Varsity needs extra frame to beat Ravens

HUDSON- The Explorers won a thrilling, come-from-behind, extra-inning affair over the Ravenna Ravens, 3-2.

The Ravens jumped out to a 1-0 in the top of the first inning off senior starter Zac Edwards. Ravenna's Kyle Gillespie put toghether an impressive 6 2/3 innings of work, including taking a no-hitter into the fourth before Michael Campbell broke it up with a single down the left field line.

The 1-0 Ravenna lead would hold until the bottom of the seventh with two outs when a series of Hudson singles and walks tied the game at 1-1. Ravenna plated a second run in the top of the eighth and a Alex Agra's two-out grounder to second and subsequent muff and error by the Raven second baseman allowed the tying and winning runs to score.

The Explorers closed out their 2011 campaign with a record of 23-6. Research indicates that this win puts this squad in a tie for the all-time record for regular season victories (22) with the 1994 team. (Thank you to David Spohn for the research.)

Varsity knocks out Nordonia

HUDSON- John Taylor allowed just two Nordonia singles over his four innings of work to pick up his second win of the season and lead Hudson (22-6) to a 6-0 win over the Knights (15-12). Mike Lewandowski threw the final three innings, struck out five, preserved the shutout, and picked up his third save.

Andrew Meyer collected two singles, Wyatt Andrasik added a double, and Jim Benchek blasted a mysterious homerun (did it make it over on its own or did the right fielder knock it over?) to provide the offense for the Explorers in a game that was never in doubt.

The Varsity wraps up their season on Wednesday as they host the Ravenna Ravens at 4:30pm.

JV walks off with win over Willoughby South

Varsity wins first NOC Valley Title

HUDSON- The Varsity (21-6, 8-2) got some revenge on the Solon Comets for their tournament loss last week as they rolled to a 9-1 win and their first outright NOC Valley Division Championship.

As is his custom, senior Jim Benchek (7-2) threw another complete game, his seventh on the season. He held the Solon bats quiet over his seven innings of work, scattering just four hits with the lone Comet run unearned. He helped himself with his bat, picking up two hits, scoring once, and driving in two.

Michael Campbell lined a two-out single to plate Hudson's first two runs in the third inning and Benchek's two-run single in the sixth gave the Explorers the breathing room they needed. Eric Kuczek and John Taylor both came off the bench in the sixth inning and each collected a single, a BB, and scored twice to help ice the game and the championship.

Varsity mashes Minutemen in double-dip

HUDSON- The Varsity (20-6) needed just six innings in both ends of the Saturday doubleheader with Revere (10-15) to capture wins 19 and 20.

Eric Kuczek led the way on the mound as well as at the plate to lead Hudson to a 12-2 win on Senior Day at the Ballpark in Hudson. Toeing the rubber, Kuczek scattered five hits and struck out four. With his bat, he collected two singles and scored two runs 2 runs. Andrew Meyer was also a big contributor to the Explorer onslaught, singling three times and driving in three.

In game two, John Taylor picked up his first Varsity win in relief of David Nelson as the Explorers completed the sweep of the Minutemen. Both teams started next years projected starting lineups and Hudson pounded out 11 hits to pick up a six-inning win. Michael Custer was the offensive star of the game, ripping three singles, scoring three runs, and driving in two. Also chipping in at the plate were C.J. Tosino (two doubles) and Alex Agra (two singles).

Solon swipes District Semifinal from Hudson

HUDSON- The Varsity jumped out to an early lead, but could not hold on to it as the Solon Comets down the Explorers, 8-3 to advance to Friday's District Finals in Hudson against Medina.

Hudson took advantage of the length of Solon's UNC-bound pitcher, Matt Smoral, by manufacturing two runs on the basepaths. Matt Ramsay started the two-out rally with a single and was pushed to second thanks to a Nate Shaw walk. Ramsey stole third to set up a first-and-third situation. As Shaw stole second, the Comets' catcher bounced the throw into center, allowing Ramsay to score. Shaw would then steal third as Mike Lewandowski drew a base-on-balls. While feining a steal of second, Lewandowski got in a rundown that allowed Shaw to cross home.

