Vipers Hunt Down Bearcats 8-4 in Season Opener

Linder and Atchison Combine for 18 K's in Three Hit Victory

Jackson, Ohio

     The Tallmadge Vipers opened SSBL play with a road win 8-4 over the Jackson Bearcats on Tuesday night.  The locals combined good pitching with timely hitting and fought back from two early deficits to start the season on a winning note.  "I think it was a pretty good start to the season.  We showed a lot of patience at the plate and it helped us in the late innings," said Tom Linder. 

     Tucker Linder got the start for the Vipers and although he struck out ten through four innings he gave up five walks and three hits.  The Bearcats took the lead in the bottom of the second on two walks and scored without a hit on a passed ball.  Tallmadge would regain the lead in the top of the third with two runs.  Zach Wagner drew a one out walk to start the rally and scored on a two out double to the opposite field by Kyle Atchison.  Atchison came home on a Linder double to centerfield.  A three run bottom of the third gave the advantage back to the Bearcats 4-2.  A walk, a strikeout that reached first, and two hits gave Jackson the lead until the top of the fifth.

     The locals would take the lead in the fifth inning when Michael Strand led off with a single, Nathan Jackson followed with a walk and Wagner moved both runners into scoring position with a groundout to the right side.  A Danny Blake single plated one run and a ground out by Atchison plated another tying the game.  Blake would score from third when the catcher overthrew the Bearcat pitcher.

     Tallmadge would add three more runs in the top of the sixth.  Tommy Yakubowski and Matt Shomo started the inning with back to back singles.  Jackson ripped a single to center for an RBI and Blake singled to right for two more RBI's.

     Atchison relieved Linder in the fifth and pitched three shutout innings for the save.  The lefty had eight K's and did not allow a hit or a walk.  "Tuck threw ok and you always hate to see runs score without a hit or even worse a strikeout come all the way around to score.  I thought Kyle was awesome, he got ahead in the count and had his curveball working for the strikeout all night.  Tommy (Yakubowski) got pressed into duty behind the plate and did a nice job battling all seven innings.  He was a little rusty and didn't play that much back there last season.  I was proud of his effort," explained Linder

     The Vipers got contributions from throughout the lineup.  Seven of nine players scored a run, seven of nine had a hit and eight of nine reached base safely.  "We were without two players and I was proud of how everybody found a way to do the little things to put this one in the win column."

Shorthanded Vipers Never Say Die in 10-9 Win

Shomo GWRBI Caps Seven Run Bottom of 7th

Tallmadge, Ohio

     Lions Park was the scene of a monumental comeback for the Vipers who were missing three players from their active roster.  Trailing 9-3 in the bottom of the 7th Tallmadge combined eight hits and two walks including a two out, walk off game winning single by Matt Shomo.  "These guys turned a pretty lackluster night of baseball into a memory that will last a lifetime.  I'm still trying to figure out how they did it," said Tom Linder.

     Kyle Atchison drew the starting assignment for Tallmadge but had to leave the game with soreness in his pitching shoulder after only one inning.  "With the weather and school schedules, we haven't been able to have a full practice for almost two weeks.  Kyle felt some stiffness in the shoulder and there was no reason to push the issue," explained Linder.  Matt Shomo came on in relief and gave the locals 4 good innings of work.  Copley hit the ball well through the first five innings racking up 13 hits while building a 7-2 advantage.  "They really came out and hit the ball.  We had some errors and some hit balls that should have been outs.  It was not our greatest defensive effort."  The Indians would add two unearned runs in the top of the sixth off of reliever Jesse Cannady.  Cannady would retire Copley in order for the only time in the game in the top of the seventh setting the stage for the last inning heroics.

     Tucker Linder started the inning with a walk and was pushed to third by a Cannady double.  Following a groundout Tallmadge would string together six consecutive hits.  A two RBI single by Tommy Yakubowski made it a 9-5 game.  Ryan Gaffney followed with a double into the right field corner and the Vipers were back in business with runners at 2nd and 3rd.  Nathan Jackson picked up his second RBI in as many innings with a single.  Back to back base hits and the Vipers were within one at 9-8.  Kyle Atchison doubled off the chalk down the left field line to tie the game leaving runners at 2nd and 3rd.  Following a strikeout and a walk Shomo came to the plate with the bases loaded and two outs.  Ahead in the count, Shomo drove a fastball into the right centerfield gap for the game winner sending the Vipers to a 2-0 record to start the season.

     "We found a way to win tonight and I guess in the end that's what counts the most", said Linder following the game.  The Vipers pounded out 16 hits in the game with 12 of them coming in the final three innings.  Tommy Yakubowski had three hits, Danny Blake, Atchison, Cannady, Shomo, and Jackson each had two hits apiece.  Tallmadge had 6 doubles and a triple in the game.  Jesse Cannady worked the final two innings of relief for his first win as a Viper.

     Tallmadge will hit the road for a Sunday afternoon double header with the Thunder this weekend. 

Vipers Quiet Thunder 2-0

Linder K's 15 Enroute to No-Hitter

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

     The Tallmadge Vipers improved to 3-0 with a 2-0 win on the road over the Ohio Thunder.  Tucker Linder picked up the win tossing a complete game no-hitter that included 15 strikeouts.  The Thunder spoiled Linder's bid for a perfect game with a lead off walk in the top of the fifth inning, the only runner of the game for the home team Thunder.  Linder did not allow a ball hit out of the infield.  "That's about as dominating a performance as I have seen.  He had eight consecutive strikeouts early in the game and was just as strong late,  he finished with five K's to end the game," said Tom Linder.  "The other thing that always happens in a no hit game is the fact that the defense comes up with some big plays.  Today was no different.  Matt Shomo made some big plays at third, Nathan Jackson at first and Tommy Yakubowski behind the plate also made some tough outs."

