Herring (Kennesaw State) and Ty Gill (Purdue) each had a hit and scored a run also for Lima (10-10). The Locos and Monarchs play again at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday at Siena Heights University.
June 26, 2022
Sandusky holds big lead over Locos
LIMA – Sandusky’s Josh Kross has a growing fondness for Simmons Field.
Switch-hitter Kross (Toledo) rolled out his home run swing from both side of the plate as Sandusky knocked off the Lima Locos 13-4 Sunday at Simmons Field.
Kross went 3 for 4 with two home runs, one from each side of the plate, and had five RBI on the day.
Both of his homers were no-doubt cannon shots.
Kross has four home runs on the summer and three in two days came against the Locos.
“I love it (playing in Lima),” Kross said. “I think the fans help me because I feed off their energy. I love to get them going and have them chirp me is what baseball is all about. It’s a fun time.’’
Kross said he has been switch-hitting since the age of 12.
“I’ve done it since I was young with power to both sides. It started when I was playing Wiffle Ball in the backyard.’’
The Locos are 10-9. Sandusky (11-7) is atop of the North Division of the Great Lakes Collegiate League.
Sandusky took the series in Lima two games to one.
“We didn’t play good baseball in those two games and they’re a good team,” Locos coach Matt Furuto said. “They’re right at the top and when you give a good team opportunities, they’re going to take advantage of it.
“But I think we are just as good as they are. But we haven’t played good baseball in the games we’ve lost.’’
Earlier in the year, Lima swept Sandusky three games at Sandusky.
“We knew since we lost three (to Lima) we didn’t want to lose another series to them,” Kross said. “We came out fighting and took the series this time.’’
Kross added that while he was at Toledo this spring, he is currently in the transfer portal and searching for a new school.
On the mound, Sandusky’s Owen Kovacs went the first two innings and gave up no runs on no hits. He struck out one. He worked 3 2/3 innings of relief on Friday.
Alec Mendoza threw five shutout innings in relief and gave up four hits to earn the win. He struck out five and walked two.
The Locos also made five errors on the night. Of the 13 runs the Locos pitchers gave up, only six were earned.
For the Locos, Brennen Norton (Jacksonville State) went 2 for 4 with two RBI.
Jayden Davis (Samford) was 2 for 5.
Carson Garner (Murray State) was 2 for 3.
Bryant Herring (Kennesaw State) was 2 for 3.
Kross (Toledo) gave Sandusky a 2-0 lead in the first with a long two-run home run to right in the first. It was Kross’ second homer in two nights against the Locos.
That Kross home run came left-handed against the right-handed Brayden Lybarger.
Then, in the fourth, batting right-handed against the left-handed Dillon Masters, he pounded a solo home run to left.
That gave the Ice Haulers a 3-0 lead.
“He’s a good hitter and he was on and when you make a mistake with a good hitter, he makes you pay for it,” Furuto said. “He did that tonight.’’
Sandusky added two more runs in the fifth to push their lead to 5-0. Nathan Archer had a sacrifice fly and Andrew Horvath added an RBI single to left to make it 5-0.
Sandusky kicked the lead to 6-0 in the sixth.
The Locos got within 6-2 in the home eighth.
Carson Garner had an RBI double in the eighth, while Joe Salvo had a sacrifice fly to center.
Sandusky then went after the Locos’ bullpen in the ninth, scoring seven to push the lead to 13-2.
Locos starter Lybarger (Indiana State) left the game with a right arm injury while warming up before the second inning. He was flexing his arm after a pitch and left the game with the Lima coaches.
Lybarger, who had Tommy John elbow surgery in May of 2021, went one inning and gave up two runs, both earned, on one hit. He struck out one and walked one.
Masters went five innings for the Locos and gave up four runs, only one earned, on six hits. He struck out three and walked two.
LOCOS NOTES:The Locos start a nine-game road trip at Michigan on Tuesday. The Locos will play three games at Michigan, three at Royal Oak and three at Jet Box. The Locos return home for a 4:35 p.m. doubleheader against Muskegon on July 8 at Simmons Field.
Locos second baseman Jayden Davis (Samford) leads the team in hitting at .457. But he doesn’t have enough at-bats (16 for 35) yet to qualify
for the league batting leaders. Davis has three doubles, one home run and six RBI.
Locos starting pitchers have compiled and ERA of 3.94. The bullpen’s ERA is 5.73.
Over the last eight games, the starters have a 4.09 ERA. The bullpen’s ERA over the last eight is 8.90.