In the second inning, Will Stribrny drove in David Nelson on a single to right. Hudson would threaten again in the fourth and the fifth, but would not be able to score any more. In the fourth, the Explorers put together singles by Michael Campbell, Wyatt Andrasik, and Nelson to load the bases with one out. However, a Stribrny strikeout and a Jim Benchek popout ended the inning with nothing to show for it.

Solon's big inning came in the third when after a leadoff strikeout to the number nine hitter, a walk was followed by a double, a two-run single, another walk, and a second two-run single. Solon hit some balls hard, but also benefited from some well-placed knocks. Zac Edwards battled all game, striking out nine, but also walking five and hitting three batters.

Hudson will look to lock up their first-ever NOC River Division title on a trip north on Monday to take on these same Solon Comets at Cisar Field at Solon Community Park. A home doubleheader with Revere has been added on Saturday (first game 11:00am) as well as a home game with Nordonia on Tuesday. The banquet has been scheduled for 1:00pm on Sunday, May 29.

Varsity wins two in unusual 3-way

ELYRIA/HUDSON- The Varsity and JV set out early Saturday morning on an unusual trek that covered 100 miles and five games. Rain ended up cutting out one of the games that was scheduled to be Senior Night, but overall the squads had a good day.

Hudson started their day off with a trip out west to George Day Field in Elyria for a NOC Crossover matchup. Jim Benchek (6-2) locked up the Pioneer bats all day, scattering four hits and one run over five innings for his sixth complete game of the year. Benchek got plenty of run support, with many coming in the form of homeruns. Will Stribrny and Nate Shaw each launched solo shots and Wyatt Andrasik crushed a three-run bomb.

After the bus ride back to Hudson, the Varsity and JV combined forces in the first game against Jackson. The Polar Bears took a 1-0 lead in the second inning, which would stand pat until the seventh. After Jackson extended the lead to 2-0 in the top half of the inning, the Explorers would rally in the bottom half. Michael Custer lined a two-out single to center field to chase home Tim Kennedy with the game-winning run to give Hudson an exciting 3-2 come-from-behind, walk-off victory. Nate Andrasik pitched a solid 6 2/3 innings and Alex Tench struck out the last batter in the top of the seventh to pick up his first Varsity win. The rain would eventually roll in and wash away the nightcap.

The forecast notwithstanding, the Varsity hosts Solon in the District Semifinals on Tuesday and, after a slew of rain-induced postponements, will look to lock up the NOC River Division title on Thursday at Solon's Cisar Field at Solon Community Park.

Varsity whips Wadsworth in Sectional Final

HUDSON- The Varsity (16-5) scored six runs in the fourth inning and cruised to an 8-2 win over Wadsworth in Wednesday's Sectional Final. The Explorers move on to play Solon next Tuesday.

Will Stribrny got the scoring started by leading off the bottom of the first with a single to left. After stealing second, Stribrny moved up to third on a Jim Benchek ground out and scored on a Matt Ramsay sacrifice fly to center.

After two scoreless innings, the Explorers exploded for six runs in the fourth inning, mostly off Wadsworth starter Justin Sovine. Mike Lewandowski got things started with a single up the middle, followed by a Michael Campbell single, a Wyatt Andrasik sacrifice bunt, and a sacrifice fly by C.J. Tosino that was dropped by the centerfielder. David Nelson continued the offensive barrage with a hard single up the middle to score pinch runner Michael Custer. Tosino scored on an errant throw by Sovine following a brilliant bunt by Stribrny. Following a Wadsworth call to the bullpen, the heart of the Hudson order rounded out the big inning with three consecutive RBI singles from Benchek, Matt Ramsay, and Nate Shaw.

Jim Benchek received the Fireball of the Game for his all-around stellar play. Offensively, he collected two run-scoring singles, scored once, and made a productive out. Defensively, Benchek was busy all game, ending with a whopping eight assists from his second base position. His glovework highlights include his start of three double plays as well as a spectacular diving snare of a hot smash up the middle that ended the second inning.

