By TODD REED

News Leader Sports Editor

The second-seeded Hornets were limited to one hit as they lost their sectional opener to Caldwell 2-1.

"This definitely is the low point of the season," noted Head Coach Dennis Tucci. "These kids have played so well this year, and we have certainly over-achieved. However, today was a major disappointment.

"Our kids didn't play with much fire. It hurts me to say, but there was no fight in the Hornets today. Sean (Kettering) tried to keep us in it. He pitched well, giving up only one walk and five hits, but they were in the same two innings. The other five innings went 1-2-3."

Kettering allowed two earned runs, while striking out eight. Julian Guiao had Malvern's lone hit.

Malvern (16-5, 11-3) was to face Newcomerstown on May 12, before hosting the Ron Ebner Tournament this Saturday, May 17. The 10 a.m. game features the Battle of the Hornets, with Malvern taking on rival East Canton. The noon game will pit Minerva against Lake Center Christian. The winners will play in the finals at approximately 2:15 p.m.

Malvern 15

Ridgewood 1

The Hornets pounded out 17 hits in four innings.

Guiao paced the way with a single, two doubles and five RBIs; Doug Wood had three singles and three RBIs; Brady Sickles had three hits and three RBIs; Tyler Tucci had three singles and three runs scored; and Zak Kapron had two hits and three RBIs.

Kettering earned the win, allowing just one earned run in five innings of work. He struck out eight and didn't give up a walk.

"This might have been our best performance of the year," stated Coach Tucci. "We were locked in during our at bats."

Malvern 20

Strasburg 0

Vince Larson and Jesse Byrd combined on a two-hit shutout, with Larson improving to 6-0.

Sickles homered twice and drove in five runs; Kettering had a single, double, home run and two RBIs; Jeremy Lynch had two hits, three RBIs and two runs; Jesse Locke had two RBIs; Allen Sword had two RBIs; and T. Tucci had two hits, including a double.

"We stayed hot with the bats and our young kids put up nine runs in the top of the fifth," commented Coach Tucci.

Tusky Central 5

Malvern 3

"This was a big loss," noted Coach Tucci. "We needed this game to clinch second place in the IVC. We pitched OK and fielded OK, but we couldn't get the timely hit. We also had some base running blunders."

Larson suffered his first loss, giving up all five runs.

Wood had a solo home run, and Guiao and T. Tucci each had two singles.

treed@alliancelink.com