NDCL vs. Field baseball: Opportunistic Lions take advantage of chances, down Falcons, 6

CANTON — When NDCL saw opportunities against Field in their Division II regional final on June 1, the Lions took them. That's been a theme this postseason.

They took advantage of looks in the district round to advance to regionals. Against the Falcons, they had six stolen bases and four runs brought across without a hit.

Coupled with strong relief pitching and a strong defense, the Lions took a 6-4 victory and advanced to their first regional final since 2014. They meet Kenston in an all-area showdown for a trip to the state round on June 2 at Thurmon Munson Stadium.

NDCL has made their postseason run not with lights out pitching or hits clearing the fence in the outfield. Rather they’ve bided their time and waited for chances to come to them.

It's something that coach Marc Thibeault has told his team and made a point as the season progressed. When they get on base, they need to do everything in their power to move themselves over and not rely on the bats to do so.

"We’re not a team that has mind blowing stats from the plate," Thibeault said. "It was about a month ago that we told the guys not to press. We need to get on base and use our speed, need to bunt and have any kid be able to get it. While we didn't have the best day in the box, we had to work to move up 90 feet. The kids responded well and that's something we work on every day at practice."

NDCL took an early lead thanks to a single by Nick Dietric and a sacrifice fly by Griffin Moskal. The Lions also scored a run on a wild pitch in the bottom of the first for a 3-0 lead.

Then in the top of the second, Field saw three runs brought in by Garit Greene, Braxton Baumberger and Kayden Smith. They also saw a run come in via a passed ball.

After the second, NDCL turned to Sam Hoffman to come in for relief and he anchored it down. He didn't allow a run in his 4 1/3 innings of work while he gave up three hits and struck out six.

While he came in with his team down a run, Hoffman knew that the bats would find a way to get the lead back. And when they did, he handled it as business as normal.

"It's huge and especially to have it now," Hoffman said. "We haven't had the best hitting in the regular season but now we’re doing whatever we need to to bring runs across. It's big when I get to the mound because it takes a weight off of not just my shoulders but every pitchers shoulders."

The Lions tied things up in the third on a bad throw from home to third and retook the lead with a pair of runs in the fourth. Lucas Marlowe scored on a wild pitch to push the Lions ahead and Dietich drove in another on a single.

Taking advantages from the batters box and having strong communication with the runners on the base paths fueled the Lions to their win. Dietich knew that they needed timely hits but more over smart approaches from the box.

"Whenever there's two outs, were not thinking of just getting to the next inning," Dietich said. "We’re thinking how do we extend this one and keep the momentum going. Finding ways to get on base, stealing a base, we capitalize on runners in scoring position well and our two out hitting."

Field made it interesting late as it had two on with one out in the top of the seventh. But Gianni Spetic stepped in and sealed the deal.

The defense behind the pitching took a few innings to get their bearings. But as they did, they played a strong support role.

Highlighted by a Jack O’Neil slide and throw on a tough ground ball with runners on first and second, the defense all around the diamond made sure to not have the lead slip away. Not only did that help their own confidence but the pitchers as well.

"It was just about knowing that I had teammates behind me," Hoffman said. "It wasn't my best outing possible but knowing that I don't have to strike out every guy is a big help for me."

NDCL 6, Field 4

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