Recent Photos will be added this week

2013 Irish Campaign Ends with Sectional Loss at Westerville North

Monday, May 13 ~ Westerville – Despite good hitting performances from seniors Matt Vogel and Aaron Strausbaugh, who each collected two hits, their Irish squad was unable to defeat the host Westerville North Warriors in the first round of the Ohio High School Sectional Tournament. The 9-3 loss ends the season for the Irish, who finished 14-14-1.

The Warriors took an early lead plating runners in the 2nd and 3rd innings. The Irish countered in the top of the 4th with singles from Strausbaugh and Nick Conner. After a passed ball that moved the runners on base, Vogel’s single over the second baseman scored two runs. The Warriors, then countered themselves by posting a go-ahead run in their half of the 4th to take a 3-2 lead.

Ryan Keel opened the 5th with a base on balls and was sacrificed to second with a Matthew Messick bunt. A Strausbaugh single up the middle scored Keel and tied the game again. Unfortunately, the Warriors were able to counter off reliever Max O’Connell to take a 4-3 lead, which turned out to be the game winner. Vogel singled in the 6th and stole second base to get into scoring position, but his teammates were unable to move him any further. The Warriors posted five more runs in their half of the 6th to put the game out of reach.

In closing, I want to wish all of the seniors the very best as they pursue the next phase of their lives. Your parents are very proud of each of you and we have enjoyed watching you play the game you love.

Irish and Messick Cruise Past Columbus Academy, 11-4

Saturday, May 11 ~ Dublin – The Irish used five pitchers and Matthew Messick’s bat to control their final home game of the season against Columbus Academy winning 11-4. Most of the Irish staff got a turn on the hill as they prepared for Monday’s sectional showdown at Westerville North. Jacob Schafer got the start and pitched two innings, followed by Max O’Connell, Trevor Jones, Messick, Aaron Strausbaugh and Nick Conner. Trevor Jones got the official credit for the win.

Even though he Vikings scored in each of the first four innings, the game was never out of the Irish control. The Irish scored in the 1st and plated three more runs in the 2nd inning. They also lit the scoreboard again in the 4th and 5th inning with a run before breaking the game open in the 6th with five runs. The hitting attack was led by leadoff hitter Messick who had a triple, double and single in his last three at bats. Strausbaugh had two singles and Conner collected his 14 double of the year. Freshman Jack Suich had his first varsity hit and other singles where posted by Carl Kubalak, Riley Bush, Matt Vogel, and Adam Padovan. The win put the Irish above .500 with a 14-13-1 record.

Irish Senior Night – Huge Success Thanks to Vogel Heroics

Thursday, May 9 ~ Dublin – Matt Vogel’s two run scoring double to the right-centerfield wall in the bottom of the 6th inning gave the Irish a 9-8 lead and his game ending catch in shallow left field ensured the win over visiting Jonathan Alder. It was Senior Night for the Irish squad and the pregame procession honored the accomplishments of each senior: Riley Bush, #11; Carl Kubalak, #21; Jacob Nave, #2; Adam Padovan, #5; Brayden Pfeiffer, #22; Nathan Riser, #19; Aaron Strausbaugh, #25; Austin Troyer, #8; and Matt Vogel, #7.

Jonathan Alder, the 2012 Ohio State Division II Champions got off to an early start by scoring six runs in the first two innings that knocked starter Bradley Dinan of the mound. Pfeiffer took the mound in the third and slowed the attack, but the Pioneers were still able to push a run across the plate in the 3rd and 4th innings. If it weren’t for the two runs scored by the Irish in the 1st inning, the game could have been out of hand. Those runs started with base on balls to Matthew Messick and Strausbaugh. Nick Conner’s line drive single scored Messick followed by Riley Bush’s sacrifice fly scoring Strausbaugh.

The Irish bats finally came alive in the 5th and each player in the line-up had their turn at the plate. Messick and Strausbaugh opened with singles. After a Conner fielder’s choice, which forced Messick out at third base, Kubalak and Bush each forced a base on balls scoring Strausbaugh. Conner was able to score on a wild pitch for the second run of the inning. Trevor Jones earned his first career varsity hit with a line drive to center field scoring two more runs. Ryan Keel followed with a single of his own putting Jones in scoring position. Unfortunately, the scoring ended in the 5th but the Irish were back in the game at 8-6.

Jones, who entered the game in the 5th as the third reliever, held the Pioneers scoreless in the 6th and ultimately earned the mound win. In the Irish half of the 6th, Messick, Strausbaugh and Conner earned consecutive walks loading the bases. Bush hit a slow grounder to third base allowing Messick to score on the force out to first base. Vogel then hit the game winner with a two run double to the wall. The win evened the Irish record on the season at 13-13-1. They will play their final regular season game on Saturday, when they host Columbus Academy with a 10:00 game. This will be the final tune-up before the Irish travel to Westerville North for their first sectional game.