     It was an old fashioned pitchers dual as the Thunder's Howard had his bid for a no hitter broken up in the top of the fifth by Danny Blake who hit a two out single to the opposite field.  Kyle Atchison followed with a ground ball to third.  The throw was wide of the bag and Blake scored from first.  Atchison moved into scoring position with a steal of second and came home on a Linder RBI single to right.  The two runs were all the Vipers would need for the win.  "We had some good at bats and battled all night inspite of the fact we only had six hits.  We left 11 runners on base and had a chance to break the game open but I thought Howard did a nice job of  pitching his way out of trouble."  Howard finished the day with 10 K's and five walks.

   The Vipers will be on the road Wednesday night at Green as they take on the Green Vipers.

Vipers Looking Forward to Being Full Strength

Tallmadge, Ohio

     The Tallmadge Vipers have been battling weather and injuries during the early part of the 2008 campaign.  Although the locals are off to a 3-0 start it hasn't been easy.  "Not knowing who is going to be at practice is one thing, but not knowing for sure who will be at the games is another, " said Tom Linder.  Like all teams at this time of the season the Vipers have had to deal with school functions, family priorities, and sports seasons that overlap.  Injuries and eligibilty issues have also cut deeply into the Vipers roster.  Currently Zach Wagner (knee) and Michael Strand (hip) are listed on the injured reserve list.  Thomas Hobson who missed much of last season with a broken wrist, will be available soon after finishing his JV baseball season for the Tallmadge Blue Devils.

     "It will be nice to see more available bodies on the roster that is for sure," said General Manager and Director of Player Personnel Joe Wagner.  "I think it says a lot about our players to be where we are now inspite of the number of missing teammates."

     Tallmadge will travel to Green, Ohio to take on the Vipers in a SSBL matchup Wednesday night before traveling to Painesville over the weekend for a holiday tournament.

Green Wins Battle of Vipers 7-3

Tallmadge Suffers First Defeat

Green, Ohio

     The Circle City Vipers traveled to Green on Wednesday night and suffered their first loss of the season by a final score of 7-3.  Inspite of outhitting the southern Vipers seven to six it was walks and hit batsmen that spelled the undoing for the Tallmadge crew.  "We had a stretch where we walked people and allowed too many "free passes" and that really hurt us tonight," explained Tom Linder.  Four of the seven runners who scored were put on base by a walk or hit by a pitch.  "Sooner or later those extra runners are going to score and that was the difference tonight.

     The Circle City boys took the lead in the top of the first following a leadoff single by Danny Blake.  A one out double by Tucker Linder scored Blake and the locals led 1-0.  Thomas Hobson made his 2008 debut for the Vipers and pitched three solid innings allowing just one hit, one run and striking out five.  "Hobbit (Hobson) did a nice job on the mound.  He was on a pitch count because he had pitched earlier in the week.  Our rotation will be very solid with his return."

     Tallmadge scored two more runs without the aid of a hit in the fifth inning.  Matt Shomo reached on a two out walk and Hobson followed him to first on a wild pitch strike three.  Shomo scored from third on the play after a stolen base and a wild pitch.  Hobson stole 2nd and 3rd only to score on a steal of home as part of a double steal.  Tallmadge led heading to the bottom of the fourth 3-1.

     Green turned a walk and three hits off Kyle Atchison into a tie game at 3-3.  Green would once again capitalize on Tallmadge generosity using a walk, two hit batsmen and a single to score three times in the bottom of the fifth.  A triple to lead off the bottom of the sixth and a sacrifice fly would plate the final run for Green.  "I was very disappointed in our approach at the plate for the most part.  We had way too many strikeouts (12) and seven of those were called third strikes.  We have to be more aggressive with two strikes."  Danny Blake and Ryan Gaffney had two hits each to lead the Viper offense. 

Tallmadge will travel to Painesville over the holiday weekend to participate in a 16 team tournament.  The Vipers are scheduled for two games on Saturday and a third game on Sunday.  The top four teams from pool play will advance to Mondays semi final.  

Memorable Memorial Monday in Mentor

Vipers Win 15 Team GLBL Tournament

Mentor, Ohio

     The Tallmadge Vipers improved to 8-1 on the season with a perfect 5-0 run to the Memorial  Day Weekend Tournament title in Mentor hosted by the Great Lakes Baseball League.  "It was a great weekend of baseball for our guys.  They played well in every aspect of the game," said Coach Tom Linder.

     The Circle City boys opened pool play with a 7-2 victory over North Royalton after trailing 1-0 through five innings.  Tucker Linder went the first five innings to pick up the win striking out 11 while giving up just one hit and one unearned run.  The Vipers would break the game open with six runs in the top of the sixth, all coming with two outs in the inning.  Ryan Gaffney hit a fly ball to the gap in right center that was dropped by the right fielder and Tallmadge made the Bears pay for the mistake with five straight hits and six runs.  "They (North Royalton) opened the door ever so slightly with the error and our offense did the rest."  Jesse Cannady pitched the final two innings holding the Bears to  one run on two hits.  The teams would exchange runs in the seventh inning.

     In game two of pool play Tallmadge got the bats going early and often.  The Vipers scored seven runs in the top of the second enroute to a 13-3 win over Twinsburg.  Matt Shomo went 3-5 in the game with 2 RBI's.  Linder had a double and a triple good for 5 RBI's.  Danny Blake had two hits while Thomas Hobson, Cannady, Kyle Atchison, and Gaffney all had a hit.  Hobson got the win with four solid innings on the mound striking out eight.