June 25, 2022
Locos ride strong pitching to victory
LIMA – The Lima Locos came in searching for a way off their four-game skid.
The Locos found just that with strong pitching from start to finish.
The Locos knocked off Sandusky 9-3 in a Great Lakes Collegiate League game Saturday at Simmons Field.
The Locos stand 10-8. Sandusky is 10-7.
“They did a great job,” Locos coach Matt Furuto said of his pitching Saturday. “If you can throw strikes with multiple pitches, you’re going to be successful and Matt (Gauer) is upper 80s with a good breaking ball.’’
Locos starter right-hander Matt Gauer (Indiana State) threw his fastball and breaking ball for strikes and went seven innings. He gave up three runs, all earned, on six hits. He struck out 11 and walked one.
Gauer threw 94 pitches, 64 for strikes.
“I came in with walks from college ball and I tried to cut those down,” Gauer said. “Tonight I had my first walk of the season, so the efficiency of throwing first-pitch strikes and not walking anybody (was the key).’’
Anthony Kyle (Findlay) made his Locos’ debut and pitched the final two innings. He gave up no runs on three hits. He struck out three.
In the ninth, Kyle had the bases loaded with one out and struck out the final two batters to end it.
“I went after them and if they beat me, they beat me, we were up six,” Kyle said.
It was a well-needed lift for a bullpen, which has had 9.58 ERA over its last seven games.
“I love coming out and competing, but it was first time out in Lima, but I threw a few bullpens a few weeks ago,” Kyle said. “I could tell the crowd is pretty rowdy out here. I was looking forward to pitching in front of them.
“I hadn’t pitched in relief in three years, so it was a little different, but it’s the same goal, throw strikes and compete.’’
Added Furuto, “He threw a lot of innings at school and it would be nice to have a good pen guy who throws strikes.’’
For the Locos, Jake Hutchins (Niagara/Shawnee) went 2 for 4 with a double and two RBI.
Caleb Dugan (Lourdes/Lima Senior) went 2 for 4 with an RBI.
Jayden Davis (Samford) was 2 for 4. Ty Gill (Purdue was 2 for 4.
Sandusky jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead when Josh Kross hit a solo home run to right in the top of the first inning.
The Locos took a 3-1 lead in the third with the help of two Sandusky errors.
The Locos Carson Garner and Isaiah Velazco both walked in the third. Dugan put down a bunt and beat it out.
And when the Sandusky pitcher fielded the bunt and threw it down the first base line one run scored. And when the first baseman made a wild throw toward third, one more run scored and Dugan was awarded home when the ball went out of play.
That gave the Locos a 3-1 lead.
Carson Garner had a sacrifice fly in the home fourth to push the Locos’ lead to 4-1.
Sandusky got within 4-2 in the fifth on an RBI double by Jacob Armsey.
The Locos tacked on four in the home fifth to push their lead to 8-2.
Davis’ RBI single made it 5-2. Cade Sadler reached on an infield single and a throwing error by the Ice Haulers shortstop scored Clay Jacobs and it was 6-2.
Hutchins launched a two-run double to the right-center field fence and the Locos’ lead ballooned to 8-2.
Jace Rinehart blasted a solo home run to left to bring Sandusky within 8-3 in the seventh.
Dugan’s RBI single to left gave the Locos a 9-3 lead in the eighth.
Locos notes: The Locos wrap up their three-game series with Sandusky at 7:05 p.m. tonight at Simmons Field.
Diego Gines (Indiana State) is fourth in the league in hitting at .353. Clay Jacobs (Edison State/Indian Lake) ranks eighth at .333.
Gines is also third in home runs (three), fifth in hits (18) and fourth in RBI (14).
Josh Mrozek (Kent State) ranks fifth in walks (12).
Gines and Brayden White (Toledo) are tied for the league lead in hit by pitch with seven.
Ty Gill (Purdue) ranks ninth in stolen bases with eight.
Carter Doorn (Purdue) is second in the league in ERA (0.56), while Hunter Pidek (Oakland) ranks third (0.60). Doorn ranks second in strikeouts with 20, while Pidek is fifth (18).
Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
June 24, 2022
Locos see another lead vanish
LIMA – The Lima Locos let another quality start slip through their fingers.
This time Jonathan Machamer left with a 3-2 lead after seven innings.
But the bullpen couldn’t hold on and Sandusky posted a 4-3 victory over the Locos on Friday night at Simmons Field.
“We’re giving away games,” Locos coach Matt Furuto said. “We should be winning a lot of these games.
“We have to get guys (in the bullpen) to step up and find a way. We’re not stepping up in big moments and not getting the job done.’’