Irish Owns Hard Road with Extra Inning Victory Over Wolves

Wednesday, May 8 ~ Dublin – It took 8 innings, but the Irish earned their second victory of the week over their Hard Road rivals, the Worthington Kilbourne Wolves by a 3-2 score. The Irish allowed two Wolves’ runners to score in the 2nd inning and didn’t score themselves until the 5th inning. Prior to the 5th inning, Spencer Talentino’s 2nd inning single and Nick Conner’s 3rd inning double were the only hits.

Matthew Messick, who was also the starting pitcher opened the 5th with a double to left field and later scored on a Conner sacrifice fly to centerfield. Messick also scored the game tying run in the 7th inning, which started when he reached on an error off a hard hit ball to the shortstop. After a passed ball that got Messick to second base, he scored on Conner’s RBI single. Carl Kubalak followed with a single to put the winning run in scoring position, but the Irish couldn’t get the runner’s to advance.

Max O’Connell, who entered the game in relief in the 5th inning, shut the Wolves down 1-2-3 in the 8th inning. During O’Connell’s time on the hill, he didn’t allow a Wolf hit and his efforts earned him the win on the evening. The winning run started with Talentino’s second single of the evening. Riley Bush used his third sacrifice bunt on the evening to advance Talentino into scoring position. Feeling the pressure, the Wolf pitcher proceeded to walk three of the next four Irish hitters allowing Talentino to walk home for the winning run.

The Irish close out their regular season on Thursday against Jonathan Alder at Irish Stadium. Please plan to arrive early to congratulate our seniors and stay late to celebrate their careers. The Irish closed out their OCC league with a 5-8-1 record and improved their overall record to 12-13-1. Let’s cheer on the squad tonight and get them to .500 as they enter the OHSAA Sectional Tournament at Westerville North on Monday.

Irish Take Game One Against Their Hard Road Rival

Monday, May 6 ~ Worthington – The Scioto Irish opened the game with a three run 1st inning and were able to hold on to that lead as they defeated the host Worthington Kilbourne Wolves by a 4-2 score. Five of the first six Irish hitters singled in the three runs. Matthew Messick, Aaron Strausbaugh, Carl Kubalak all singled followed by an RBI single from Matt Vogel and a two RBI single from Riley Bush. The Irish continued to hit safely all night but were only able to collect one more insurance run in the 7th inning. That effort started with Ryan Keel being hit by a pitch and then scoring off Nick Conner’s second double of the evening. In all, the Irish had 12 hits against the Wolves’ pitchers with Conner’s two doubles leading the way. Strausbaugh had a double and single; Messick and Spencer Talentino had two singles; and finally lone singles from Kubalak, Vogel, Bush and Keel.

Strausbaugh got the start on the hill and collected the win by pitching 5 2/3 innings allowing only two runs. Conner relieved Strausbaugh in the 6th to earn the save. The Irish record now stands at 11-13-1 overall with a 4-8-1 league record. They will host the Wolves on Wednesday to close out the OCC league schedule.

Irish Lose Two in Dublin Classic to Coffman and Jerome

Saturday, May 4 ~ Dublin – The Irish traveled to Coffman High School to challenge their in town rivals Coffman and Jerome High Schools. Unfortunately, they finished their day with two more losses sending their overall record to 10-13-1. The Dublin Classic’s first game showcased the Irish versus the Coffman Rocks. Brayden Pfeiffer got the start for the Irish and his offense threatened to score early but stranded three runners in scoring position in each of the first two innings. The Rocks got three runs in the 2nd inning to stat the scoring. The Irish countered with two runs of their own that started with back to back singles from Matthew Messick and Aaron Strausbaugh. Strausbaugh scored first off a Carl Kubalak fielder’s choice and then Nick Conner scored on a Rock throwing error. The Irish weren’t able to post anymore runs and lost the opener by a 5-2 score. The Irish collected five hits in the opener and were led by Messick with two hits. Strausbaugh, Riley Bush and Ryan Keel also singled.

Irish Lost Lead in 6th Inning and Fall to Hilliard Bradley 7-6

Friday, May 3 ~ Hilliard – Matthew Messick opened the game with a two strike single followed by an Aaron Strausbaugh. Cark Kubalak singled home Messick to start the scoring and then Riley Bush singled to score Strausbaugh and Kubalak to open the game with a 3-0 lead. Messick also started the game on the bump and opened with a scoreless 1st. Bradley Dinan started the 2nd inning with a two strike single and scored off a pair of Jaguar errors. Matt Vogel opened the 3rd inning and then scored off a Spencer Talentino double.