     The Vipers concluded pool play with an 8-2 victory over The Cleveland Irish.  Matt Shomo went a perfect five innings of no hit ball allowing only a walk that was erased in a double play.  Shomo faced the minimum with six K's.  Matt Shomo helped himself by going 3 for 3 in the game.  Linder added two doubles while Blake continued his hot hitting with two singles.  Hobson added a double and 2 RBI's.  Tommy Yakubowski doubled and singled for 2 RBI's and Gaffney joined the RBI parade with a double that scored two runs.  Atchison added a single and Zach Wagner scored twice for the Viper cause.   "I've seen Matt pitch a lot of games in his career but that one was his best.  He had outstanding velocity, great location and was able to spot his breaking ball.  He was as good as it gets," said Linder.

     Tallmadge received the third seed and faced off against the home town Mentor Bulldogs in the semi-final matchup.  Thomas Hobson got the start for the Vipers and was on a pitch count after throwing earlier in the tournament.  "Thomas struggled through two innings but I was proud of how he battled every batter."  The Bulldogs clawed out two runs and led 2-0 after two innings.  Tallmadge would take the lead for good in the third using a walk, a single and three doubles to plate four runs.  Linder came on in relief for the final five innings giving up one run on one hit while striking out 12 for the win. Nathan Jackson and  Blake led the hit parade with three hits a piece.  Hobson added two singles and clean up hitter Jesse Cannady added a double and single for 2 RBI's.  Yakubowski, Gaffney and Atchison all had a hit for Tallmadge.

     Tallmadge would face Butler Twp. from Pennsylvania in the Championship game.  Last year's 13U Pa. state champs were averaging 17 runs per game in the tournament.  They reached the final with a 17-8 come from behind win over the Black Tigers of Cuyahoga Falls.  "I don't think there were a lot of folks who had been around all weekend that gave us much of a chance of winning....including the Butler players......and that was their mistake," said Linder.  Jesse Cannady took the mound for Tallmadge and gave up a single run in the bottom of the first and that would be all that Butler could muster through five innings.  "Jesse did a great job of keeping them off balance by getting ahead and than making them pound off speed pitches into the ground."  Zach Wagner got Tallmadge going in the bottom of the third with a single through the middle.  Back to back doubles by Blake and Hobson and Tallmadge would take a lead they would never relinquish.  The Vipers would knock the Butler starter out of the game in the fifth when Hobson hit his first homerun of the season deep over the left field fence. Linder followed with a double to the fence in the right centerfield alley.  Cannady picked up Linder with a single to left and Matt Shomo double off the fence in left to end the day for the Butler starter.  Tallmadge would add four more runs in the top of the seventh when Linder singled home Blake.  Cannady singled home Linder.  Shomo put runners on second and third with his second double of the day.  A groundout by Yakubowski scored one more and Kyle Atchison singled home the fourth run of the inning.  Matt Shomo got the save working the final two innings and the Vipers were tournament champions with a hard fought 8-4 victory over Butler.

     "We really got great efforts from everybody this weekend.  We hit the ball well including a fifteen hit game in the championship.  Our defense played very well and our pitching staff really came through with some outstanding games."

     Tallmadge will travel to Revere High School for a Sunday match-up against Thunder Blue.  The game will be played at 60/90 ft.  "It will be different for us, it's the only game we"ll play like that this year.  Most of these guys will have to play it next year so it will be a look at the future for them."

Thunder Rumbles over Vipers 6-0

Bath Twp., Ohio

     The Tallmadge Vipers traveled to Revere High School to take on the Blue Thunder on Sunday afternoon.  The locals were playing at a 60/90 field for the only time this season and the experience was forgetable.  Thunder scored two runs in the first and added four unearned runs in the fifth enroute to a 6-0 victory that dropped Tallmadge to 8-2 on the season.  "They played good defense and we just didn't hit very well.  We didn't strikeout we just hit weak ground balls through the infield," said Tom Linder. 

     Tucker Linder got the start for Tallmadge and suffered his first loss of the season giving up five hits while walking four and striking out five.  "He had no command today what so ever, he hit two guys and had about seven full counts.  It wasn't his typical performance.  He struggled for a number of different reasons."

     The Thunder scored all the runs they would need in the first inning combining two walks and two hits to score two runs.  Tallmadge threatened in the top of the fourth with two on and one out but a tailor made double play, third to first, ended the inning.  The Thunder would add four unearned runs in the bottom of the fifth when a bloop just behind the pitchers mound was dropped by Linder extending the inning.  "It was a tough play but that ball has to be caught."

    Tallmadge looked like they might dent the scoring column when Zach Wagner led off the bottom of the sixth with a walk, an outfield error allowed Thomas Hobson to reach and Linder followed with a single to load the bases.  A comeback to the pitcher and a strikeout ended the inning.

     "We were in the game till the four unearned runs and we needed just one breakthrough hit." said Linder.  Tallmadge had just four hits in the game, all singles.  Linder had two and Ryan Gaffney and Kyle Atchison each had one.

     Tallmadge will return home Tuesday for a SSBL matchup with Lake at Howe Road Park game time is 6pm.

Slumping Vipers Bitten by Jayhawks 2-0

Scoreless Streak Reaches 14 Innings

Jackson, Ohio

     The Tallmadge Vipers dropped to 8-3 on the season with a 2-0 loss at the hands of the Jackson Jayhawks Saturday evening in Jackson.  The Circle City boys were shut out for the second game in a row.  "We've faced a couple of good pitchers but we really didn't have quality at bats especially today.  We swung at too many strike three's in the dirt and failed to make any adjustments in our latter at bats," said Tom Linder.

     The game was an outstanding pitching dual between Chris Ifantidies of Jackson and the Vipers Tucker Linder.  Both pitchers threw complete games and battled with runners in scoring position throughout the day.  "This was a very well played, well pitched game by both sides.  The difference was they made key plays on defense and got a couple of key hits when they needed them.  Unfortunately we did neither."