Zac Edwards held the Grizzies' bats in check until he began to tire in the seventh inning while going for the complete game win. Edwards threw 112 pitches, struck out six, and induced three double plays in his 6 2/3 innings of work. Eric Kuczek relieved Edwards and induced a foul pop out to Matt Ramsey for the final out.

The Varsity looks to lock up the NOC River Division title this afternoon at Solon's Cisar Field at Solon Community Park. Jim Benchek is expected to start on the mound for the Explorers.

Freshmen knock out Knights

JV falls to Nordonia

JV fights past Warriors

Varsity crushes Canfield

HUDSON- The Varsity (15-5) played a solid all-around game on Monday and made quick work of a solid Canfield Cardinals (12-7) squad, 14-0 in five innings.

Nate Andrasik had an inauspicious start, throwing seven straight balls to begin the game. He settled in and not only got out of the first inning unscathed, but held the Cardinals to just one hit over his four innings of work. The two walks to start the game would be the only two he would surrender.

The Explorers' bats started hot and stayed hot, plating 14 runs on 13 hits. David Nelson got the Fireball Award with two crushed doubles, three runs scored, and two runs driven in. Mike Lewandowski not only ripped a double, drove in three, and scored twice, but also came in for an inning on the mound and preserved the one-hit shutout.

The Varsity awaits the winner of Tuesday's Stow-Wadsworth matchup.

JV trounces Tigers

Freshmen amble past Aurora

HUDSON- The Freshmen got big innings in the second and fourth innings to propel their way to victory over the visiting Aurora Greenmen. Paul Shortman (1-0) got the win on the mound and helped himself with a single and two RBI. Daniel Joseph went 2-for-2 and drove in two while Kevin Zullo plated three teammates.

Varsity leaps past Louisville

LOUISVILLE- Hudson banged out 16 hits with 11 players collecting at least one hit as the Exploreres roughed up host Louisville, 16-2.

Matt Ramsay had two doubles and three RBI, C.J. Tosino added a double and drove in five runs, and Wyatt Andrasik picked up two singles and three ribbies to lead the offense. Eric Kuczek scattered four hits to pick up the complete-game win, his second victory on the season.

The second game of the scheduled doubleheader was called in the first inning due to rain. A Mike Lewandowski home run was a casualty of the cancellation.

JV outlasts the Leopards

LOUISVILLE- After nine scoreless innings, the Junior Varsity finally broke through against the Louisville Leopards in the top half of the tenth to score six runs and leave Stark County with a hard-fought, 6-0 win.

Alex Albright (2-1) held the Leopard offense scoreless for seven innings. Brian Snyder picked up three singles and scored once; Mitch Schoenman singled twice, doubled once, and scored; and Justin Gamble twice reached on base hits and scored one run.

Freshmen fly over Field

HUDSON- The Freshmen scored in each of the innings in which they batted, the most coming in the six-run second inning of their 13-9 win over Field. The Falcons made it a game, whittling a 9-0 Hudson lead after just three innings down to just a four-run deficit by the seventh. Jared Hoffman (1-1) picked up the win and Daniel Joseph also did some great work from the mound (three innings, no runs, four strikeouts). Offensively, Braden Wright collected three hits and Paul Shortman earned four bases-on-balls.

Varsity comes up short against Solon

HUDSON- The Explorers had a chance to clinch their first NOC Valley Division title with their ace, Jim Benchek, on the mound at home against Solon, but could not capitalize on the situation, losing 9-5 to the Comets.

After a 1-2-3 top of the first, Hudson jumped out to a four-run lead in the bottom of the first on two walks, two singles and a double. Solon responded with a run in the second, three in the third, and five in the fourth to cruise to the 9-5 win. The story of the game for the Explorers was an unusually poor defense that gave up five unearned runs.