Even though both teams were trading runs, the Irish appeared to be in control until the bottom half of the 6th inning. With a 6-5 lead, the Irish surrendered two runs to the Jaguars in the 6th and ended up losing the game by a 7-6 score. The Irish collected 11 hits on the evening and were led by Strausbaugh with three singles. The loss sent the Irish below .500 for the first time all year with an overall record of 10-11-1 and a league record of 3-8-1.

Irish Drops Extra Inning Game to Hilliard Darby 6-4

Thursday, May 2 ~ Dublin – The Dublin Scioto Irish spotted the visiting Hilliard Darby Panthers three runs in the first two innings and then used the next seven inning to tie the game and force extra innings. Unfortunately, the Panthers outscored the Irish in the 8th inning and claimed a 6-4 OCC victory. Other than singles from Matthew Messick and Carl Kubalak, the Irish bats were quiet. The Irish posted their first run in the 3rd inning with a Messick two out single followed n=by an Aaron Strausbaugh double to score the run. Riley Bush singled in the 4th inning and ultimately scored on a Panther error closing the score to 3-2. Down one run going into the bottom half of the 7th, Nick Conner opened the inning with a double and scored on a Kubalak single during the next at bat.

The Panthers opened their half of the 8th inning scoring three runs. The Irish were able to collect one run with two outs that started with a Messick walk, at Strausbaugh single and a Conner double. Unfortunately, the game ended with the tying runs in scoring position. The loss evened the Irish overall record at 10-10-1 and an OCC league record of 3-7-1.

Tough Night for the Irish: 8-3 Loss to Hilliard Bradley

Wednesday, May 01 ~ Dublin - After winning the weekend double header, the Irish were fresh and feeling confident hosting Hilliard Bradley in an OCC showdown in Irish Stadium. With Aaron Strausbaugh, the team’s #1 pitcher on the hill and the weather finally cooperating, the fans were also ready for a fun evening. Unfortunately, Hilliard Bradley had other ideas and dealt the Irish an 8-3 home loss.

Ryan Keel did all he could to give the Irish a boost with the team’s first hit to lead off the bottom of 3rd inning. He scored in the 3rd, again in the 7th and was robbed of a second hit on the evening by a good defensive play. Miscues were the name of the game for the Irish and the Jaguars took advantage scoring multiple runs in the 2nd and 5th innings. Other than Keel’s 3rd inning single, the Irish didn’t collect another hit until the 7th inning. In the 7th, Keel scored on a Strausbaugh single and Strausbaugh scored on a Nick Conner single.

The Irish (10-9-1 overall and 3-6-1 OCC) need to forget about this game and get ready to face Hilliard Darby in a Thursday OCC game with the intent to avenge last week’s 1-0 defeat. They will travel to Bradley on Friday followed by the Dublin Classic this weekend at Coffman.

Pfeiffer and Dinan Control the Mound & Take Two Games from Columbus Whetstone

Saturday, April 27 ~ Dublin – Brayden Pfeiffer got the start against the visiting Columbus Whetstone Braves and found himself facing a short day after a line drive hit off the second batter struck his leg just below the knee. After a few moments with the staff attending to the Irish pitcher, Pfeiffer was able to continue and work his way out of the inning with the Braves scoring their only run of the game.

The Irish offense provided great support for Pfeiffer by posting 8 runs in their half of the first which was highlighted by doubles off of the bats of Matt Vogel, Ryan Keel and Matthew Messick. The Irish ended up run ruling the Braves and posted a 12-1 game one victory. The Irish bats put the ball in play throughout the day but only collected seven hits. In addition to the 1st inning doubles, the rest of the hits came off the bats of Messick, Aaron Strausbaugh, Nick Conner and Jacob Nave.

Bradley Dinan was handed the rock to start game two and he continued to confuse the Braves’ batters. Dinan pitched five scoreless innings while allowing only four hits and striking out the side in the second inning enroute to an 8-1 victory. Dinan also got support from his teammates in the first inning that started with a Conner double, followed by a Cark Kubalak RBI single and a Riley Bush single.

The Irish posted three more runs in the 3rd inning thanks to Strausbaugh walking; another hit off Conner’s bat; a Braves’ miscue and a two run double off of Vogel’s bat. The Irish put another run on the board in the 5th and three more in the 6th to put the game out of reach.

Conner went 4-4 in game two with three singles and a double to lead the charge. Offensive help also came from Kubalak with two singles; Vogel with a single to go along with his earlier double; and a Jacob Schafer single. The win puts the Irish at 10-8-1 on the season. They host Hilliard Darby on Monday and will try to improve on their 3-5-1 OCC record.

