Youngstown joins the final four
 

Aug. 21, 2008: Youngstown, Ohio, runner Andre Jones is safe at home while Palo Alto, Calif., catcher Jordan Piha tries to tag him in the top of the third inning during their quarterfinal game of the Babe Ruth 14-Year-Old World Series played at Adams Field. Lisa Bul photo/The Patriot Ledger

By IAN SPENCER
The Patriot Ledger

QUINCY – A team from Youngstown, Ohio, is at it again at Adams Field.

After a 14-year-old Youngstown team took the Babe Ruth World Series title in 2003 at Quincy, another is well on its way after a 17-10 victory in a quarterfinal over Palo Alto, Calif., Thursday.

Youngstown relied on aggression on the base paths, stealing four bases, as well as a relentless hitting attack to secure a win in the high-scoring affair.

Leadoff man and starting pitcher Justin Fleo received the player of the game award for the Ohio squad.

Fleo went 4-for-5 and pitched into the sixth inning.

“We hit the ball good today,” Fleo said. “I just stayed back and hit the ball and took my time at the plate.”

Despite the high run totals, defense played a key role for Youngstown early.

“The kids really put a lot of effort into it,” manager Terry Landis said. “They were diving around and making a lot of plays earlier in the game.”

Youngstown first baseman Mark Leone also made numerous tough stretches and picks at the bag, something Landis said he has done all year.

Palo Alto seemed all but out of the contest after Youngstown’s nine-run fifth inning, but managed nine runs of its own in the next three innings for a respectable finish.

B.J. Boyd, who had been hitting at a torrid pace for the California team, scored three runs and recorded two hits. The Pacific Southwest Regional champions finished with 13 hits.

Youngstown advanced to play Norwalk, Conn., at 5:30 today in a semifinal match.  Norwalk earned a day off by clinching the No. 1 seed out of the National Division. The two teams played in the first game of the tournament, with Youngstown winning, 4-3.

Palo Alto was eliminated with the loss, but will go home having won three hard-fought games in the series.
   
Ian Spencer may be reached at ispencer@ledger.com.

Aug. 21, 2008: Palo Alto, Calif., first baseman Travis McHugh hauls in the ball in time to get Youngstown, Ohio, runner Mark Leone is out in the top of the first inning during their quarterfinal game of the Babe Ruth 14-Year-Old World Series played at Adams Field. Lisa Bul photo/The Patriot Ledger