A Night of Drama at Canton's Field
The Hoover High School baseball squad entered the Division II Northeast 5 district final as clear underdogs, but the atmosphere at the Canton field was electric as the Green Bulldogs prepared to defend their title.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, a critical misplay at first base turned a potential third out into a walk‑off opportunity, allowing Brady Hassen to cross the plate and give Hoover a 3‑2 lead.
Jack Andes, who had already delivered a clutch performance on the mound, stepped up to the plate and reached base in four of his five appearances, scoring the game’s opening run and later sealing the victory with 2⅔ innings of scoreless relief.
Hoover’s offense was bolstered by solid hitting from Brady Hassen, J.R. Cook, and Jack Ziarko, who contributed an RBI single, while Green’s Sam Dubravetz kept the game close with a strong start before being relieved.
Despite the loss, Green coach Jon Wallace praised his team’s effort, noting the 10 hits they collected and the competitive spirit that kept the Bulldogs in the game until the final out.
With the win, Hoover advances to face Hudson in the regional semifinals scheduled for June 3, a matchup that promises another test of resilience for the young Hoover squad.