Irish Shut Out in 1-0 Loss to Hilliard Darby

Friday, April 26 ~ Hilliard – Aaron Strausbaugh pitched an excellent game against Hilliard Darby allowing only one run on three hits. Unfortunately, the Panther pitcher was a little better and didn’t allow the Irish to cross the plate while only allowing one hit off the bat of Matt Vogel. Strausbaugh retired the side in order in each of the first four and 1/3 innings. With one out in the 5th, Hilliard got a double and single in a row to put a runner at third base. On the next pitch, the squeeze play was run and the Hilliard batter was able to get the ball into play. The ball was fielded by Strausbaugh, who made the play at home but the runner was safe for what turned out to be the winning run.

The Irish were only able to get two runners on base the entire evening that included the Vogel single in the 2nd inning as well as a Matthew Messick base on balls in the 6th inning. The Irish will have a chance to redeem themselves on Monday as the Panthers travel to Irish Stadium for their second league game against each other. The loss evens the Irish record at 8-8-1 overall and 3-5-1 in the OCC.

Jerome Takes Second OCC Victory from Irish

Thursday, April 25 ~ Dublin – Dublin Jerome visited Irish Stadium and opened their half of the 1st inning with a run on their way to a 9-2 OCC victory. The Irish quickly countered with Nick Conner reaching 1st base on a Celtic infield error. Aaron Strausbaugh pounded his first pitch deep into the right center gap for a double scoring Conner and tying the game at the end of the 1st.

Jerome struck again in the second with four runs that resulted from three singles off starter Matthew Messick and two Irish miscues. They posted two more runs in the 4th inning. During the same time, the Irish were unable to start any rallies and only had four players reach base through the 6th inning: Conner singled; Bradley Dinan reached on an error and fielder’s choice; Carl Kubalak was hit by a pitch; and Messick walked. The Irish opened the bottom of the 7th with a Jacob Nave double, followed by a Max O’Connell single. Nave was able to score on a Jacob Schafer fielder’s choice. Spencer Talentino then singled to excite the crowd, but unfortunately the Celtics were able to regain their control and post the win.

The Irish record now stands at 8-7-1 and 3-4-1 in the OCC. The travel to Hilliard Darby Friday for another OCC show down.

Pfeiffer Keeps Westerville South Off Balance in 7-3 OCC Victory

Tuesday, April 23 ~ Westerville – Brayden Pfeiffer got the start on Tuesday as the Irish traveled to Westerville South and collected his second win with a 7-3 score. The Wildcats managed just two hits off of Pfeiffer, who allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out four during his five innings of work. The Irish offense also made Pfeiffer’s life easier on the mound as they controlled the plate with 12 hits. Of those 12 hits, Matthew Messick, Nick Conner, Matt Vogel and Bradley Dinan each had two hit nights.

The Irish offense collected all of their runs during the first three innings. The output started with a Messick game opening base on balls followed by a Conner single. Riley Bush’s single scored Messick and a Vogel double scored Conner closing out the 1st inning scoring.

Dinan opened the 2nd inning with a single, followed by singles by Max O’Connell and Messick scoring Dinan. The 3rd inning opened with a Vogel single and he was advanced to second on a Carl Kubalak sacrifice bunt. Dinan followed with his second single scoring Vogel and Spencer Talentino earned first base with a walk. Messick’s second single scored Dinan and Conner’s double plated Talentino and Messick to close out the inning and scoring for the evening.

O’Connell and Jacob Schafer combined to relive Pfeiffer and close out the game with a victory. The Irish host Jerome on Wednesday and hopefully the Irish can bring the momentum with them from the Tuesday victory. The Irish improved their record to 8-6-1 overall and 3-3-1 in the OCC.

Early Lead Not Enough as Irish Drop 7-1 Decision at Dublin Jerome

Monday, April 22 ~ Dublin – The Dublin Scioto Irish traveled a short distance to their rival’s home field and took control of the game against Dublin Jerome for the first four innings. Unfortunately, the Celtics, who have had a season of late game comebacks did it again and claimed a 7-1 victory. Matthew Messick jumped on the Celtic ace with a game opening single up the middle followed by an Aaron Strausbaugh line drive single into the left center gap. Both runners advanced on the throw putting them at second and third base respectively. With the hot bat of Nick Conner coming to the plate, the Celtic manager didn’t waste any time and intentionally walked Conner to load the bases. With two outs and behind in the count, Riley Bush fouled off two pitches before driving a single into center field scoring Messick. The opening half of the inning ended with a questionable call at home plate where Strausbaugh was called out trying to score.

Strausbaugh started his fifth game of the season on the mound and didn’t allow a hit until the 4th inning. Even though the Celtics had two hits in the 4th inning with two outs, Strausbaugh was able to close out the inning with three stranded Celtic runners. It took five innings, but the Celtics were finally able to take control by scoring four runs on five hits with one being a three run home run. They added three more runs in the 6th to widen the margin to 7-1.