Varsity rolls past Mayfield

MAYFIELD- Zac Edwards (3-1) scattered six hits and struck out seven to lead the Varsity (13-4, 7-1) to a 6- 1 win over Mayfield. Jimmy Benchek, Matt Ramsay and Nate Shaw each had multiple hit games for Hudson.

With the victory, Hudson clinched, at minimum, a tie for their first Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division title and has two divisional games remaining (Solon).

JV gives up six hits in sweep

Freshmen splits with Massillon

Varsity splits twinbill at Massillon

MASSILLON- For the second strait weekend, the Varsity split a doubleheader by dominating the first game then getting outplayed for much of the second game before mouting a comeback, only to fall short in the end.

David Nelson (2-0) started the first game and held the 14-1 Massillon Washington Tigers to no runs on three hits before the game was ended via mercy rule after five innings. The offense came out like gangbusters, scoring in each of the five innings highlighted by the six runs scored in the second inning. The offensive stars were: Jim Benchek (two doubles), Michael Campbell (two singles, one run scored, and two RBI), Mike Lewandowski (singled twice, scored once, three RBI), Nate Shaw (two singles, a run, a RBI, two steals), and Will Stribrny (three singles, two runs scored, and a run batted in).

Like in the double-dip with Howland, the Hudson opponent came out hot and the Explorers were unable to hold onto the momentum generated in the first game rout. The Varsity jumped out to a 4-0 lead going into the bottom half of the second, but gave up five runs to go down one run. The Tigers would have two more big innings in the fourth and fifth to take a 12-4 lead and a seemingly easy win.

The lead would, in fact, prove surmoutable as the Explorers scored eight in the top of the seventh to tie up the game and ultimately force extra innings. In the end, Massillon walked off with the tough win on a homerun to left by Matt Norcia to lead off the bottom of the ninth off Jim Benchek. The win gave Tigers' coach Joe Gilhousen his 600th career win. Benchek, Lewandowski, Shaw, and Stribrny were once again stars at the plate for the Explorers.

The Varsity has another full slate of games for next week: Monday at Mayfield; Tuesday at Solon; Wednesday home vs. Solon; Friday home vs. Jackson (7pm); and a Saturday doubleheader at Louisville.

Hudson swats the Hornets, 11-2

GRANGER TWP- Though Friday night's game quickly went from a night game at home to an afternoon away game, Hudson (11-3) adjusted very well behind solid pitching and defense to beat the Highland Hornets, 11-2.

Eric Kuczek (1-0) got his first start of the year and put together four strong innings of work. Kuczek scattered five hits and gave jup two runs to garner the win. John Taylor came on in relief and picked up a save for his scoreless three innings of effort.

Mike Lewandowski's bat has caught fire this week, as he once again led the Hudson offense. On Friday, he amassed two singles, a double, a sacrifice fly, drove in three, and scroed twice. Michael Campbell got the start at first base and did not disappoint with the bat, collecting two singles and a RBI.

The Varsity head south on Saturday for an afternoon doubleheader with Massillon Washington. The first game starts at noon.

Explorers take first league loss

HUDSON- The Hudson (10-3, 6-1) bullpen failed to hold the lead as the Explorers dropped their first divisional game on Thursday to Mayfield (5-2, 5-2), 7-4.

Mike Lewandowski was relocated from his normal pitching role at the end of the game and got the start against the Wildcats. Mayfield jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings and the Wildcats' Christian Verde held the Hudson bats to just two hits in first three frames.

Hudson's bats came alive in the fouth inning when they scored four to go up, 4-3. Lewandowski lead off with a double and scored on Jim Benchek's grounder that was muffed by the Mayfield second baseman. Benchek moved up on David Nelson's single and scored on Wyatt Andrasik's base hit up the middle. Nelson would score on Duncan Moran's flare to left and Andrasik rounded out the Hudson scoring when he crossed home thanks to a passed ball.

The good feeling of having the lead would not last. Verde tied the game in the top of the fifth on a solo blast over the trees in left field off Moran. Moran then walked the number nine batter to lead off the sixth, followed by a single and a double that put Hudson back in a two-run deficit.

