High school baseball: (7) Gilmour vs. (14) Smithville district semifinal preview capsule
May 22—(14) Smithville vs. (7) Gilmour
What: Division III district semifinal
When: 5 p.m., May 23
Where: Norwayne, 350 South Main Street, Creston
Records: Gilmour 14-12, Smithville 11-10
Gilmour's path: Def. Orrville, 3-0
Smithville's path: Def. Chippewa, 10-0, Def. Norwayne, 5-4
On deck: Winner advances to play (2) Waynedale or (9) Akron Manchester in a Division III district final on May 25.
For the record: After an up and down regular season, the Lancers find themselves once again in the district round. ... Gilmour began to right the ship with six straight wins including a victory over Orrville to start the postseason. Three of those victories (St. Ignatius, South and Orrville) were shutouts. ... Gilmour features six players batting over .300 with Tom McCrone (.353) and Tommy Moe (.339) leading the way. The Lancers also feature Michael DiPuccio who leads the coverage area in home runs with four. ... Pitching wise, Gilmour could start one of three — Paddy Murphy, Will Kay and Will Lazzaro. All of them possess different challenges for the opposing batters. ... Smithville also features a bevy of strong hitters, led by Treyton Lowe who is hitting .362. AJ Tuel has been the strongest arm for the Smithies this season with his 2.22 ERA. Bryce Butcher struck out eight in Smithville's upset of top-seeded Norwayne as well. If the Lancers can get ahead on the count, they should be able to punch their ticket to the district final.
Hercik's pick: Gilmour
