BOARDMAN — Opposing pitchers have already learned an important lesson through the opening weekend of the Ohio Little League state tournament.
There seems to be little margin for error against West Side Little League’s lineup — especially when Josiah Infante steps into the batter’s box.
Infante launched his second home run in as many games Sunday, helping West Side roll past Olentangy 16-0 in four innings at Boardman’s Field of Dreams.
The Hamilton-based power improved to 2-0 and advanced to Monday’s winner’s bracket matchup at 4 p.m. against Canfield.
“I’ve been feeling good,” Infante said. “Everything, they’ve been giving me where I want it inside. And I’ve just been waiting on it and hitting it.”
The slugger’s latest blast, a two-run shot to center field during an eight-run second inning, followed his home run in Saturday’s tournament-opening victory over Ironton. Although the home runs have generated plenty of attention, Infante said West Side’s strong start stems from the team’s overall approach.
“We got a great bond,” Infante said. “No one’s excluded from the team. Everyone likes each other.”
That chemistry was on display from the opening inning.
After West Side manager Tim Nichting stressed the importance of getting on the scoreboard early following Saturday’s slower offensive start, the team from Hamilton responded immediately. Jack McAdams opened the scoring with an RBI single before Robert Frazier lined a two-run double to put West Side ahead 3-0 in the first.
The offense never slowed.
West Side erupted for eight runs in the second inning, highlighted by Infante’s towering homer. McAdams and Xander Kinkade each doubled during the rally, Leo Feltner added an RBI single and Hamilton capitalized on every scoring opportunity to build an insurmountable advantage.
“We didn’t like yesterday’s start,” Nichting said. “Credit to Ironton. That kid pitched well for them the first couple innings, no doubt. But like Infante said, we wanted to get started early, and we got started early.
“They walked him intentionally in the first inning, which I got Bob Frazier batting behind him, and Bob gets a two-RBI single to put us up 3-0.
“Honestly, it was on from there.”
Nichting smiled when discussing the depth throughout West Side’s lineup.
“We actually put on a hitting display,” the manager said. “We can hit the ball hard. You can’t walk anybody on our team. We swing it, and we work hard at swinging it.”
West Side added five more runs in the fourth to invoke the run rule. Feltner delivered a two-run double before Infante capped the scoring with a sacrifice fly.
Infante finished 1-for-1 with three RBIs, while McAdams and Feltner each collected two hits. West Side also played another clean defensive game.
The pitching staff was equally dominant.
Boone Treadway allowed just two hits while striking out three over 1 2/3 scoreless innings before Bryson Williams closed the game with two shutout innings, surrendering one hit and striking out four.
Even after two lopsided victories, Infante said the team’s mindset remains unchanged.
“Just trying to stay working and keep practicing,” the first baseman said.
He also knows exactly what fans can expect from West Side as the tournament continues.
“They would see everyone talking in the infield, everyone having fun, everyone hitting,” Infante said. “That’s all-around good work as teammates.”