David Nelson came on to pitch the seventh, but the Wildcats tacked on an insurance run in the top half of the seventh thanks to a leadoff double, two walks, and a fielders choice.

The Varsity play their first night game of the year, as they host the Highland Hornets in the Explorers' lone game of this year's Cancer Awareness Classic. First pitch is set for 7:00pm.

Explorers take two from Twinsburg

HUDSON- Jimmy Benchek (5-0) picked up his fifth win and fifth complete game scattering six hits and giving up two unearned runs in the first two innings. Matt Ramsay plated a run with a single in the first inning. In the third inning, Gabe Evans doubled to lead off and was driven in on a Will Stribrny sacrifice fly.

With the game tied in the fourth, Duncan Moran delivered a two-out, bases-loaded single to put Hudson in the lead for good.

Hudson tames Tigers

TWINSBURG- Zac Edwards (2-1) scattered eight hits to pick up his second win of the year and move the Explorers to 9-2 on the season and 5-0 in the NOC Valley Division. David Nelson collected two singles, scored three runs, and drove in two, while Matt Ramsay and James Stribrny each added run scoring doubles to lead the 10 hit offense.

Hudson splits with Howland

HUDSON- The Explorers (8-2) split their weekend doubleheader with Warren Howland in two very different games.

In Game 1, Hudson dominated the Tigers with big innings in the first, third, fourth innings while Jim Benchek (4-0) shut down the Howland offense. Offensively, Wyatt Andrasik clubbed a grand slam in the third inning while both Matt Ramsay (2B, 3 R) and Andrew Meyer (2B, 3B, 4 RBI, 3 R) went 3-3.

The second game was a very different story that saw Howland come out like gangbusters, plating five runs on five hits and a walk off Hudson starter, Andrew Meyer. David Nelson came on in relief with two outs in the second inning and held the Tigers scoreless through 3 2/3 innings. After the massive output in the first game, the Explorer offense was decidedly sluggish throughout the first five innings of the second game, scoring one run on just five hits.

The Hudson bats came alive in the sixth frame when they knotted the game at 5-5, highlighted by David Nelson's three-run blast to right field. Relievers Duncan Moran and Mike Lewandowski were unable to hold the tie, giving up three runs on four hits in the seventh inning. A one-out walk by Andrasik was all the Explorers could muster in the home-half of the seventh.

The Explorers have a full slate for the next week: Tuesday at Twinsburg, Wednesday at home versus Twinsburg, Thursday at home against Mayfield, Friday at home under the lights versus Higland, and a doubleheader on Saturday at Massillon Washington. That said, the weather is not expected to cooperate until Thursday, in what has been one of the wettest Aprils on record.

JV cuts down Cardinals in 8

Freshmen grind out win over Greenmen

Hudson clipped by Cardinals

MENTOR- The Explorers (7-1) picked up their first loss of the year in a tough fashion to Mentor (6-1), 1-0.

Eric Yanosich lined a two-out double to left to score Kyle Banary with the lone run in the game in the fourth inning. Hudson wasted a gem by Zac Edwards (1-1), where he scattered five hits over six innings of work. Mentor's Justin Fritts (2-0) gave up four hits in five innings to garner the win with Dominic Edwards closing out the last two innings to pick up a save.

Watch Cole Johnson tonight!

SOUTH BEND, Indiana- Former Explorer Cole Johnson gets the nod tonight as Notre Dame hosts Big East rival, West Virginia. First pitch is at 7:00pm EDT and the game will be televised on ESPNU.

Hudson sweeps past Stow

STOW- Zac Edwards (1-0) held the Stow offense in check, giving up just two hits while striking out eight as the Varsity (7-0, 4-0) defeated their rival, 5-1.

While there was nothing on the scoreboard to show for it, Hudson began the game extending at bats, driving up Stow's Thomas Gulley's pitch count (87 pitches in five innings), and hitting the ball hard. David Nelson battled through a 12-pitch at bat, but flew out to end the second inning.