The Locos bullpen worked the final two innings and gave up two runs, one earned.
The Locos, who lost their fourth in a row, are 9-8.
Sandusky is 10-6 and in first place in the North Division of the Great Lakes Collegiate League.
Sandusky broke up a 3-3 game in the top of the ninth with a go-ahead run.
Michael Pollard was hit with a pitch and went from first to third on a passed ball.
Nathan Archer delivered an RBI single to left to give the Ice Haulers a 4-3 lead.
Locos starter lefty Machamer (Dayton) gave the team its longest outing of the summer. He went seven innings and gave up two runs, both earned, on six hits. He struck out five and walked three.
Machamer threw 113 pitches, 68 for strikes.
Machamer didn’t pitch in the spring for Dayton.
“He (Machamer) did a great job,” Furuto said. “I was surprised (he could seven). He kind of struggled early (in the game), then figured it out. I was kind of surprised he was able to go that far. He did a good job adjusting.’’
Machamer continually threw his breaking ball for strikes.
“He was able to mix in good counts and throw strikes,” Furuto said. “He was able to do what he wanted in any count. He did a good job getting ahead.’’
Machamer was the league’s pitching prospect of the year last year.
For the Locos, Clay Jacobs (Edison State/Indian Lake) went 2 for 4. Jayden Davis (Samford) went 2 for 4.
Brayden White (Toledo) had a home run.
The Locos took a 2-0 lead in the home second.
Josh Mrozek walked.
Then, with White at bat with a 2-0 count, Sandusky starter Casey Maniglia had to leave the game with an injury.
Owen Kovacs took over on the mound and on his first pitch to White he pounded a two-run home run over the left-field fence.
That gave the Locos a 2-0 lead.
Sandusky tied the game at 2 in the top of the fourth.
Ty Stolarski’s RBI single made it 2-1 Locos. Jacob Armsey’s infield RBI single to deep short tied the game at 2.
The Locos took a 3-2 lead in the home sixth.
With two out, the Locos got singles from Diego Gines, Davis and Mrozek.
Mrozek’s RBI single to right gave the Locos a 3-2 lead.
After Machamer left, Sandusky tied the game at 3 in the eight on an RBI single by Garret Pike.
Locos notes: The Locos are home today and Sunday against Sandusky. Both games start at 7:05 p.m. at Simmons Field.
Outfielder/first baseman Derrick Jackson (Jacksonville State) reported to the Locos on Friday. Pitcher Anthony Kyle (Findlay) was expected to join the team this weekend. Jackson played for the Locos last summer and hit .283 with six home runs and 25 RBI.
The Locos lead the league in hitting at .276 and on-base percentage (.405). They rank sixth in team ERA at 4.88. They are seventh in fielding percentage at .955.
The Locos lost the 11th-inning tie breaker at Muskegon on Thursday. After 10 innings, the home team chooses whether it wants to hit or be in the field for the extra half inning. Muskegon chose to hit in the 11th and started with a runner on first base. Muskegon scored with two outs and won the game, 6-5. If Muskegon had not scored, the team in the field (Locos) would have won.
Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
this weekend. Jackson played for the Locos last summer and hit .283 with six home runs and 25 RBI.
The Locos lead the league in hitting at .276 and on-base percentage (.405). They rank sixth in team ERA at 4.88. They are seventh in fielding percentage at .955.
The Locos lost the 11th-inning tie breaker at Muskegon on Thursday. After 10 innings, the home team chooses whether it wants to hit or be in the field for the extra half inning. Muskegon chose to hit in the 11th and started with a runner on first base. Muskegon scored with two outs and won the game, 6-5. If Muskegon had not scored, the team in the field (Locos) would have won.
Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
June 21, 2022
Roundup: Locos duo hold Clippers to single hit
MUSKEGON — Carter Doorn (Purdue) allowed one hit and two walks while striking out nine in six innings as the Lima Locos recorded a 9-0 Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League victory Tuesday against the host Clippers.
Lima’s Diego Gines (Indiana State) did not permit a hit or walk while striking out one in his one inning of relief in the seven inning first game of a doubleheader.
Cade Sadler (Kennesaw State) had a hit and three RBI, Carson Garner (Murray State) had two hits, including a double, and two RBI, Shawnee graduate Jacob Hutchins, who announced Monday he will be attending Niagara, had two hits and an RBI and teammate Josh Mrozek (Kent State) had three hits.
The Locos lost the second game of the doubleheader 9-7. Gines had three hits, including a home run, and two RBI and teammate Bryant Herring (Kennesaw State) had two hits and two RBI.
