Semifinals on the Horizon
The District 10 Class 3A and 4A baseball playoffs have produced a series of dramatic moments that have reshaped the bracket heading into the next stage. With several teams clinching victories in the quarterfinals, the upcoming semifinals promise a mix of seasoned arms and fresh offensive firepower.
Girard advanced after Ryan St. Julien delivered a walk‑off double that turned a 3‑3 tie into a 4‑3 victory over Franklin. The game featured a pitcher’s duel between Victor Gould on the mound for Girard and Nate Fezell for Franklin, each navigating a tight battle before Julien’s decisive hit.
Fairview moved forward with a 3‑1 win over Conneaut, highlighted by Robert Benford’s four shutout innings in relief. Benford’s effort preserved the lead after the offense had taken an early edge, and the win sets up a semifinal clash with Titusville.
Semifinal Showdowns
Titusville will meet Fairview after a dominant 2‑0 shutout of Northwestern, where Dalton Knapp and Blake Schmidt combined for a three‑hit effort. Meanwhile, Sharon will face Girard following an 11‑4 triumph over Corry, with Coen Fertig and Ian Fischer each driving in three runs. In the other half of the bracket, Harbor Creek will take on the winner of the Hickory‑Grove City matchup, which saw Hickory edge Grove City 11‑10 in a high‑scoring affair.
Harbor Creek secured its spot with a 1‑0 victory over Slippery Rock, courtesy of Breckon Kitts’ one‑hit shutout that left the opposition without a run. Hickory’s narrow 11‑10 win over Grove City underscored the competitiveness of the class, as both teams exchanged blows throughout the game.
The semifinals are slated for May 22, with Girard set to host Sharon and Fairview preparing to meet Titusville. Franklin’s season concluded at 11‑10, while Conneaut finished 5‑10, marking the end of their playoff runs.