The Irish defense was solid and didn’t commit any errors on the evening. Unfortunately their bats weren’t as active as usual and they were only able to collect one other 2nd inning single by Spencer Talentino to finish with four hits. The Irish travel to Westerville South on Tuesday to make up a rained out game and then host Jerome on Wednesday with plans to avenge this loss. The Irish overall record now stands at 7-6-1 with an OCC record of 2-3-1.

Irish Bats Alive in 10-4 Victory over Westerville North

Thursday, April 18 ~ Dublin – A game that appeared to have been a 10-4 blowout was anything but one. There were four lead changes through the first four innings and the game wasn’t under Irish control until Aaron Strausbaugh ripped a base clearing double that scored three runs.

On an evening when the sustained winds made it difficult to pitch and field a fly ball, it took both teams a few innings to get their bearings. Matthew Messick got the start on the hill and his performance earned him his first varsity win. The Warriors opened the game with an early run but the Irish answered with three of their own. Messick opened with a single, followed by a Strausbaugh single and both scored on a Nick Conner double that just missed clearing the left field fence. Matt Vogel’s single scored Conner closing the 1st inning with a 3-1 lead.

The Warriors countered with three runs of their own and took a 4-3 lead their half of the 2nd inning. The score remained until same until the bottom of the 4th, which started with a Bradley Dinan base on balls, a Ryan Keel line drive single to left, a Messick base on balls and then the Strausbaugh base clearing double. The Irish added two insurance runs in each of the next two innings led by Spencer Talentino’s single and double as well as singles off the bats of Jacob Schafer, Strausbaugh and Carl Kubalak. Schafer relived Messick in the 5th and earned a save for his effort.

Irish Return to Winning Ways with 6-1 Victory over Westerville South

Wednesday, April 17 ~ Dublin – The pitching trio of Bradley Dinan, Trevor Jones and Nick Conner combined for a winning effort allowing only one unearned run as they scattered seven Westerville South hits in their first league victory of the season. Dinan started the game; Jones picked up the win; and Conner earned the save in the 6-1 home victory.

Matthew Messick and Aaron Strausbaugh opened the game with singles but the Irish squad was unable to push any runs across the plate until their half of the 4th inning. Facing a 1-0 deficit, the Irish opened the 4th with a Strausbaugh single and a Conner double. With both runners in scoring position, the Wildcat pitcher balked allowing the first run. Two pitches later, a wild pitch allowed Conner to easily score what turned out to be the winning run. With no outs, Matt Vogel reached on a fielder’s choice and advanced to second on a Riley Bush single. Coach Carpenter gave the steal sign and Vogel was able to steal third base and scored when the Wildcat throw reached the outfield grass. Bush scored the fourth run of the inning by being moved via a base on balls and scoring on a Messick hit by pitch.

The Irish scored two insurance runs in the 5th that started with a Carl Kubalak double; then a Vogel single scoring Kubalak; and finally with a Jacob Schafer single scoring Vogel. Conner closed the game by facing seven batters and getting the last seven outs.

The Irish (6-5-1) host Westerville North tomorrow evening in order to complete last night’s rainout that only put one pitch in the scorebook. Assuming Mother Nature cooperates, the varsity travels to Westerville South on Friday and then to Coffman on Saturday to compete in the Dublin Classic.

Irish Can’t Overcome Early Deficit Versus Westerville North

Monday, April 15 ~ Westerville - Aaron Strausbaugh opened the top of the 1st inning with a single and scored after consecutive singles off the bats of Nick Conner and Carl Kubalak. He then took is 2-1 record to the hill and unfortunately struggled to control the Westerville North attack. After two innings, the Warriors had taken a 6-1 lead. Even though the Irish out hit their opponents 8-7, their hits didn’t come in groups and again they stranded four runners in scoring position throughout the game.

The Irish had their best comeback chance in the 5th inning that included the second of two Matthew Messick line drive doubles. Matthew Vogel reached with a fielder’s choice putting runners at first and second base with two outs. Strausbaugh then singled scoring Messick and the Conner singled to score Vogel. The Irish also got Ryan Keel into scoring position in the 6th inning with a line drive double in the left center gap, but they were unable to advance him further.

The Warriors come to our field on Tuesday and the Irish will have a chance to get back on the winning track. Their record now stands at 5-5-1, which includes a 0-2-1 OCC league record. Please come out and support the team in their efforts to get back on the winning track.