     The Jayhawks would open the scoring with an unearned run in the bottom of the fifth, then adding the second run of the game in the bottom of the sixth.  Tallmadge would put runners on second and third with nobody out in the top of the seventh after Linder reached on an error and went to third on a Matt Shomo double to the right centerfield gap.  Frohman relieved Infantidies for the Jayhawks and retired three straight to record the save.  "Kyle Atchison ripped a line drive back through the box that was caught by the pitcher on a heck of a play.  That hit would have tied the game.  Kyle was six inches from going three for three, instead he was the victim of three great defensive plays and went 0 for 3.  That's baseball."

     Danny Blake continued his solid hitting with a 2-3 effort at the plate while Linder, Shomo and Yakubowski had the only other hits for the Vipers.  Blake is batting a team high .432 on the season.  "We are a good hitting team and we are even better when we play a little more often, I think we'll turn things around on Tuesday."

The Circle City boys will host the Jackson Bearcats on Tuesday night at Lyons Park with the firstpitch slated for 6pm. 

Lumber Slumber No More

Vipers Pound Out 24 Hits in Win

Tallmadge, Ohio

     Coming off back to back shutout losses the Vipers busted out of a two game slump in high fashion pounding out 24 hits in a 17-6 victory over the visiting Jackson Bearcats.  Kyle Atchison went four strong innings for the win improving the Circle City Boys to 9-3 on the season.  "We had great at bats all night long.  It was nice to see them come to life at the plate," said Joe Wagner.

     The Vipers would break the game open in the bottom of the second inning with five straight hits scoring four runs erasing a 2-0 Bearcat advantage.  Tallmadge would score three runs in the third and put the game away with a five run fourth inning.  A five run sixth inning would finish the scoring for the locals who posted a season high 17 runs.

     Zach Wagner and Jesse Cannady led the hit parade each going a perfect four for four on the day.  Cannady had two triples, while Wagner had two doubles and a game high six RBI's.  Tucker Linder and Atchison had three hits each.  Tommy Yakubowski, Matt Shomo, Thomas Hobson, and Ryan Gaffney had two hits apiece.  Danny Blake and Nathan Jackson chipped in with a single and a double.  Every player on the team had at least one hit.

Tallmadge will take part in the Ohio Eagles Tournament over the weekend.

Vipers Win Pool at Eagles Invite

Tallmadge 2-1 in Rain Shortened Event

Kent, Ohio

     After mother nature claimed victory over first round games in the Ohio Eagles Tournament over the weekend, Tallmadge would face the host team Ohio Eagles in a rescheduled round of pool play.  It was a game that featured a local flavor as the Eagles had several Tallmadge players on their roster.  "These guys have been jawing back and forth about this game ever since it was posted," said Tom Linder.  The Eagles got the best of the Vipers in the first ever meeting between the teams by a final of 6-4.  "The guys are always talking to each other about how their teams are doing and they really looked forward to the game."

     Tallmadge would load the bases in the top of the first but were unable to score.  Without the benefit of a hit in the second inning the Vipers would open the scoring with two runs on a walk with the bases loaded and an error on the first baseman, but again the Vipers failed to add to the lead leaving the bases loaded again in the second.  The Eagles would tie the game at two runs in the bottom of the second with three hits off starter Thomas Hobson.  Tallmadge would load the bases for the third straight inning with no outs and again were unable to add to the scoreboard.  "The deciding runs were scored later in the game but the game was decided in those first three innings when we left nine runners on base."  Back to back doubles in the fourth by Tommy Yakubowski and Tucker Linder gave the lead briefly to the Vipers but the Eagles tied it in the bottom of the frame.  Tallmadge would add one in the bottom of the fifth with a Ryan Gaffney RBI single that scored Kyle Atchison.  The Eagles would score three runs in the bottom of the fifth for a 6-4 advantage and hold on for the win in a game ended by time limit.  "Those guys now have the bragging rights and they earned them.  They played harder and with more energy than we did," explained Linder.

     The Vipers would head into Sunday looking to rebound and try to win the pool play title as the tournament Championship rounds were eliminated due to weather.  Tallmadge faced the Tigers of Massillon and Tucker Linder took the mound for the Vipers.  Linder improved to 5-2 on the season and threw his second no hitter of the year with an 8-0 shutout of Massillon.  Linder allowed a walk and hit a batter to the Tigers retiring the last 12 batters in order.  The right hander had 11 strikeouts and did not allow a ball out of the infield.  "We have started to let the kids call their own games so a lot of credit has to go to our catchers Wagner and Yakubowski for the no hitter." 

     Tallmadge would need a big win over the Washington, Pa. Wildcats, who had beaten the Ohio Eagles earlier in the day, if they were going to lay claim to the pool play title.  The Vipers got busy early scoring four runs in the top of the first.  Tallmadge would add two more in the second, one in the third, and two more in the sixth enroute to a 9-2 thumping of the Keystone state visitors.  Kyle Atchison was outstanding on the mound for the Circle City Boys tossing the complete game victory.  "Kyle was down in the strike zone all day and got a lot of ground ball outs."  Tommy Yakubowski continued his hot hitting with three hits on the day and Ryan Gaffney had three hits and a team high four RBI's.  Tucker Linder, Matt Shomo and Thomas Hobson each had two hits in a 14 hit Viper offense.  "We won the pool and made it to the final four but unfortunately ran out of tournament.  Washington had another very impressive squad that would have been a fun matchup for these guys if not for the weather."  With the win Tallmadge improves to 11-4.

     The Vipers will return home for two games hosting Barberton on Tuesday night and North Canton on Wednesday with both games slated for 6pm. 

