Youngstown in Control

By Brady Farkas

CLIFTON PARK -- Shawn Roman said he wouldn’t be nervous.

He was right. The right-hander fired a complete game in which he allowed just five hits, one run, and registered three strikeouts en route to a 4-1 victory for Youngstown, Ohio, in game one of the 13-15 year-old Babe Ruth World Series Friday against Portland, Maine.

Roman’s stellar performance was assisted by his defense.

First baseman Todd Kibby reached over the wall along the right-field line in foul territory to snare a pop fly. Second baseman Drew Fitzpatrick made a diving play, and game MVP Jaymee Shephard ended the contest with a diving catch in center field, saving two runs.

Youngstown continues play tomorrow against South Colonie at 4 p.m. 
Shephard knew the defense would be a key to Friday’s game, “(If the defense is there) we know he (Roman) will shut them down every time.” 

His teammate, Fitzpatrick agreed, “it makes the game a lot easier.” 

Portland pitcher Taylor Candage held the Youngstown lineup at bay until the bottom of the third inning, when Nick Crum ignited a two-out rally with a walk. Fitzpatrick singled and moved Crum to second. With Shephard at the plate, Portland shifted its outfield to respect his power. When Shepherd hit a flare to shallow center, the outfielders were unable to make a play and both runners scored. Kibby followed with an RBI single and gave Youngstown a 3-0 lead. 

The Youngstown offense tacked on one more in the bottom of the sixth. It could have been two runs, but pinch-runner Brad Byers was thrown out at home. 
Youngstown mustered only four hits, but Roman made sure it didn’t come back to haunt them. 

“He’s a seasoned, gutsy kid,” said manager Al Franceschelli. “Roman has pitched in big games before. He started a state title game as a high school freshman.”
Roman’s catcher, Jason Bagoly, said establishing the curveball was key for Roman. Once he was honed in, Roman kept throwing his “best pitch.” 

Bagoly, relayed the signs from the dugout.

“They weren’t hitting it (Roman’s curve ball).” 

The lone run Roman gave up came courtesy of a double by Portland MVP Jack Heary. He advanced on a ground ball and then scored on a passed ball.

Franceschelli said the Maine squad was very aggressive, using it against them. He had Roman start off several batters with curveballs.

“Our pitcher had them on their front foot all game,” Franceschelli said.