Barnesville baseball seeks continued success

March 30, 2022

By SETH STASKEY Times Leader Sports Editor BARNESVILLE — It was certainly a season to remember in Western Belmont County. The Shamrocks posted an impressive 25-8 season that culminated with a trip to the Division III state tournament in Akron where they fell to eventual state champion Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. As D.J. Butler begins his 15th season as the Shamrocks’ skipper, he welcomes back a club that returns eight starters. However, the departed were key cogs in the season. “We must avoid complacency,” Butler stressed. “Last year, we were able to surprise ...

Barnesville softball bids to rebound

March 30, 2022

By KIM NORTH Times Leader Sports Writer BARNESVILLE -- Barnesville lost three seniors from last season and head coach Kelly Hanlon has 10 returning letterwinners and eight incoming freshmen for the 2022 season. “I am looking forward to the season. We are coming off of a tough year last year,” Hanlon said of the 3-21 campaign. “We have many returning lettermen and a very determined class of freshmen joining us.” The roster is comprised of seniors Savanna Robinson (OF/C/1B), Tessa Johnson (OF/2B) and Jasmine Caldwell (P). Juniors include Kynlie Cline (SS/2B) and ...

Barnesville track teams looking to take the next step

March 30, 2022

By SETH STASKEY Times Leader Sports Editor BARNESVILLE — The Barnesville track and field teams put forth solid 2021 seasons in their return to the oval after the COVID-missed season. Now both Mark Brown’s girls team and Dylan Rogers’ boys teams are looking to take the next step. GIRLS The Shamrock girls are coming off a season in which they finished second in the OVAC and Eastern District while qualifying to the state meet in three events. “We have strengths in distance and in the field, but we have many young sprinters and hurdlers that we’re not sure what to ...

Beallsville baseball has increased numbers

March 30, 2022

By SETH STASKEY Times Leader Sports Editor BEALLSVILLE – For Ty English, the rebuilding process of the Beallsville baseball program has been a long and tedious process. However, the Blue Devils’ skipper believes his team may start to turn the corner this spring. “I can’t wait to see what this year brings,” English said. “We’ve struggled with numbers the last few years, but those are finally starting to go up and we have several returning lettermen, which I think will play to our advantage.” Regardless if it’s prep baseball or MLB, pitching is the key and the Blue ...

Bellaire baseball boasts solid pitching

March 30, 2022

By SETH STASKEY Times Leader Sports Editor BELLAIRE — The pieces appear to be in place for the Bellaire baseball team to experience a strong 2022 season. Head coach Josh Kernik welcomes back all but one player (Vince Patrone) from last season’s club, including numerous guys who have the ability to play all over the diamond as the pitching matchups change. “Our guys love the game of baseball,” Kernik said. “Our ability to play all over should allow us to be strong defensively no matter who is on the mound.” The Big Reds also boast a quality pitching staff, headlined ...

Bridgeport baseball is very hungry

March 30, 2022

By SETH STASKEY Times Leader Sports Editor BRIDGEPORT – A hungry and experienced team will take the field for Bridgeport and head coach Zach Winland this spring. Winland begins his fourth season as the Bulldogs skipper with a roster of 18 players and five of those were starters at some point last spring. “We lost six seniors, so we have some shoes to fill, but we have hungry players who have seen the field in the past and are now looking to take advantage of new opportunities,” Winland said. “We’re excited about this season.” Returning lettermen are seniors Cirian ...