June 20, 2022
Disappointing end at Muskegon
MUSKEGON — The hosts scored three times in the bottom of the ninth to secure the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League win.
Isaiah Velazco (Glendale Community College) and Bryant Herring (Kennesaw State) each had two hits and two RBI and Diego Gines (Indiana State), Jayden Davis (Samford) and Shawnee graduate Jacob Hutchins (Niagara) each had two hits for the Locos.
June 19, 2022
Locos outslug Jet Box, 15-11
LIMA – Locos right fielder Jake Hutchins made it one memorable day for his dad on Father’s Day.
First, Hutchins’ dad, Dave, was one of the three Locos’ dads who threw out a ceremonial first pitch.
Then, Dave watched his son, Jake Hutchins, hit a grand slam and post six RBI to help the Lima Locos to a 15-11 victory over the Jet Box Sunday afternoon at Simmons Field.
Hutchins, a grad of Shawnee High School, went 2 for 4 with a double, a grand slam and six RBI.
“Getting my first home run here (this summer) really meant a lot, especially on Father’s Day in front of the family,” Hutchins said. “It’s special, that father-son relationship in baseball.’’
Hutchins got off to a slow start with the Locos, but picked up two hits on Saturday. Then, he committed to Niagara on Sunday. Hutchins hit nine home runs for Lincoln Trail Junior College in the spring.
“I think it helped (making the decision to play at to Niagara),” Hutchins said. “In the back of your mind, you wonder where you’re going. I woke up and it was a good feeling to commit there, clear my mind on that and come out and have fun today.
“And yesterday, it broke the ice. After that, I got some confidence and I’m just going to keep it rolling.’’
The Locos led 5-0 after three innings, but Jet Box scored eight in the fourth to take an 8-5 lead.
But Hutchins and company knocked out 13 hits to rally the Locos to the victory.
“Thankfully we are able to hit and battle back,” Locos coach Matt Furuto said. “It definitely wasn’t pretty, but some days the hitters are going to pick up the pitchers and some days the
pitchers are going to pick up the hitters. It was a good team win.’’
The Locos are 8-4. The Jet Box is 5-7.
Also for the Locos, Clay Jacobs (Edison State/Indian Lake) went 2 for 6 with a double and an RBI.
Diego Gines (Indiana State) was 2 for 5 with an RBI.
Jayden Davis (Samford) went 3 for 5 with a home run and one RBI. Davis recently graduated from high school in Tennessee.
“He can swing it,” Furuto said of Davis. “He’s just a ballplayer, the way he steps in and competes.’’
Isaiah Velazco (California) went 2 for 3.
Bryant Herring (Kennesaw State) had a home run and two RBI.
Jacob Newman (Samford) picked up the win in relief and finally slowed down the Jet Box bats.
Newman went 41/3 innings and gave up two runs, both earned, on four hits. He struck out three and walked one.
“Getting four innings from him was huge,” Furuto said. “Even though he gave up two runs, he got us through (until Caden Kline pitched the ninth).’’
The Locos scored a run in the first without a hit.
Josh Mrozek led off with a walk and stole second. He went to third on a wild pitch and scored on a balk by Jet Box starter Rhys Francis.
In the Locos’ third, Hutchins blasted a grand slam well over the left-field fence to mushroom the Locos’ lead to 5-0.“Right when I hit it, it felt good,” Hutchins said. “I knew it was going to get out.’’
His last grand slam came on senior night at Shawnee High School.
Jet Box knocked out Locos starter Brayden Lybarger (Indiana State/Elida) in the fourth and went on to score eight runs in the inning.
Four runs came off Lybarger and four came off of reliever Grant Reising.
The Locos’ Gines had an RBI single in the fourth to pull Lima within 8-6.
The Locos scored three in the fifth to pull ahead 9-8.
Hutchins’ sacrifice fly got the Locos within 8-7.
Herring hit a two-run home run in the fifth to give the Locos the lead to stay, 9-8.
Davis’ home run gave the Locos a 14-9 lead in the seventh.
Lybarger worked 3 2/3 innings and gave up four runs, all earned, on one hit. He struck out six and walked one.
Lybarger threw 80 pitches, 46 for strikes.
LOCOS NOTES: The Locos head to Muskegon on Tuesday for a four-game series in three days. The Locos return home Friday, Saturday and Sunday against Sandusky.
Outfielder/first baseman Derrick Jackson (Jacksonville State) is expected to join the team on Friday. Jackson played with the Locos last summer and batted .283 with six home runs and 25 RBI. He hit two more home runs in the playoffs last year.
