Buckeye defeats Berea-Midpark 5-1 behind early surge and Lilly Young’s complete game

Buckeye used a three-run first inning to take control Saturday and never gave it back, beating Berea-Midpark 5-1 at Brunswick High School Softball Field behind a complete-game effort from Lilly Young.

The Bucks set the tone immediately in the bottom of the first. Faith Shaw opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly, Eleanor Shaw followed with an RBI double to center, and Kenzie Cenname added an RBI single to center as Buckeye jumped in front 3-0. The lead grew to 5-0 in the second inning when Cassie Minarchick and Ava Piovarchy each delivered RBI singles, giving Young more than enough support in the circle.

Young worked all seven innings for the win, allowing one run on three hits while striking out nine and walking four. Berea-Midpark’s only run came in the top of the fifth on a solo home run to center by Burbules, but Young kept the visitors from building any further momentum. Rivera took the loss for Berea-Midpark after allowing five runs on six hits over two innings.

Piovarchy led Buckeye’s offense with a 3-for-3 day, continuing the pressure throughout the lineup. Faith Shaw, Eleanor Shaw, Piovarchy and Cenname each drove in a run. Sarah Michaels was a disruptive presence on the bases with two stolen bases, and the Bucks finished with six steals overall.

Buckeye also backed its pitcher with clean defense. The Bucks did not commit an error, and Eleanor Shaw handled a team-high nine chances. Berea-Midpark was also error-free in the field, with Kieffer recording eight chances, while Fayne, Burbules and Weigel accounted for the team’s three hits.

With an early lead, steady pitching and sharp defense, Buckeye controlled the game from start to finish. The Bucks next travel to face North Olmsted Varsity Eagles on Monday.