Mayfield captures nonconference headliner

With the postseason rapidly approaching, it is increasingly important for teams to be performing at their best, no matter what the situation is.

That is exactly what Mayfield did when it took on host Avon at Mercy Health Stadium. The Wildcats continued their winning ways by downing the Eagles, 6-3, in nonconference action on May 8.

Mayfield moved to 18-2 on the season while Avon fell to 10-11.

It started from the mound for the Wildcats. Raymond Kristosik only allowed two hits in five innings, while striking out six for his sixth win of the season.

Coach Darren Rapposelli wanted to keep to the game plan, but Kristosik had an outing going that he didn’t want to interrupt.

“Starting Ray today was all about keeping his scheduled start in the rotation,” said Rapposelli. “After he hit the pitch count we had for him, we were set to pull him. But he was throwing a perfect game going into the fifth. Despite giving up his first hit on the day, we let him finish the inning. He has been special every outing he’s had this season.”

Mayfield also had success at the plate. It started in the second inning with Sam Rapposelli and Devin Sperling driving in runs in back-to-back at-bats. Sperling struck again in the fourth for his second run scored on the day.

He was followed by Will Guzzo, who brought a pair of runners home with his single. Later in the top of the fourth, a wild pitch brought Guzzo home, which gave the Wildcats the cushion they needed.

Rapposelli knew that they had a good challenge going into this game. “We faced a solid pitching staff today,” said Rapposelli.

“We found a way to put the bat on the ball and forced the defense to make plays. Our players are grinders and have a ton of of confidence in themselves and one another.”

Avon started a rally in the bottom of the sixth with a two-run double by Troy Sudbrook cut the lead to 6-2, but that was the only damage Mayfield allowed.

The Wildcats (18-2) were also voted as one of the No. 1 seeds for the Division I postseason.

“We always schedule highly competitive nonconference games,” said Rapposelli. “We want to be challenged every time we step on the field. Our team has found a way to win in multiple ways. We believe in each other, we know our roles, we have passion running through our veins and we don’t settle for anything else.”

Mayfield will attempt to rectify one of those losses on their record when the Wildcats return to Western Conference Reserve action to take on Kenston on May 11.