Also expected to join the team on Friday is pitcher Anthony Kyle (Findlay/Perrysburg).
June 18, 2022
Locos falter after Pidek’s departure
LIMA – Locos pitcher Hunter Pidek threw six dominate shutout innings.
But that was seemingly lost in a late-inning fog of runs.
The Jet Box Baseball Club (Mich.) took advantage of a meltdown by the Lima Locos’ bullpen and knocked off the Locos 10-9 Saturday at Simmons Field.
“This one hurts a little bit,” Locos coach Matt Furuto said.
The Locos (7-4) had their three-game winning streak snapped.
Jet Box is 5-6.
The Locos led 7-0 after six innings and 7-2 after the seventh.
But in the eighth, the Locos’ bullpen gave up seven runs and the Jet Box took the lead to stay 9-7.
The bullpen gave up all 10 runs on nine hits. The pen also walked five and hit a batter.
The Locos made two errors in the final two innings.
“We didn’t play good baseball, unfortunately, just for two innings and it cost us,” Furuto said.
Jet Box’s Ryan Lux had two-run single in the eighth to break up a 7-7 game and take a 9-7 lead.
The Locos came back and scored one in the bottom of the eighth on Clay Jacobs’ RBI single. That brought Lima within 9-8.
Jet Box’s Aiden Lao had an RBI single in the ninth to push its leas to 10-8.
The Locos chipped the lead to 10-9 in the home ninth on Diego Hines’ pinch-hit sacrifice fly to center.
But that was as close as the Locos could get in their final at-bat, as Jet Box left-hander Garrett Navarra notched the save.
Pidek (Oakland) was outstanding in compiling six shutout innings. He gave up four hits, struck out eight and walked one.
Pidek threw 81 pitches, 56 for strikes.
The six innings was the Locos’ longest outing of the summer thus far.
“He (Pidek) was great,” Furuto said. “We wasted a good start. It was good for him, but we didn’t help him out.’’
Pidek’s threw his fastball and off-speed pitches consistently for strikes.
“I like to be all over the (strike) zone,” Pidek. “And at the end of the day, if all my stuff is working for strikes I can induce enough contact to get outs and that’s what happened.’’
Pidek has made two starts for the Locos and has 10 shutout innings.
He was primarily a reliever at Oakland.
“The biggest thing I can compare this to is pitching in high school because this is what I did in high school (start),” Pidek said. “It’s a lot of
fun being able to start, stretch things out and overall just have fun out there.’’
For the Locos, Jacobs went 2 for 4 with an RBI.
Josh Mrozek was 2 for 4 with a triple and four RBI.
Hutchins went 2 for 4 with a double. Caleb Dugan was 2 for 2 with an RBI.
“I think a lot of guys (in the order) did good things,” Furuto said. “When you score nine runs you should be able to win a game. Unfortunately, we didn’t have it on the other side tonight.’’
The Locos scored three in the second to take a 3-0 lead. Lima added three more in the third and it was 6-0.
The Locos added one in the sixth and it was 7-0.
In the Locos second, Mrozek lined a two-run triple to the fence in right to give the Locos a 2-0 lead.
Ty Gill’s sacrifice fly to left gave the Locos a 3-0 lead.
In the third, Hutchins hit a sacrifice fly to left to give the Locos a 4-0 lead.
Mrozek’s two-run single to right in the third gave the Locos a 6-0 lead.
The Locos made it 7-0 in the fifth with an RBI single to right Dugan.
With Pidek out of the game, Jet Box scored two in the top of the seventh to get within 7-2.
Michael Tchavdarov’s two-run double brought the Jet Box within 7-6 in the eighth.
Cole Daniels earned the win in relief for the Jet Box. He went four innings and gave up one run, unearned, on one hit. He struck out three and walked one.
Navarra earned the save with two innings of work and gave up two runs, one earned, on three hits. He struck out four.
Locos notes: The Locos wrap up their nine-game homestand and three-game series with the Jet Box at 5 p.m. today at Simmons Field.
Pitcher Brennan McCune (Findlay) reported to the team and was activated Saturday.
Pitcher Miller Riggins (Kennesaw State) is expected to report today.
The Locos’ top hitters include Brennen Norton (.381), Ty Gill (.345) and Clay Jacobs (.318). Jayden Davis hitting .462 in 13 at-bats.
Diego Gines leads the team in home runs (2) and RBI (9). Gill has seven stolen bases.
The Locos are fourth in the league in hitting (.251). They rank third in team ERA (3.68).
