Projected Pitching Matchup
Strongsville
LHP Jaret Beechy, Sr., 6-2, 1.07 ERA
Jackson
RHP Yianni Skeriotis, Soph., 8-0, 1.71 ERA
Projected Starting Lineups
Strongsville
1. Alex Gray CF
2. Parker Shannon C
3. Jack Frank LF
4. Noah Trizzino 1B
5. Trevor Denning 2B
6. Gio Lombardo 3B
7. Mitch Midea SS
8. Kyler Damm RF
9. Zach Kasian DH
Jackson
1. Cade Mottice 3B
2. Dillon Dingler C
3. Jake Mottice CF
4. Kyle Nicolas 1B
5. Trey Wright 2B
6. Davis Graham LF
7. Jack Dear DH
8. Josh Romans SS
9. Nick Harrison RF
Possible Closers
Strongsville
Mitch Midea, Jr.
Jackson
Ben Warren, Sr.
Underclassmen Playing Big Roles
Skeriotis is likely to get the start for Jackson. Despite only being a sophomore, he’s been Jackson’s clear cut No. 2 starter this season.
Frank, the No. 3 hitter in Strongsville’s lineup, went hitless in the State Semifinal, but is one of the most dangerous hitters on the field in this State Championship, with five homers on the season.
Jackson’s middle infield features Romans, a freshman at shortstop, and Wright, a sophomore, at second base.
Other impressive underclassmen include Strongsville sophomores Gio Lombardo, Jesse Kramer, and JD Duplain.
For these young players to earn starting roles on State Championship teams tells you how talented they are and how much trust their coaches and teammates have in them at a young age.
Senior Leadership
Both teams have benefited from excellent senior leadership.
Jackson’s 1 through 4 hitters are all seniors and they tend to set the tone, both with their play and their voices.
Strongsville’s first two hitters, Gray and Shannon are seniors, along with Trizzino, the cleanup man, Damm, the No. 8 hitter, and Beechy the starting pitcher for the State Championship.
Update: Senior Zach Kasian will get the start at DH, hitting ninth.
Strongsville’s Middle Infield
Midea and Denning turned two double plays in the State Semifinal (including the game-ending play) and with Beechy on the mound, the junior duo could have a busy day behind the groundball pitcher.
Solid Outfields
Not much gets past these outfielders.
Strongsville’s trio consists of Damm in right, Gray in center, and Frank in left. Gray made a sliding catch in the State Semifinal.
Jackson’s trio features Graham in left, Jake Mottice in center, and Harrison in right.
Harrison made an amazing running catch in the seventh inning of the State Semifinal. He also has a cannon for an arm.
These outfielders are able to shrink the field, even in a place with as much space as Huntington Park.
Battle of 2 Elite Catchers
Dingler and Shannon, two of Ohio’s best catchers will square off head-to-head.
Both players went 3-for-3 in the State Semifinals.
Both players are viewed by their teammates and coaches as leaders.
Shannon and Dingler will be two of the best hitters on the field and are great defensive catchers, as well.
Check out our 10 players to watch from Strongsville and Jackson here.
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