HIGH SCHOOL-OHIO

Moeller baseball clicking at right time

By Mike Dyermdyer@enquirer.com

The Moeller lineup continues to make more contact and have better at-bats during this postseason run, and that couldn't happen at a better time.

"It's fun watching them continue to develop their approach in the tournament as the pitching has been tough every single game," Moeller baseball coach Tim Held said.

Moeller (24-4), which has won two straight Division I state titles, plays Massillon Jackson (24-5) in a state semifinal at 1 p.m. Friday at Huntington Park in Columbus.

The state final is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday at Huntington Park.

Newark Catholic was the most recent program to win three straight state baseball titles, from 2002 to 2004, according to the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

Moeller is making its 11th trip to Columbus for the state baseball tournament. In the previous 10 appearances, Moeller has won seven titles and lost in the semifinal three times, according to Moeller archivist Dick Beerman.

"I'm very excited about playing on Friday," Held said. "This group of guys has worked extremely hard to put themselves in the position to win a state championship."

Senior left-handed pitcher Zach Logue (Kentucky signee) will start for the Crusaders on Friday, Held said. Logue is also hitting .376 with nine doubles, 24 RBI and seven stolen bases.

Massillon Jackson baseball coach Bill Gamble watched Moeller's regional final May 31 against Mason and came away thoroughly impressed with the Crusaders.

Gamble said Moeller's athleticism up the middle and its overall body of work were evident. Gamble was specifically impressed with shortstop Riley Mahan (Kentucky signee).

Mahan has the most at-bats on the team (88) and is hitting .330 with six doubles, five triples, two home runs, 18 RBI and 12 stolen bases.

"Riley is doing very well in the tournament," Held said. "He hasn't gotten a lot of hits, but he is just missing some balls and i think that's what coach Gamble saw when he scouted us on Saturday."

Joe Vranesic was clutch in the regional tournament and is hitting .327 with 18 RBI.

Jackson, which is making its first state baseball tournament appearance since 1947, has several seniors on a squad that won the Federal League (10-2 conference record).

"When we pitch and play defense, we have a shot in the game," said Gamble, who is in his fourth year as Jackson coach.

Jackson is led on the mound by seniors Tim Turner (7-0 and a George Mason signee), Sam Williams (Eastern Kentucky signee) and Ryan Gusbar (Ashland signee). Sophomore right-hander Sam Miller is 7-0.

Gamble declined to name a starting pitcher.

Senior outfielder Jake Miller, Sam's brother, is one of the offensive leaders, hitting nearly .400, and leads the team in RBI and stolen bases.

Middle infielder Kyle Mottice is the leadoff batter. He is 16 for his last 22 and can cause problems on the bases.

Moeller plans to leave for Columbus at 1 p.m. Thursday after practice in the morning so it can get checked into the hotel and make it to Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy's game at 4 p.m. ⬛

Moeller (24-4) vs. Massillon Jackson (24-5), Division I state semifinal

When: 1 p.m. Friday

Where: Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Columbus

Tickets: $8. No presale tickets – only available at Huntington Park. Parking available around the stadium

Directions: North on Interstate 71. Exit at Front Street. (#100A). Turn left at intersection onto Front Street. Turn left onto Nationwide Blvd. Huntington Park is a half mile on the right. The parking lot is on the left.

Twitter: Enquirer contributor Rick Broering will have updates @RickBroering

Internet/Radio: OHSAA Radio Nework has the game on OHSAA.org. WMOH 1450 AM also on radio.

Regional finals: Moeller defeated Mason 3-2 at UC. Jackson defeated Hudson 5-2 at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium.

State appearances: 11th state tournament for Moeller. Second state tournament for Jackson.

State baseball tournament

Moeller (24-4) vs. Massillon Jackson (24-5), Division I state semifinal

When: 1 p.m. Friday

Where: Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Columbus

Tickets: $8. No presale tickets – only available at Huntington Park. Parking available around the stadium

Mike Dyer