June 17, 2022
Locos turn away Jet Box
LIMA — It probably wasn’t the way Lima Locos head coach Matt Furuto had mapped out Friday’s baseball game with the Jet Box Baseball Club (Michigan).
But Furuto will definitely take the win.
The Locos (7-3) overcame four errors, en route to a 7-5 victory against Jet Box in Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League baseball action at Simmons Field Friday night.
Ten base hits for the Locos helped pave the way for the win.
The Locos came in to Friday’s contest tied for first in the North Division with the Michigan Monarchs.
“It wasn’t a pretty win, but all wins are good,” Furuto said with a grin. “If we can clean up some stuff, and score a couple more runs – I think we’ll be good. If we just take care of us, we can get better.”
Jonathan Machamer got the starting nod on the pitching mound for the Locos Friday.
The University of Dayton-lefthander worked four innings. Machamer gave up four runs (three earned) on three hits, while striking out three and walking three. He threw a total of 71 pitches.
“We didn’t help him out. … He did a pretty good job,” Furuto said about Machamer’s performance. “We extended his innings (with errors). If we would have made those plays, then we might have been able to go longer with him. But he did a good job. We just have to make some plays behind him, and help him out a little bit more.”
Evan Magill (Indiana State) took over pitching duties in the fifth for the Locos. The right-handed Magill worked two innings, before being lifted. Magill gave up one run on one hit.
In the seventh, Dillon Masters (Murray State) came in to pitch for the Locos. However, Masters’ appearance was short-lived as he pitched just one inning. Grant Reising (Eastern Michigan) and Patrick Dillon (Toledo) each worked an inning to close it out for the Locos.
Brandon Biggerstaff started on the hill for Jet Box. Biggerstaff worked six innings, before Nik David (Macomb CC) came in to take over.
Biggerstaff gave up five runs on eight hits, while striking out one, walking two and hitting three batters.
However, David lasted just 1/3 of an inning, before he was pulled. Jack Anderson (Case Western) came in to relieve David.
In the home half of the first, the Locos scored one run on one hit, to claim the early 1-0 lead. Shortstop Ty Gill (Purdue) led off with a single to center. Gill was eventually driven in by Brayden White (Toledo), on a sacrifice fly to left.
The Locos scored three runs in the second, on three hits, to push the lead to 4-0. Cade Sadler (Kennesaw State) and Clay Jacobs (Edison State) each had singles for the Locos.
However, it began to unravel for the Locos in the top of the third. Jet Box scored four runs on two hits to knot the game at 4 apiece.
Jet Box took a 5-4 lead in the top of the sixth.
The Locos responded in the home half of the sixth by knotting the game up at 5 each. Right fielder Diego Gines had a sacrifice- RBI for the Locos.
The Locos took the lead for good, when it added one more run in the seventh to make it 6-5. Second baseman Jayden Davis (Samford) led off with a single. He would later come across to score after three consecutive walks. Davis went 2 for 5 at the plate Friday night.
For the game, the Locos left 15 base runners stranded.
“If we don’t give them more opportunities, then I think we win that game pretty easily,” Furuto said. “We just have to get better on both sides of the ball.”
The Locos return to action tonight when they take on Jet Box in the second game of the three-game series with first pitch at Simmons Field slated for 7:05 p.m. Sunday’s game against Jet Box is scheduled to start at 5:05 p.m.
Reach The Lima News sports department at 567-242-0451.
June 17, 2022
Locos give Lima a gem to enjoy on the diamond
LIMA — Of course, every season has its traditions with one during the summer being Father’s Day this Sunday.
While there will be those who point out that the official calendar version of summer won’t begin until June 21, for most , Memorial Day begins the summer. Among the season’s many traditions that involve things like cannonball pool splashes, tall, cool glasses of lemonade and waiting until those Kingsfords show a glowing embers beneath white ash is baseball, a sport that has bonded so many for generations, parent to child, sibling to sibling, spouse to spouse and friend to friend.
While Ohio’s major league teams require more than two-hour journeys, with roundtrips to Cincinnati to watch the Reds at around 250 miles and to Cleveland to watch the Guardians at 350, there’s one far shorter trip that those who love America’s most time-honored sport can take several times by heading to Simmons Field to watch the Locos, Lima’s boys of summer, and gaze appreciatively at those pink shafts of light in the sky at dusk that are often seen above the outfield fence before the light towers take over.
