Canfield shuts out Kenton Ridge 3-0 behind 13 K’s from Toth to advance to D2 State Final

AKRON, Ohio- Malena Toth put on a show today at Firestone Park. Toth pitched a complete game seven innings and threw a near no-hitter. She struck out 13 and allowed only one hit that came in the bottom of the seventh of Canfield's 3-0 state semifinal win over Kenton Ridge.

"Yeah, I've been here last year, and I knew it was gonna be loud, so I was just prepared for that, and I was locked in," said Toth.

Canfield got on the board first in the top of the 2nd. Caylee Ortiz stepped up to the plate, and with two strikes launched a shot to deep center field for a solo home run putting them up 1-0.

In the top of the 6th she once again stepped up to the plate and hit an RBI single for her second RBI of the day. That was all Canfield needed to push through to the end of the game.

"Caylee, she's been getting clutch, solid hits all year against top pitching; it's a big game for her to hit a home run with two strikes and give us the 1-0 lead; it really didn't surprise me,” Coach Kernan said. “If you knew her coming into the season and they ask why she is in the lineup, she gets the job done."

Despite only scoring three runs, Canfield's tenacity was evident throughout the game. They consistently left runners on second and third base, a testament to their unwavering spirit and will to win.

While the team struggled a bit against a solid defense, Toth pitched one of the best games of her high school career.. The Buffalo commit was impressive, especially against a Kenton Ridge team with 28 wins. At one point, Toth struck out eight batters in a row.

The Cardinals offense was paced by Ortiz, Marina Koenig and Jenna Triveri who each had two hits.

Canfield's victory propels them to the back-to-back state championship games, a remarkable feat that should fill the community with pride. They will play at 3:30 p.m. Saturday against the Bryan/Circleville winner with their eyes on their second state championship in school history.

Kenton Ridge had a fantastic season and looks to rebound this off-season to be one of the best teams in Ohio once again next year.