Teays Valley Takes Two from the Irish

Saturday, April 13 ~ Dublin - The Dublin Scioto Irish hosted the Teays Valley Vikings on Saturday for an afternoon twin bill and lost both games by a 6-5 score. In each game, the Irish spotted the Vikings with an early lead and came up just short of winning each game in the bottom of the 7th inning. A look at the score book showed that the Irish left 8 runners on base in game one and 11 in game two. Of those 19 stranded runners, 14 were left in scoring position. In each game, the tying run was in scoring position but the Irish weren’t able to capitalize.

Brayden Pfeiffer got the start in game one and completed four innings before being relieved by Trevor Jones. The Irish offense posted three runs in the 3rd inning and two more in the 7th. The 3rd inning attack included hard hit singles by Matthew Messick and Matt Vogel. They were followed by a line drive double down the right field line by Aaron Strausbaugh who knocked in both runners. Strausbaugh scored the third run off a wild pitch. The 7th inning’s scoring included singles from Messick, Strausbaugh, Carl Kubalak and Riley Bush. Kubalak and Bush both earned RBIs with their hits. Unfortunately for the Irish, both runners didn’t get any closer to the plate and the game closed with a 6-5 score.

The Irish struck first in game two that started by Vogel reaching on a Viking error followed by consecutive singles by Strausbaugh and Kubalak. Vogel scored on Kubalak’s single. Jacob Schafer got the start and pitched two scoreless innings before allowing the Vikings to post three runs in their half of the third. The Irish did answer in the bottom half with Vogel opening the inning with double, then stealing second base and finally scoring on a wild pitch. With a 3-2 score, the Vikings again struck for three runs and carried the 6-2 lead into the bottom of the 7th. With their backs against the wall, the Irish opened with a Strausbaugh double. Kubalak reached on an error followed by a Riley Bush single to left scoring Strausbaugh. Bradley Dinan singled to left loading the bases and then Schafer hit a hard ball that slid through the Viking second baseman scoring two runs. With two Irish runners on base, the Vikings put their closer on the mound and he retired the next three batters to close the game 6-5.

The Irish have a busy week that starts with a trip to Westerville North on Monday; hosting North on Tuesday and Westerville South on Wednesday; traveling to South on Friday; and then playing their Coffman and Jerome friends on Saturday at Coffman High School. With the two loses, the Irish record stands at 5-4-1.

Inclement Weather Stops Irish Comeback Against Warhawks Resulting in 6-6 Tie

Wednesday, April 10 ~ Dublin - Bradley Dinan singled up the middle scoring Jacob Nave and Riley Bush during the bottom half of the 5th inning to tie the score 6-6. The hit occurred within minutes of lightning stopping play for the remainder of the night. According to Coach Carpenter, this game will not be completed unless it is needed to determine the league championship.

Westerville Central got all of their runs during the first three innings off Irish starter Max O’Connell. Matthew Messick relieved his teammate in the 3rd inning and was able to stop the Warhawk attack.

The Irish started their scoring with one each in the 2nd and 3rd innings followed by two runs in each of the 4th and 5th innings. During the nearly five completed innings, the Irish were paced with three singles from Bush. Matt Vogel and Spencer Talentino collected two hits each, while Jacob Nave, Aaron Strausbaugh and Dinan each earned a hit to close out the hitting. Let’s hope we have a reason to finish this game and earn a division championship.

Irish Drop OCC Opener to Westerville Central, 2-0

Monday, April 8 ~ Westerville - The Dublin Scioto Irish traveled to Westerville Central to open their Ohio Capital Conference season and unfortunately left town with a 2-0 loss. Aaron Strausbaugh got his third start of the season and was perfect through four innings. Westerville Central opened the 5th with a single and scored both runs with another single and two Irish miscues. Strausbaugh fanned seven Warhawks while only allowing three hits and two unearned runs.

The Irish threatened to score in four of their seven at bats, but ended up stranding base runners in scoring position each time. They opened the 1st inning with a Strausbaugh line drive to right field followed by a ground rule double by Nick Conner to deep right-center field. Carl Kubalak was hit by a pitch to load the bases, but that was a ground out by Riley Bush closed the inning. Matt Vogel was stranded at third base in the 3rd inning; Kubalak was stranded at second base in the 4th inning; and Conner was stranded at second base in the 6th inning. Matthew Messick collected the team’s third hit in the 5th inning but was unable to advance.

The Irish (5-2 overall, 0-1 League) will host the Warhawks on Wednesday and try to avenge their league opening loss.

