PAINESVILLE — Galion’s quest for the Ohio 12U Little League state championship continues after the orange and blue shut out Mount Vernon, 12-0, in four innings on Friday at Kiwanis Recreation Park in Painesville.
“We came out and did exactly what we needed to do,” said Galion head coach Jason McMullen. “We needed to get going early and we batted around in the first inning. It was really important to get off to a fast start.”
Carter Keinath, Owen Mullins and Troy Manring helped Galion build a 6-0 lead in the first inning. Keinath hit a 2-run home run and Mullins, who went 3-for-3, followed with a solo shot to give Galion a 3-0 cushion. Manring had a RBI single.
Mount Vernon starting pitcher Nathan Friel didn’t make it out of the first inning and was replaced by Gary Rucker.
Galion (4-1) tacked on four runs in the second, added two more runs in the third, then maintained a clean slate in the top of the fourth to end the game.
Caden Armstrong started and picked up the win for Galion. He worked 3-2/3 innings and finished with six strikeouts. Matthew McMullen recorded the final out in relief.
Armstrong and Carter Keinath are both eligible to pitch on Sunday, McMullen said.
Carter Valentine and Brody Symsick each had a double. Armstrong, McMullen and Wilson Frankhouse each had a single.
Galion has now won four consecutive loser’s bracket games after falling to Hamilton West Side, 16-0, in its first game of tournament last Sunday. Galion will face Hamilton (3-1) at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday for the chance to advance to the tournament championship game. Mullins is scheduled to start for Galion on Saturday.
North Canton (3-0) awaits the winner of Saturday’s game. They defeated Hamilton West Side, 2-1, in seven innings on Thursday to book a spot in the championship game.
The championship game is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday. If necessary, a second game to determine the state champion will be played at 5:30 p.m.
Ohio 12U Little League Baseball Tournament
Kiwanis Recreation Park, Painesville
Friday’s results
Galion 12, Mount Vernon 0 (4 innings)
Saturday’s schedule
Galion (4-1) v. Hamilton West Side (3-1), 7:30 p.m.
Sunday’s schedule
Championship Game
North Canton (3-0) v. Galion/Hamilton West Side winner, 2 p.m.
North Canton (3-0) v. Galion/Hamilton West Side winner, 5:30 p.m. (if necessary)
