A Historic Victory
The Cardinal Mooney High School baseball team captured its first Division IV regional championship on Thursday, edging Canton Central Catholic 5‑4 in a tightly contested final.
Finishing the season at 24‑3, the Cardinals rode a wave of momentum that began early in the game and never truly faded, ultimately securing the program’s first regional crown.
Early Sparks and a Crucial Turnaround
The offense ignited in the second inning when Vince Gentile drove in a run with a two‑out RBI single by Ford Stacey, giving Mooney a 1‑0 lead. Canton answered in the fourth with a 2‑1 advantage, but the Cardinals rallied, tying the game at 2‑2 with a timely triple from Gentile and an RBI single from Taco Verocco.
A burst of extra‑base hits followed, including a go‑ahead triple by Ford Stacey that put Mooney up 4‑2, and another triple by Luke Kollar that stretched the lead to 5‑2. Canton’s comeback attempt narrowed the gap, but relief pitcher Jacob Gugliotta steadied the ship, limiting further damage.
Andrew Bushey closed out the game with a clean ninth inning, earning the save and sealing the 5‑4 victory. The win marked the culmination of a season defined by resilience and clutch performances.
Road to the State Semifinal
With the regional title secured, the Cardinals will travel to face Sandusky Perkins on June 13 in the state semifinal. The winner of that contest will advance to the state championship game on June 14, a prospect that has energized the team and its supporters.
Coach Ed Reese praised his players’ effort and highlighted the importance of the upcoming week off for rest and preparation. “We’ve built something special this year, and we’re eager to keep the momentum going,” Reese said.