The Explorers finally broke through in the third inning and went up, 2-0. Andrew Meyer manufactured the first run all by himself. Meyer walked on four pitches, stole second, advanced to third when the throw got away from the shortstop, and scored when the catcher threw the ball into left field on a botched pick-off attempt. Will Stribrny scored the second run after walking, stealing second, and then scoring on Jim Benchek's single to left-center.

Stow collected their lone run in the fourth inning via sacrifice fly following a leadoff walk. The Bulldogs stranded runners on third base in both the third and fifth innings.

Hudson increased their lead to 4-1 in the sixth inning thanks to a string of singles by Benchek, Matt Ramsay, and finally Nate Shaw. The Explorers would tack on another run in the final frame on singles by Meyer and C.J. Tosino, followed by a Benchek sacrifice fly.

Hudson is slated for a three-way on Saturday in Canton with host Canton Central Catholic and also Sandusky Perkins. However, the weather is not expected to cooperate, so be sure to keep an eye on it. Updates will be sent via Twitter and posted here as soon as plans are changed.

Hudson beats Stow in pitcher's duel

HUDSON- The Varsity (6-0, 3-0) stayed undefeated as they downed rival Stow-Munroe Falls, 3-1.

Jimmy Benchek (3-0) out-dueled Brian Clark, scattering four hits, striking out five, and surrendering the Bulldogs' lone run off a Clayton Roach homer down the right field line to lead off the sixth inning.

The Explorers got on the board in the fourth inning thanks to consecutive singles to start the inning by Benchek and Matt Ramsay followed by a Mike Lewandowski sacrifice fly that scored Benchek.

Hudson got some breathing room in the fifth inning starting with Duncan Moran getting plunked by a Clark pitch. John Taylor came on as a pinch runner and swiped second base to get into scoring position. Eric Kuczek reached on an error by the Stow shortstop, moving Taylor to third. Will Stribrny then laid down such a perfect bunt on the safety squeeze that he was able to not only plate Taylor, but also collect a base hit. A single by Ramsay two batters later scored Kuczek to put the Explorers up, 3-0.

Hudson heads south to visit Stow on Thursday, a game rescheduled from Tuesday.

JV blows lead, walks off with win

Freshmen Roundup: Off to a 1-1 start

JV sweeps double-dip from Aurora

Hudson gets two from Greenmen

HUDSON- The Varsity (5-0) continued their winning ways as they swept a doubleheader from the Aurora Greenmen on Saturday. Will Stribrny was the star of the first game, clubbing a grand slam in the fourth inning which buoyed Hudson to a 7-6 win. Mike Lewandowski doubled twice, scored, drove in one, stole a base and recorded his second save in as many games. David Nelson threw five innings and picked up the win.

The Explorers jumped out to an early 6-0 lead after two innings in the second game and would not look back as they cruised to an 8-4 victory. Wyatt Andrasik led the offensive charge with a double, triple, two RBI, and a steal. Matt Ramsay appears to have his surgically-repaired knee back in game shape as he doubled, scored, drove in two, and swiped a base.

Hudson resumes league play on Wednesday at home against rival Stow-Monroe Falls.

Hudson cleans up on Cuyahoga Falls

HUDSON- The Varsity (3-0, 2-0) continued their winning ways as they knocked off Cuyahoga Falls (1-4, 0-2), 6-3 on Thursday. Matt Ramsay doubled in two runs in the first inning and one run in the fifth. Andrew Meyer held down the Black Tiger offense for five innings and Mike Lewandowski picked up the save.

The Varsity hosts Aurora for a doubleheader on Saturday.

Hudson beats up Black Tigers

CUYAHOGA FALLS- The Varsity (2-0, 1-0) scored five times in the top of the fifth inning to beat Cuyahoga Falls (1-3, 0-1) in the league opener for both squads. Jimmy Benchek hit a sac fly to plate the lead run, Mike Lewandowski drove in one on a two-out single, and Wyatt Andrasik followed by doubling in another run.

The Varsity hosts Cuyahoga Falls on Thursday in a make-up for Tuesday's rainout.