When it comes to top-tier amateur baseball, the Locos take a back seat to few teams. They are members of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League, one of the most respected wood-bat leagues in the country, a league where balls struck on the sweet spot won’t emanate a ping but rather that unmistakable crack made possible when a baseball is impacted by the ash, yellow birch or maple surfaces of the bats that Loco general manager Tim Clark ordered as one of the many preparatory tasks incumbent upon a man in his position.
The league’s inaugural season was 1987, making this an anniversary year of sorts. For this the 35th summer, the league features 13 teams divided into a North and South Division, with the Locos being the southernmost of the North Division teams, a fact, Clark points out, that may have contributed to an inordinately long season-opening home stand of nine games that began when the Michigan Monarchs came to Lima last weekend for a three-game set.
Looking for silver linings, Clark says, “As a nonprofit, we always have to keep an eye on our finances, and the long home stand certainly cuts down on travel expenses this year with RTA transportation, food and lodging.”
Clark has been a volunteer fixture in the Loco organization for the past decade and a half, serving in a variety of capacities and, along with his wife, Shelly, have frequently filled the role of summer innkeepers, often rooming and boarding players. Although part of Clark’s life resume is his noteworthy career in law enforcement before his retirement in 2016, the sport of baseball also must be included in his biography. The former assistant baseball coach at Lima Central Catholic is indeed a baseball lifer.
Among the clubs that will compete for this summer’s traveling trophy and bat painted in the team colors acknowledging a league championship, there is no current team in the league more successful or more venerable than the Locos. During the past 35 summers, Lima has earned six league crowns and last year fell just short of its seventh, losing in the championship game to the Hamilton Joes, 3-1 at Simmons. The team also is the league’s only charter team, playing during the first year as the Lima Blues with a transplanted Brooklynite, the late Loco-loving Marty Glazier, serving as the team’s publicist and Lima News sports writer Tom Usher just beginning a role he continues to fill as the team’s beat writer. The team’s catcher was Eric Wedge, the future major leaguer and later manager of the Cleveland Indians and Seattle Mariners. When the late Barry Ruben and Tom Francis took the team over in 1988, the name was changed to the Locos as an homage to the city’s strong ties to the railroad industry.
As part of the 35th anniversary, Clark and others in the Loco front office have done some research, and the numbers tell quite a Loco story.
During the past 35 years, more than a thousand players have come to Lima to spend their summers and play in the dirt, first at OSU-Lima and then at Shawnee before settling at Simmons Field in 2008, and well over 200 of them have gone on to play professionally, including several who’ve made it to what Kevin Costner’s character in the 1988 movie Bull Durham, Crash Davis, called “The Show.”
Currently, former Locos on major league rosters include four pitchers, the Reds’ Art Warren, Dodger Mitch White, Padre Craig Stammen and Cardinal James Naile and Mariner outfielder Kyle Lewis, who longtime Loco fan Harry Johnson considers the best player in Locos history.
Clark points to the historically strong Loco coaching and the excellent competition the league has provided as major factors in so many Locos blessed to have played for pay.
“We’ve had several of those players who’ve spoken so positively about their Lima experience, calling it kind of a launching pad for what they were able to achieve. We’ve always been able to attract kids from schools with really strong baseball programs, which, of course, helps. And, over the years, we’ve been blessed with so many strong coaches among the 12 head coaches we’ve had. You just can’t get much better than men like Rob Livchek, Gene Stechschulte, Chad Ernsberger, Brian Garman and first, Dan Furuto and now our current head coach, Dan’s brother, Matt.”
As for the formulation of the roster, as has been the case every year, pitching always is paramount. This year, there are 18 to go along with 16 position players. Clark points to the reason why the roster needs such pitching depth.
“Our fans will remember our coming up a little short against Hamilton in that championship game last year, primarily because Hamilton had two really good pitchers ready to go. There are always nagging injuries, and some of our pitchers come with innings-limitations from their college coaches, which we always honor.”
As for the selection process, Matt Furato and his assistant Matt Rau have the bigger voices, but Clark also plays a role in searching for players, especially from the Lima area. This year’s squad includes four, from Shawnee, Jake Hutchins, a returnee from last year’s squad, Lima Senior’s Caleb Dugan, Elida’s Brayden Lybarger and Clay Jacobs from Indian Lake.
So where does the money come from to run a nonprofit like the Locos? While Major League Baseball does provide funds to cover some expenses for baseballs, umpires for the playoffs and league insurance, other sources of income are vital, such as local business sponsorships, donations from individuals, concessions, ticket and souvenir sales, raffles and similar revenue streams. Clark points out that the goal each summer is typical of other nonprofits, and that is to break even.