Blue Ribbon Dog "Sho"

Matt Shomo 1-Hits Bulldogs in Vipers 5-0 Win

Tallmadge, Ohio

     The Tallmadge Vipers rode the one hit pitching effort of Matt Shomo (2-0) and used baseball fundamentals Tuesday night at the Jaycee Park for a 5-0 blanking of the visiting Barberton Bulldogs.  "We got great pitching from Matt who had a no hitter through five innings, a double play to erase one of the four batters who reached and we had great at bats all night," said Tom Linder.  The Vipers used great fundamentals all night at the plate.  Tallmadge had two sacrifice bunts that both led to runs and scored on a sacrifice fly.

     Tallmadge took the lead in the bottom of the second when Ryan Gaffney stole second after a one out walk.  Gaffney scored on a Nathan Jackson slow roller to the right of the mound that was over thrown down the right field line by the Bulldog pitcher.  The Vipers manufactured a run in the third inning after Kyle Atchison led off with a perfect bunt single down the third baseline.  Atchison stole second and moved to third on a Tommy Yakubowski ground out to the right side of the infield.  Tucker Linder made it 2-0 with a sacrifice fly to deep left center.  The Circle City Boys would score three times in the bottom of the fourth following a leadoff double to the fence by Thomas Hobson.  Gaffney bunted Hobson to third.  Nathan Jackson walked and stole second.  Jesse Cannady doubled down the line to right field and the Vipers had more than they would need leading 5-0.  Matt Shomo and his defense did the rest.  "Sho" finished with 11 strikeouts and just one walk retiring the first 10 batters in order.  "Matt did a great job getting ahead early, then making them chase his off speed stuff.  About the fourth inning we notice they adjusted by starting to attack his first pitch so we started them off the rest of the game with off speed pitches and it had them way out in front.  It's nice to have a game plan, but the kids still have to make it work.  Yak (catcher Tommy Yakubowski) and Matt did a great job calling pitches all night," explained Linder.

     Thomas Hobson had two hits as did Jesse Cannady.  Yakubowski, Atchison and Danny Blake all added singles.  Tallmadge finished with five stolen bases on the night.  The Vipers improved to 12-4 on the season.

     The Vipers will play Wednesday night against North Canton with the first pitch slated for 6pm at the Howe Road Jaycee Park Field.

Vipers Win Fourth in a Row

Tallmadge Stops North Canton 9-5

Tallmadge, Ohio

     The Tallmadge Vipers improved to 13-4 on the season with their fourth straight win over the visiting North Canton squad on Wednesday night at Jaycee Park.  "We hit the ball very well and got good pitching and solid defense," said Joe Wagner.  The Vipers pounded out 12 hits and rode the 2 hit pitching of Tucker Linder for five innings enroute to a 9-5 victory on the home turf.

     Danny Blake set the offensive tone for the Circle City Boys with a leadoff double in the bottom of the first.  Two hole hitter Kyle Atchison drove Blake home with a single to center.  Tucker Linder would make it a 2-0 Tallmadge advantage with a single to left scoring Atchison.  Linder would retire the first nine batters he faced and the offense would get busy again scoring five runs in the bottom of the third.  Tallmadge would string together six hits and a sacrifice bunt building a 7-0 lead through three innings.  North Canton scored a single run in the fourth following a leadoff double, two K's and a double before Linder retired the side with a strikeout.  Ryan Gaffney would close out the final two innings giving up four runs but only one earned all in the seventh.  Linder (6-2) would finish the game with 10 strikeouts and no walks allowing just two hits over five innings.

     Tallmadge would get plenty of offense as seven Vipers had a hit in the game led by Tucker Linder who was 3-4 with three RBI's.  Thomas Hobson continued to hit the ball well going 2-4 with 2 RBI's.  Hobson leads the Vipers with an impressive .436 batting average.  The top of the order has been outstanding setting the table, as both Blake and Atchison had two hits apiece.  Tommy Yakubowski, Matt Shomo and Nathan Jackson each had a hit for the Tallmadge cause.

     Tallmadge will have the weekend off before a busy four game schedule next week.

Vipers Sweep Thunder with 1-0 Win

Shomo Four Hitter Pushes Win Streak to Five

Tallmadge, Ohio

    The Tallmadge Vipers improved to 14-4 with a well played 1-0 shutout of the visiting Ohio Thunder.  The Vipers defeated the Thunder 2-0 earlier in the year and used good pitching and strong defense in the win Tuesday night under the lights at Lyons Park to complete the two game league sweep.  Matt Shomo improved to 3-0 and lowered his ERA to a miniscule 1.28 with a complete game four hit shutout.  "Matt struggled with his control during warmups and it was obvious he didn't have much command at the start of the game.  He battled through the wildness and made some great pitches when he had to.  It happens on occaision, you find yourself in a gunfight with a slingshot and you just have to gut it out and that's what he did tonight," explained Tom Linder.

     The Circle City boys scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the fifth thanks to a leadoff single by Nathan Jackson.  Jesse Cannady picked up his second hit of the night pushing pinch runner Zach Wagner to second with a single to center.  Wagner advanced to third on a wild pitch.  Danny Blake drew a four pitch walk to load the bases and Tommy Yakubowski picked up the game winner with a sacrifice fly to left field scoring Wagner.  "We played fundamental baseball all night both offensively and defensively."  The Vipers got an outstanding defensive effort from Thomas Hobson who stabbed a ball headed down the left field line and turned it into a double play.  Nathan Jackson took care of three hard hit balls to first and Tucker Linder took away a base hit ranging deep in the hole at short getting the out at first.

     The Thunder would make it interesting in the top of the seventh when the first two batters would reach base.  Jackson made a nice play on a bunt to Danny Blake covering, Shomo handled a comebacker to the mound for the second out, then sealed the win with his sixth strikeout of the game.

     Tallmadge continues a busy week as they travel to North Canton for a 6pm matchup. 

