by DAVE FACINOLI

Staff Writer

Baseball

*In Bradenton, Fla., at the IMG Baseball Academy Tournament, the Langley Saxons (6-1) had an impressive spring break trip as they finished with a 4-1 record in the competition.

“We went away to that tournament with a pretty strong team chemistry and we came back with stronger chemistry,” Langley coach Jeff Ferrell said. “As a team we hit well and put the ball in play. We only struck out about 10 times in all of those games. The game we lost we didn’t make all the plays and left too many runners on base, and the other team made every play and turned two double plays.”

Langley defeated Big Walnut of Ohio, 9-5, and 11-4, in its first two games. Jimmy Saris (2-0) and Russell Blankinship (2-0) pitched complete games in those contests. Saris struck out 12 and went 3 for 4 with three runs batted in. Kevin Corey was 3 for 4 with a homer and three RBI in the 9-5 win. In the 11-4 triumph, Blankenship fanned 10, Chuck Eller was 3 for 3 with three RBI, Saris was 2 for 4 with three RBI, and Nick Zahra and Kyle Fraser had two hits each.

Langley blanked Ottawa Hills, 13-0, in its third game as Brendan Dibari (1-0) pitched five innings and fanned seven to get the win. He allowed two hits. Eller, Joey Love and Adam Hoffer had two hits each for Langley.

The Saxons lost to Thomas Moore Catholic of New York, 9-4, in their fourth game. Eller went 3 for 4, Chaz Ayoub was 2 for 2 and Josh Yearout (0-1) took the loss.

Langley wrapped up its trip by defeating Pinkerington Central of Ohio, 4-2. Bryce Morrison (1-0) was the winning pitcher and Saris earned his second save of the season. Frazer had a hit and drove in two runs and Eller had two hits.