For the first time in program history, the CVCA baseball team has won a Regional Championship. The Royals earned a thrilling 3-2 win over Hoban on Thursday night in walk-off fashion in the OHSAA Division III Region 9 Championship game. It was a great baseball game between two very good teams. CVCA took an early lead with 1 run in the first inning. Peyton Drabick singled in Layne Davis who lead off with a walk. The Royals would strand the bases loaded in the inning and miss an early chance at multiple runs. The score remained 1-0 through the 4th inning. In the top of the 5th inning, Hoban broke through. A lead-off triple set the table and the Knights were able to manufacture 2 runs. They scored on a squeeze bunt and an infield single. The Royals trailed but not for long. Connor McGough fell behind 0-2 to start the 5th inning, but took the next pitch over the left field fence for a solo home run. With the score now tied, CVCA was pushing to move back in front. They loaded the bases with one out but failed to score again. Peyton Drabick gave the Royals an outstanding performance at starting pitcher. He went 5 innings allowing just 2 runs while striking out 6. The stage was now set for an exciting finish as the game moved to the 6th inning with a score of 2-2. A one out double in the top of the 6th and subsequent wild pitch gave Hoban a great chance to take the lead. Reliever Alex Mammone came up big with back to back strikeouts to end the frame. CVCA went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the 6th, and the Knights did the same in the top of the 7th. The Royals now had a chance for a walk-off win to secure the first Regional Title in program history. Jacob Lancy singled to start the inning. Jonah Gaudio's sacrifice bunt moved Lancy into scoring position. Hoban intentionally walked Peyton Drabick to bring up Alex Mammone. He jumped on the first pitch and laced a line drive into right center field. Lancy raced around third and scored the game winning run with no play at the plate. The Royals were 3-2 walk-off winners and Region 9 Champions. With the win, CVCA advances to their first ever State Semifinal. The Royals will face Bishop Watterson on Thursday, June 11th at 7:00pm at Thurman Munson Stadium in Canton. 

CVCA 3 - Hoban 2

Alex Mammone W, 2 IP, 5 Ks, 1-2, GW RBI Single in B7
Peyton Drabick 5 IP, 2 ER, 6 Ks, 2-3, RBI
Connor McGough 1-4, HR, R, RBI
Jacob Lancy 1-4, R