Of course, the lifeblood of the Locos has always been the many who’ve volunteered for years, including those willing to room and board players each summer. The only individuals paid a stipend are the coaches, the team statistician, Ryan Schadawald, and the game announcer, Todd Walker, who’s been announcing Loco home games since 1993.
As for scheduling, since the emergence of the pandemic, it would be an understatement to say it’s been a challenge.
Clark points out that COVID wiped out the entire 2020 season, and last year, the league had to work around several restrictions. For instance, one franchise was from Canada, and league teams weren’t allowed to cross the border. This year, with an odd number of teams, that imbalance creates some challenges as well, which may have had something to do with the long season-opening home stand. Following the home stand, nine home games remain spread over the second half of June and in July before the playoffs begin.
At times, it appears that the Clark wears two hats, that of general manager and another as one of the team’s most ardent cheerleaders.
Says the ever-enthusiastic Clark, “I truly believe the Loco experience is Lima’s best-kept summer secret, one I hope this summer becomes far less of a secret. The quality of play, the ambiance of Simmons, our promotions and fireworks after victories, well, I just don’t think it gets much better than that.”
John Grindrod is a weekly columnist and occasional feature writer for The Lima News, a freelance writer and editor and author of two books. He can be reached at grinder@wcoil.com.
June 16, 2022
Locos cut down Royal Oak
LIMA — Back-to-back wins.
Lima has not done that since the opening series but accomplished that feat after the Locos downed Royal Oak, 5-1, Thursday.
With the victory, Lima takes the series and improves to 6-3 overall. Royal Oak falls to 3-6.
“After Monday, it was a little tough so two good bounce back wins to win the series,” Locos skipper Matt Furuto said. “We just have to keep it rolling because we have a whole new team tomorrow and a whole new series so we need to keep it going and play good baseball and if we can do that we can compete.”
Loco starter Matt Gauer, who picked up the win, put in a strong outing in his second start of the season. The Indiana State product went five innings, limiting the Leprechaun batters to two hits and fanning eight while walking none.
Gauer threw 78 pitches with 58 being for strikes and the lone run scored was unearned.
“Matt was great,” Furuto said. “He had multiple pitches for strikes and he did a good job of getting ahead and using his pitches to get ahead.”
In relief, Jacob Newman (Samford) went two innings, giving up no runs on one hit with three strike outs and one walk. Cade Kline pitched the eighth and yielded no hits, one walk and no runs. Elida product Brayden Lyberger (Indiana State) pitched the final frame and gave up two hits, a walk while striking out two.
“All our pitchers did a great job,” Furuto said. “All of them came in and threw strikes and held them and the only run we gave up we gave them.”
Royal Oak starter Chris Schmees went five innings and gave up five hits and three runs with two being unearned. He struck out two and walked two and hit two batters.
Offensively, the Locos bats continue to make the most of its opportunities with some hits and being aggressive on the base paths. The Locos had seven hits but made them count and also took advantage of several Leprechaun fielding miscues and four free passes.
The Locos also recorded three stolen bases and left 10 base runners stranded.
“We are still getting guys on and still figuring out ways to get them in,” Furuto said. “Thankfully we got enough to get those in the middle innings and extend the lead and give us a little more comfortable but I think we still have to get more comfortable at that. We are getting guys on but have to score them.
Locos’ Diego Gines (Indiana State) went 2 for 4 with two runs, an RBI and a stolen base. Clay Jacobs (Edison State) was 2 for 4 with a run and Jayden Davis 2 for 4 with an RBI.
Lima got the bats going early and scored in the bottom of the first to go up 1-0.
With one out, Diego Gines (Indiana State) and Brennan Norton (Jacksonville State) had base hits and Gines put himself on third with a stolen base. Gines then came home on a fielder’s choice out from the bat of Carson Garner Murray State), eliminating Norton at second.
Royal Oak tied in the fourth, 1-1, on a throwing error.
Lima regained the lead with two runs in the fift. Despite not getting a hit, the Locos loaded the bases when Gines, with one out, was hit by a pitch and Norton followed with a walk Gardner then reached base on an error. Cade Sadler (Kennesaw State) brought home Gines on a sacrifice fly to the second baseman in foul territory.
Lima then tacked on its second run of the frame whenDavis delivered a bloop single that plated Norton.
Lima added to its lead in the sixth with two runs. The first run came when Jacobs reached first on an error with one out. Isaiah Velaszco drew a walk to put runners on first and second and then Gines delivered a single to bring home Jacobs. Velazco, standing on third, came home on a fielder’s choice for the second run.