Irish Score 30 Runs and Take Two Games from Franklin Heights

Saturday, April 6 ~ Dublin – The Irish hosted the Franklin Heights Falcons on Saturday and proceeded to score 15 runs in each of the double header games. Brayden Pfeiffer started the game on the hill and opened with two scoreless innings. Unfortunately, the Irish were also unable to push any runs across the plate either only getting on single off the bat of Bradley Dinan. The Falcons scored two earned runs in the top of the 3rd, which were answered by two Irish runs of their own. The Irish half started with Matthew Messick reaching on an outfield error which allowed him to advance to 2nd base. After advancing to 3rd base on a Matt Vogel fielder’s choice, Messick scored on an Aaron Strausbaugh single into right field. Strausbaugh advanced and ultimately scored after a stolen base, a balk and a wild pitch.

After the Irish allowed three unearned runs in the fifth, the offense took advantage of a tired Falcon pitcher and broke out for 8 runs breaking the game open. Not finished, they put five more runs on the board in the bottom of the 6th closing the game with a 10 run margin. Offensive highlights during those innings included a double and single off Messick’s bat along with singles from Vogel, Max O’Connell, Dinan and Jacob Schafer.

Game 2 started much like game 1 ended with the Irish offense posting four runs in the 1st; three in the 2nd; seven in the 3rd and one in the 4th inning. Those runs made for an easy day for the pitchers that held the Falcons scoreless until their last at bat. Schafer earned the win as the starter and he was relieved my Nick Conner and Dinan so they could get a little work on the hill.

Conner’s bat highlighted the offensive output with two doubles, two singles and four RBIs in four plate appearances. Most of the rest of the team also seized the opportunity to improve their batting average. Riley Bush and Dinan doubled, while Vogel collected a triple and two singles. Strausbaugh had three hits; Messick collected two more singles; and the remaining hits were collected by Cark Kubalak and Schafer.

The Irish will take their 5-1 record on the road to Westerville Central on Monday, April 8 and open their 2013 Ohio Capital Conference league play.

Senior Leadership Carries Irish over the Hartley Hawks

Wednesday, April 3 ~ Dublin - Matt Vogel and Aaron Strausbaugh carried the load as their Irish team defeated the Bishop Hartley Hawks by a score of 12-9. Vogel had two singles, collected an RBI, reached base safely during each at bat and scored four runs. Strausbaugh earned his second win on the hill, collected two hits of his own and scored two runs. The win improved the Irish record to 3-1 in non-league action.

On the second frigid evening in a row, the Irish opened the scoring in the bottom of the 1st inning with a Vogel single and stolen base followed by a Strausbaugh RBI single. The Hawks scored twice in the 2nd and three times in the 3rd to take an early 5-1 lead. The top of the Irish order started the comeback in their half of the 3rd by scoring three runs with hits by Matthew Messick and Strausbaugh coupled by a couple Hawk miscues.

After holding the Hawks scoreless in the 4th, the home team scored four more runs to break the game open. Ryan Keel opened the inning with a single to left field. Spencer Talentino and Messick walked and were followed by a Vogel fielder’s choice scoring Keel. After a walk to Max O’Connell, Carl Kubalak hit a ball through the legs of the Hawk’s first baseman allowing two runs to score.

Each team traded four runs each highlighted by a Kubalak double for the Irish. The Irish will try to improve their record this weekend when they host Franklin Heights with a noon doubleheader.

Irish Win Shootout at Columbus Briggs 17-10

Tuesday, April 2 ~ Columbus – The Dublin Scioto Irish visited Columbus Briggs for a non-league game and left the field with a 17-10 victory. The Irish opened the game with seven runs in the first two innings. In the first inning, Aaron Strausbaugh opened the game with a single followed by base on balls to Matthew Messick and Max O’Connell. With the bases jammed, Carl Kubalak singled up the middle, collected two RBIs and advanced O’Connell to third base. Bradley Dinan then sacrifice flied out to center allowing O’Connell to score the third run of the inning. The 2nd inning started much the same way with Spencer Talentino and Strausbaugh each collecting walks. Messick then had his turn and singled to right field collecting two RBIs of his own. Matt Vogel reached on a Bruin error, followed by an O’Connell walk. With the bases loaded again, the Bruin shortstop misplaced Dinan’s hard hit ball allowing Messick and Vogel to score to close out the second inning.

The game seemed quiet until the bottom half of the fifth with each team only scoring one run each. Messick pitched well on a cold evening allowing only three hits and collecting three strikeouts. The Irish’s 8th run came in the 5th inning and started with a Jacob Nave walk, a Talentino single to center and then walks to Strausbaugh and Messick. The walk to Messick earned him his third game RBI.

With the Irish on the verge of ending the game early, the Bruins came to life and scored 8 runs in their half of the 5th and ultimately taking a 9-8 lead. The Bruins got some help with a few Irish miscues, two base on balls and three singles to force Messick off the hill with bases loaded. With the score 8-4, Dinan took the hill and allowed a single and double that scored five runs.

