Josh Lippe delivered a masterful five‑inning performance that left the Tallmadge lineup silent, as the Lake Blue Streaks rolled to a 10‑0 victory in a Division III Northeast 1 district semifinal.
The senior right‑hander, who had been sidelined earlier in the season by a stress fracture in his back, returned to the mound with a mix of mid‑80s fastballs, a sharp curve and a deceptive changeup, striking out 11 batters while throwing 50 strikes on 72 pitches.
A Comeback for the Ages
Lippe’s journey to the district final was anything but guaranteed. After a back injury forced him to miss the early weeks of the campaign, he spent the spring uncertain whether he could take the hill at all. His perseverance paid off, and his dominant outing against Tallmadge not only secured a shutout but also showcased the resilience that has defined his senior season.
The Blue Streaks’ offensive onslaught was built on a philosophy of team at‑bats and small‑ball execution. Junior catcher Anderson Alacchi went 2‑for‑2 with a pair of RBIs, while first baseman Drew Pribanich contributed an RBI single and shortstop Alex Quior added a bunt RBI to keep the momentum rolling.
Coach Joe Anderson, who proudly noted that his roster includes 11 National Honor Society members, emphasized the collective effort that led to the win. “Our kids play with discipline and heart,” he said, pointing to the squad’s depth and the community’s support as key ingredients.
Looking ahead, Lake will meet CVCA on Thursday, May 28, in the district final with a chance to capture its first regional berth since 2007. The stakes are high, but the Blue Streaks enter the game confident, buoyed by a pitching performance that proved they can dominate when it matters most.