Vipers Complete Sweep of North Canton

Hobson Complete Game and Bats Post 11-1 Win

North Canton, Ohio

     Thomas Hobson was packed for vacation but it was North Canton who needed a break after the right hander tossed a six hit complete game, leading the Vipers to an 11-1 victory.  "Thomas is heading out on vacation and he didn't let that bother his concentration," said Joe Wagner.  "He hit some turbulance in the second but settled in and was dominating the final four innings."  Hobson retired 12 of the final 14 batters after giving up a lone run in the second.

     The Vipers turned four hits and two walks into a six run 5th inning  for a 7-1 advantage.  Tallmadge would add four more runs in the top of the 7th to improve to 15-4 on the season.  Danny Blake had three hits in the game, Kyle Atchison and Matt Shomo had two each to lead the 11 hit Viper attack. 

Vipers Tarnish Express' Crown

Tallmadge Stops Newly Crowned State Champs 8-7

Brimfield, Ohio

     The Vipers seemed unimpressed with the State Title on the Lake Express's resume as they returned home with an 8-7 road win.  Lake was fresh off a "AA" State Title in Columbus but it was the Vipers who improved to 16-4 with the victory.  "It wasn"t the prettiest of wins but it was a win over a very good team," said Joe Wagner.  The teams combined for 11 errors in the game.

     Kyle Atchison picked up the win with a solid five inning performance.  Tucker Linder got the save after a scary final two frames.  Trailing 3-2 in the top of the 5th Tallmadge would take the lead combining a couple of hits with two Lake errors.  "We scored on a single, a fielder's choice and a sacrifice fly," explained Wagner.  "Just kids doing whatever it takes to push a run across."  Lake would score a run in the 6th to make it a 5-4 game.  Tallmadge scored three runs in the top of the 7th and held off Lake in the bottom of the inning getting the final out at second base on a hit to right field.

     Linder had three hits while Tommy Yakubowski, Matt Shomo and Nathan Jackson had two hits each for the nine hit Viper attack.

Vipers Circle the "Wagon-er" Stop Indians

Win Streak at Eight After Another Shomo Shutout

Copley, Ohio

     The battery of pitcher Matt Shomo and catcher Zach Wagner stopped the Copley Indians on six hits and no runs in a 2-0 shutout victory Monday night in Copley.  The shutout is the third straight for Shomo who has a string of 21 consecutive scoreless innings.  The Viper defense was outstanding as well, making several key plays to keep Copley off the scoreboard.  Wagner playing with a recently dislocated thumb caught and called an outstanding game.  "It is really something to see as these guys continue to call great games," said Tom Linder.  "Zach had a big RBI double for us tonight too.  With the schedule we are playing Matts' streak is pretty impressive."

     Tallmadge would get the only run they would need when Tommy Yakubowski ripped a triple to centerfield.  Tucker Linder fisted a single off the handle into left field and the Vipers had a 1-0 lead.  Tallmadge would total 11 hits but were unable to push another run across with the exception of the sixth when Wagner pounded a two out double over the head of the centerfielder scoring Jesse Cannady from third.

     Tommy Yakubowski was a homerun shy of the cycle going 3-4 on the night with a single, double, and a triple.  Linder and Wagner had two hits while Shomo, Cannady, Ryan Gaffney and Jacob Woods all added singles. 

Tallmadge Wins Battle of League Leaders

Win Streak at Nine After 4-3 Win Over Green

Tallmadge, Ohio

     Tallmadge earned a hard fought 4-3 win over the visiting Green Vipers in a battle of league leaders on Tuesday night at Lyons Park.  Tucker Linder improved to 7-2 on the season with a 12 strikeout, four hit complete game.  "Tuck threw well, we played good defense and got some timely hitting in a very well played game against a very good team," said Tom Linder.

     The Vipers would take an early advantage when Linder drove a 3-1 pitch over the fence in right field for a two run homerun in the bottom of the first. Tommy Yakubowski rode home on the shot after a two out single.  Green would take the lead in the top of the 2nd scoring three times on two hits, a walk, a Viper error and a hit batsman.  Tallmadge would manufacture a run in the bottom of the inning when Ryan Gaffney doubled to the fence in right center, moved to second on a Zach Wagner ground out and came home on a ground out to the right side of the infield by Nathan Jackson.  "That was a big run coming back to tie the game," said Linder.  "Tucker settled in and we waited for the offense to put the game in the win column."  Tallmadge would put the game winner on the board in the bottom of the fifth.  Danny Blake singled and went to second on a wild pitch.  Kyle Atchison laid down a perfect bunt to move Blake to third.  Tommy Yakubowski picked up Blake from third with a hard hit ball under the glove of the Green second baseman.

     Blake had two hits, Linder, Atchison, Gaffney, Yakubowski and Wagner all added hits for the Vipers who improve to 18-4 on the season. 

Vipers Open Tournament With 9-3 Win

Gaffney Leads Offense With 2 Triples

Mentor, Ohio

     The Tallmadge Vipers created a little fireworks of their own on the 4th of July as they pounded out 13 hits enroute to a 9-3 round one victory over the Nordonia Renegades.  "It was a nice way to start the tournament.  We got solid pitching timely hitting and played solid defense," said Tom Linder.  The Vipers have won 10 straight and are one win away from back to back twenty win seasons.

     Kyle Atchison got the start for the Circle City Boys and pitched five solid innings giving up just one earned run on six hits.  Matt Shomo got the save with two innings of scoreless relief.  Shomo now has a streak of 23 straight scoreless innings.  "It really sets the tone for this team when you get good starting pitching."  The Vipers now own an impressive 2.36 team ERA.

     Tallmadge got the offense going quickly scoring four times in the top of the first.  Danny Blake singled and Atchison followed with an infield single.  Tommy Yakubowski walked to load the bases and Tucker Linder singled to center to drive in a run.  Shomo drove in a run with a fielders choice ahead of Ryan Gaffney's bases clearing triple. 