Coach Carpenter called a team huddle and the Irish showed new life in the top half of the 6th inning and ended the inning with seven runs to retake the lead at 15-8. The inning opened with Nathan Riser being hit by a pitch followed by Kubalak reaching on an error. After the bases runners advanced on a wide pitch, Dinan ripped a line drive double down the left field line scoring both runners. Seven of the next eight batters reached by walk, fielder’s choice or error scoring the remaining five runs of the inning.

Brayden Pfeiffer came into the game in relief pitching the last two innings allowing only one more Bruin run and getting two more runs from a Vogel single to earn the save. Even though he only faced four batters, Dinan was the pitcher of record and earned the win. The Irish host the Hartley Hawks at 5:00 on Wednesday, April 3.

Monday 4/1

There will be no practice today (April 1- Monday. We will be going non-stop until the season ends. Enjoy the last day of spring break.

2013 Opening Day DH Split with Upper Arlington

Saturday, March 30 ~ Dublin – The 2013 Dublin Scioto Irish squad opened their season hosting the Upper Arlington Golden Bears in an afternoon twin bill. Despite the excellent pitching and hitting efforts of Max O’Connell, the Irish fell one run short in the 10 inning opener by a 3-2 score. In game two, they were able to avenge the loss with a 4-0 shut out behind a complete game of Aaron Strausbaugh and a four run second inning.

In the first game, the Irish struck first in the bottom of the 4th that included a single to right field off of the bat of Matthew Messick; followed by an O’Connell single to left scoring Messick. The Golden Bears tied the score in their top half of the 5th. O’Connell remained on the hill for 7 2/3 innings and was relieved after allowing consecutive hits placing runners on 1st and 2nd base. Brayden Pfeiffer relieved O’Connell, but wasn’t able to prevent the Bears from scoring in their half of the 8th. With their backs against the wall, Messick doubled to right field and chased the Bears’ second pitcher off the hill. Matt Vogel grounded out to shortstop for the second out of the inning, but the contact allowed Messick to advance to 3rd base. With an 0-2 count, O’Connell collected his second single and RBI of the game with a hard hit ball to left field.

Trevor Jones pitched a shutout 9th inning and the Irish threatened to finish the game, but stranded Ryan Keel at 3rd base. The Golden Bears got a 10th inning opening base on balls; sacrificed the runner to second; and then where able to collect a hard hit double to deep left field scoring what turned out to be the game winner. Strausbaugh opened the bottom half of the inning with a line drive into the right-centerfield gap, but was caught trying to stretch his second single into a double. Jones got tagged with the loss and the Irish collected 8 hits in the game: Strausbaugh (2); Messick (2); O’Connell (2); Jacob Nave and Carl Kubalak.

The Irish bats came alive in Game 2 collecting 11 hits in 26 at bats (.421 batting average). Those bats helped Strausbaugh pitch a complete game shutout, where he scattered five hits and sent five Bears back to their dugout. All of the Irish runs were scored in the 2nd inning which started with a Jacob Schafer base on balls. Spencer Talentino collected his first of three hits followed by a Strausbaugh walk to load the bases. Messick ripped a single to left scoring two runs. Matthew Vogel doubled to deep center field scoring one run. O’Connell reached on a Golden Bear error allowing Vogel to advance to 3rd base. The fourth and final run of the game was scored as Bradley Dinan singled to left field scoring Vogel.

The Irish threatened throughout the game but were unable to score again. Vogel doubled twice and also had an early single. The remaining hits were off the bats of Kubalak (double), Schafer and Strausbaugh.

The Irish take their 1-1 record on the road to Columbus Briggs on Tuesday for another non-league game.

Friday and Saturday Update

FRIDAY - The freshmen will meet at Dublin Jerome High School for a scrimmage at 3:30. They will start at 4:30. The varsity and jv will practice at 11am. SATURDAY -The varsity will begin regular season play with a home doubleheader starting at 12:00. We will play at home against Upper Arlington.

New Albany Scrimmage Update

The varsity and JV will play tomorrow against New Albany. Both games will start at 4:30! The freshmen game has been cancelled due to standing water at 1st, 2nd and 3rd base. The freshmen will practice at 3:00pm.

Tuesday Practice

All levels will practice on Tuesday from 2:30-4:45. Players please text each other this info.

Games Cancelled 3/25

All games at all levels are cancelled for today and tomorrow (3/25 and 3/26). We will not practice today, but expect to practice or play the rest of the week.

Game Update (Thomas Worthington) 3/25

We will make an announcement on the Thomas Worthington scrimmage by 10:00am on Monday (March 25). Hopefully the snow will miss us.

Varsity Scrimmage Saturday

The varsity will scrimmage Olentangy Liberty this Saturday (3/23/13) at 11:00am. The game will be played at home. Coach Carpenter