     The Vipers added to more runs in the top of the fifth. Shomo's bases loaded single drove in two runs. Nordonia would make things interesting with three runs in the bottom of fifth.  Atchison settled in to finish the inning with Tallmadge leading 6-3 with two frames remaining.  Tallmadge scored three in the top of the 7th thanks to another RBI triple by Gaffney.  Shomo picked up the save with two hitless innings of relief.

     Gaffney's triples led the Viper offense.  Danny Blake had two singles, Linder added a single and a double, Zach Wagner had two singles, Yakubowski wallked three times with a single, Nathan Jackson, Atchison, and Shomo had a hit.  Every player in the lineup had at least one hit.

     The tournament continues Saturday with a pair of games in pool play. 

Bulldogs Bite Vipers 6-4

Win Streak Snapped at 10

Mentor, Ohio

     The Tallmadge Vipers saw their ten game winning streak come to an end as they lost in pool play to the Cleveland Bulldogs.  Three errors were the key to the game as Tallmadge gave up the lead on three unearned runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.  "We made some physical and mental errors in the fifth and in a close game against a good team you just can't afford to allow that to happen," said Tom Linder.

    Starter Matt Shomo was touched up for three runs in three innings after the Vipers scored one run in the top of the first.  Tommy Yakubowski drew a two out walk and scored on a Tucker Linder double to right center.  Tallmadge would tie the game at three in the top of the fifth with back to back doubles by Thomas Hobson and Ryan Gaffney.  Gaffney would tie the game riding home on a Zach Wagner RBI single.

    The Bulldogs would take the lead for good in the bottom of the inning.  Hobson ripped his third double of the game scoring Linder from first to get the Circle City Boys back in the game at 6-4.  However the Vipers would go down in order in the 7th forcing a must win situation in their final pool play contest vs. Independence.

     The Vipers would manage just six hits, five of which were doubles.  Hobson had three two baggers, Linder and Gaffney each added a double and Zach Wagner had the only other hit for Tallmadge. 

Vipers Win 7-1, Advance to Final Four

Tallmadge Stops Independence in Must Win Game

Mentor, Ohio

     Facing elimination with a loss, the Tallmadge Vipers (20-5) got busy early and often against Independence enroute to a 7-1 victory ended after six innings due to darkness.  "Nobody had a key to the lights and they batted in the top of the sixth so it was an official game," said Tom Linder.  Both teams advanced to the finals with Tallmadge the number one seed out of the pool.  Tucker Linder improved to 8-2 on the season tossing a three hitter through five innings and Ryan Gaffney pitched the final frame.  The Vipers outhit Independence 10 to 4 and both teams played errorless baseball.

     Tallmadge scored four times in the top of the first as Tommy Yakubowski scored Thomas Hobson on a single.  Tucker Linder drew a walk and rode home on a 2 RBI double to right field by Ryan Gaffney.  Kyle Atchison would make it 4-0 with a single scoring Gaffney.  Tallmadge would add two more runs in the 2nd inning on RBI doubles by Yakubowski and Matt Shomo.  Linder would allow the only run in the game as Cleveland bunched two singles together in the 2nd inning. 

     Tallmadge would add a solo run in the 4th on a 380 ft solo homerun to left center by Linder.  Thomas Hobson was 2 for 3 with two singles, Shomo, Yakubowski and Gaffney had a single and double each.  The win gives the Vipers back to back 20 win seasons after finishing 26-14 a year ago.

Vipers Ground Redwings 6-5

Atchison, Gaffney Pitch Vipers into Finals

Mentor, Ohio

     Kyle Atchison and Ryan Gaffney took care of business on the mound and pushed the Vipers into the finals with a 6-5 win over the RBI Redwings.  Zach Wagner was 3 for 3 on the day to lead the Tallmadge offense.  "It was an 8am game and I'm not sure how many of our guys were even awake," said Tom Linder.  "We did everything we needed to do to put this one in the win column."

     Kyle Atchison blanked the Redwings over the first four innings and Tallmadge carved out a 4-0 advantage.  The Redwings would break through for two runs off Atchison in his final inning but Tallmadge stretched the lead back out to 6-2 with two in the bottom of the sixth.  Ryan Gaffney got the save going the final two frames allowing two runs.

     Wagner had three hits, Danny Blake and Thomas Hobson had a double and single each.  Tucker Linder added an RBI double and Matt Shomo had a single in the nine hit Viper offense.

"Good Pitching, Defense and a Two Run Homer"

Vipers Champions Again at Mentor

Mentor, Ohio

     The Tallmadge Vipers are making a habit of success in Mentor.  Earlier in the season Tallmadge was crowned tournament champions of a 16 team affair hosted by Mentor.  Their return trip was just as successful as the Circle City Boys defeated Independence 2-0 in the tournament championship final for their second tournament title of the season.  "It was a great way to end the tournament.  Thomas Hobson threw well and we got enough offense to win it," said Tom Linder.  Hobson picked up the win going a solid five innings shuting out Independence on three hits.  Tucker Linder got the save striking out four of six batters he faced over the final two innings.

"Good Pitching, Defense and a Two Run Homer"

Vipers Champions Again in Mentor

Mentor, Ohio

     The Tallmadge Vipers (22-5) combined outstanding pitching, solid defense and a two run homerun to pick up their second tournament championship of the season.  Earlier in the season the Vipers won the 16 team Mentor Tournament and returned to the scene of the title winning the 4th of July Tournament with a 2-0 win over Independence in the championship final.  "Thomas Hobson gave us a big lift with an outstanding start and we played solid defense all day," said Tom Linder.  "These guys have a lot to be proud of they responded after a tough loss in pool play."    Thomas Hobson pitched five scoreless innings allowing just three hits to pick up the win.  Tucker Linder got the save striking out four of the six batters he faced over the final two innings.

     Tallmadge would get all the runs they would need in the bottom of the first.  Hobson lined a one out single to right field.  With two outs and Hobson on second, Tucker Linder drove the first pitch he saw 350 feet to dead center for a 2-0 Tallmadge lead.  "He hit the long home run against them in the first game and with first base open I can't believe they pitched to him, but I'm glad they did."  Tallmadge would load the bases in the third, fourth and fifth innings but would be kept off the scoreboard.  "We had plenty of chances to break this game wide open and just couldn't get that one hit."  Tallmadge would end the game with nine hits.

     Ryan Gaffney closed out an MVP type tournament performance with a single and a double in the game.  Matt Shomo was 2 for 3 on the day with a couple of singles.  Hobson, Danny Blake, Tommy Yakubowski, and Zach Wagner all had singles for the champions.

     Tallmadge will wrap up the season at the Jackson Tournament this weekend.

Dawgs Stop Vipers 7-6

Tallmadge Needs Two Wins to Advance at Jackson

Jackson, Ohio

     It's been over two years since the Vipers lost a tournament game at Jackson and now the locals will need to be perfect in two pool play games Saturday if they hope to make it to the final four following a 7-6 loss at the hands of the Diamond Dawgs from Pennsylvania.  "That's one of the best teams in the tournament and if we want another shot at them we'll need to win out," said Tom Linder.  Tallmadge will look to rebound Saturday morning as they take on the Cy Young Cyclones and face the Hudson Explorers in the afternoon.

    Tucker Linder got the start for Tallmadge and went four innings allowing one earned run on two hits while striking out nine.  Back to back walks to start the second inning cost the right hander as a two out single scored the first run of the game.  Following the single Linder retired the last seven batters he faced, five on strikeouts.  Tournament rules only allow a pitcher to throw four innings per game. 

     Tallmadge would tie the game in the bottom of the second inning.  Matt Shomo reached on an error and came home on a Nathan Jackson RBI single to right.  The Vipers would take the lead 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth when Tucker Linder was hit by a pitch and went to third on a Matt Shomo single to left.  Kyle Atchison picked up the RBI with a ground ball out to the right side. 

     The lead was short lived as the Dawgs sent ten batters to the plate in the top of the fifth scoring six runs on seven hits.  Thomas Hobson got roughed up but it wasn't all the right handers doing.  "We just missed a shot back through the box that would have been a double play and a bunt pop up found a hole in the infield.  We needed to make some plays and we didn't."

     The Vipers were undaunted by the tough inning and bounced back with four runs in the bottom of the inning.  Two walks and two hit batsmen plated one run.  Shomo picked up an RBI with a ground out and Ryan Gaffney had a huge two out single to right field scoring two more.  However, the Vipers would be retired in order over the next two innings.

    "These guys have always risen to a challenge and they have one before them right now.  I know they want to end the season on a positive note.  There's no doubt they will be ready come Saturday." 

Mission Accomplished !

Vipers Sweep Saturday, Advance to Final Four

Jackson, Ohio

     The Tallmadge Vipers needed two wins on Saturday to advance to the championship round in the Jackson Tournament.  The locals did just that with a 10-2 win over Cy Young and a 16-3 win over Hudson.  "I didn't think these guys would throw in the towel after a tough first round loss," said Tom Linder.  The Circle City Boys did anything but, scoring 26 runs on 23 hits in the two games.

     Kyle Atchison got the start for Tallmadge in the morning tilt and threw a perfect game through four innings.  The lefty struck out nine of the twelve batters he faced.  Tournament rules only allowed a pitcher to throw four innings in a game.  Tallmadge scored all the runs they would need in the first inning when Thomas Hobson drove in a run with a single, Tucker Linder drove in Hobson with a double and Linder scored on a Matt Shomo groundout to the right side.  The Vipers would add single runs in the second, third and fifth innings before a four run sixth.  Nathan Jackson got the save pitching the final three innings allowing only two runs.  Hobson led the offense going 4-4 in the game with three RBI's.

     Tallmadge started the offense early in game two scoring twice in the first inning.  Matt Shomo started the game for Tallmadge and left the game after four solid innings and the Vipers holding on to a 6-3 lead.  Hobson and Ryan Gaffney would shut the Explorers down over the final three innings as Tallmadge went on to score in every inning of the game including a seven hit, eight run seventh inning.  Tallmadge pounded out 13 hits in the game including a round tripper off the bat of Tommy Yakubowski.

     Tallmadge advanced to the final four keeping their string of championship finals alive this season. 

Season Ends With 5-1 Loss to Mentor

Vipers Close Season With Semi-Final Loss at Jackson

Jackson, Ohio

     The Tallmadge Vipers 2008 season ended with a loss Sunday afternoon 5-1 to Mentor.  After scoring 26 runs just 24 hours earlier the Vipers struggled at the plate.  Tallmadge was outhit by Mentor 8-7.  "We just didn't get the hits bunched together.  They made about four or five outstanding defensive plays on hard hit balls that took us out of what might have been big innings," said Tom Linder.

     Tucker Linder got the start and went four scoreless innings giving up three hits while striking out eight.  Mentor scored three times in the fifth inning with a couple of bloop hits off reliever Thomas Hobson.  "About six of their hits were flares that just made it to the outfield, but they all count."  Mentor would add solo runs in the sixth and sevnth innings.  The lone run for Tallmadge came in the sixth on a Matt Shomo RBI groundout scoring Hobson.  Nathan Jackson had two of the Vipers seven hits to lead the offense.

     Tallmadge finishes the season 24-7 with two tournament titles.  The Vipers advanced to the final four of every tournament they entered.  The team is now 50-21 since starting two years ago.