
Parkston Rays begin amateur baseball title defense looking to build on 2025 breakthrough
Parkston Rays begin their title defense in 2025 amateur baseball season after last year's championship win.
Fifteen standout players are highlighted for the upcoming high school baseball postseason, showcasing talent from the area. Key performances and team standings are noted as the playoffs approach.
Mentioned in this story
Jacobie Balo tries to tag out a runner at second base during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Nick Bernath is all smiles after getting an inning-ending strikeout during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Caiden Wiseman, of Millersport, fires a pitch during a 10-0 loss to Rosecrans in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Hayden Perdue takes a throw at first base during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Fifteen area players have been identified as key talents to watch during the high school baseball postseason.
Teams from the Mid-State League-Cardinal Division, including Rosecrans and Millersport, are among those competing in the postseason.
The high school baseball postseason typically begins in late May, following the conclusion of the regular season.
The Rosecrans vs. Millersport game was significant as it resulted in a 10-0 victory for Rosecrans, keeping them tied atop the division standings.

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Caiden Wiseman throws a pitch for Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game against host Rosecrans on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Owen Everitt catches a pop fly during Millersport's 10-0 loss against host Rosecrans in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Millerport shortstop Owen Everitt, left, watches as Nick Yingling catches a pop up duringa 10-0 loss against host Rosecrans in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Carter Fitz takes a lead off first base during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Millersport coach Bob Barker convenes with his team during a 10-0 loss against host Rosecrans in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Jacobie Balo talks to an assistant coach during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Nick Bernath throws a pitch during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Nick Bernath, let, and Hayden Perdue pursue a ground ball during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Nick Bernath takes a throw at first base for an out during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Nick Bernath, left, and catcher Frankie Palandrani share a light moment during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Nick Bernath throws a pitch during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Caiden Wiseman throws a pitch during Millersport's 10-0 loss against host Rosecrans in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Cash Inman, of Millersport, chases a fly ball during a 10-0 loss against host Rosecrans in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Cash Inman goes after a loose ball in left field during Millersport's 10-0 loss against host Rosecrans in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Haiden Omen lays down a bunt during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Haiden Omen tries to leg out an infield hit during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Haiden Omen tries to leg out an infield hit during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Nick Bernath slides into third base as Carson Large lays down the tag during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Carter Fitz, left, and Hayden Perdue convene at third base in a break in play during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Nick Bernath slides safely into third base as Carson Large lays down the tag during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division high school baseball game on Thursday, May 8, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. Rosecrans remained tied for first place in the division after the win.
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Jacobie Balo tries to tag out a runner at second base during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Jacobie Balo tries to tag out a runner at second base during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Nick Bernath is all smiles after getting an inning-ending strikeout during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Caiden Wiseman, of Millersport, fires a pitch during a 10-0 loss to Rosecrans in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Hayden Perdue takes a throw at first base during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Caiden Wiseman throws a pitch for Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game against host Rosecrans on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Owen Everitt catches a pop fly during Millersport's 10-0 loss against host Rosecrans in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Millerport shortstop Owen Everitt, left, watches as Nick Yingling catches a pop up duringa 10-0 loss against host Rosecrans in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Carter Fitz takes a lead off first base during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Millersport coach Bob Barker convenes with his team during a 10-0 loss against host Rosecrans in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Jacobie Balo talks to an assistant coach during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Nick Bernath throws a pitch during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Nick Bernath, let, and Hayden Perdue pursue a ground ball during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Nick Bernath takes a throw at first base for an out during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Nick Bernath, left, and catcher Frankie Palandrani share a light moment during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Nick Bernath throws a pitch during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Caiden Wiseman throws a pitch during Millersport's 10-0 loss against host Rosecrans in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Cash Inman, of Millersport, chases a fly ball during a 10-0 loss against host Rosecrans in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Cash Inman goes after a loose ball in left field during Millersport's 10-0 loss against host Rosecrans in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Haiden Omen lays down a bunt during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Haiden Omen tries to leg out an infield hit during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Haiden Omen tries to leg out an infield hit during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Nick Bernath slides into third base as Carson Large lays down the tag during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Carter Fitz, left, and Hayden Perdue convene at third base in a break in play during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
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Nick Bernath slides safely into third base as Carson Large lays down the tag during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division high school baseball game on Thursday, May 8, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. Rosecrans remained tied for first place in the division after the win.
The postseason has arrived for high school baseball teams in Ohio.
Here are some local players to watch as teams aim for deep runs.
Players are listed alphabetically.
Ansel, arguably the best two-way player in the Muskingum Valley League, has produced multiple hits in six of his last eight games currently leads the Tornadoes with a .441 batting average, .548 on-base percentage and 14 stolen bases.
On the hill, he's posted a 1.74 ERA in 12 appearances as a relief pitcher. He has 47 strikeouts in 48 1/3 innings as West takes a 13-12 record into Division IV postseason play.
Balo, a junior, was hitting a team-high .481 and paced the team with a .554 on-base percentage and 17 steals after a 9-8 win against Maysville on May 13. He trails only slugger Hayden Perdue for the team lead in RBIs (26).
On the mound, he has a 4-1 record and 0.88 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 32 innings.
In no small coincidence, the Bishops are 14-5 with a No. 2 seed in the Division VII East District tournament.
Jacobie Balo tries to tag out a runner at second base during Rosecrans' 10-0 win against visiting Millersport in a Mid-State League-Cardinal Division baseball game on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Gant Municipal Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio. The Bishops remain tied atop the division standings with the win.
Cashdollar has piled up 44 RBIs β almost two per game βwith a .370 average as the main source of production for the 20-6 Generals' lineup under coach Josh Coleman. His 14 doubles lead the team and his 30 hits are second.
They have been the linchpins on a strong Generals staff for coach Chad Lahna, standing nose-to-nose with some of the best lineups in a hardscrabble Inter-Valley Conference.
While Croy has more innings (46 2/3), strikeouts (22) and one less walk (8), Kiser boasts a smaller ERA (1.94) and still has 39 2/3 innings and 21 strikeouts to nine walks. Combined, they've helped lead the Generals to a 17-9 record.
The 9-11 Panthers, seeded 11th in the Division IV East District, haven't exactly been an offensive juggernaut with a .277 team slugging percentage. But the sophomore Fisher has bucked the trend with a 1.004 OPS that is 126 points higher than his closest teammate.
He has been an on-base machine at a .575 clip, which includes 11 times having been hit by a pitch and 20 other times via walk, while he has struck out just eight times in 87 at-bats. He is tied for the team lead with 27 runs scored.
Lamonica, hitting lead-off in 2026, is batting only .325 but leads the Scotties with 11 extra-base hits and is tied with Isaiah Cullins for the team lead with 24 RBIs. His four homers are more than any other MVL player.
He is bidding to be a rare three-sport All-Ohioan as the Scotties enter East District play at 14-10.
The veteran lefty ranks third on the Electrics, now 15-10, with 21 RBIs and has one of the team's two homers, but his biggest contribution has come on the mound.
He has a team-best 0.90 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings. After walking 10 in 7 2/3 innings as a junior, he has only 16 in 2026 in more than three times as many innings. At first base, he has only three errors in 83 chances.
Jack Lincicome throws a runner out from his back after making a diving stop during Philo's 12-2 loss to host Sheridan on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Reading Township, Ohio. Lincicome is one of multiple key returners for an Electrics squad aiming to compete for a top spot in the Muskingum Valley League-Small School Division.
McQueen, who is committed to Division II Walsh, is thriving in his third sport of his senior season. Has been a consistent defender as the team's shortstop and versatile run producer (.329 avg., 3 HR, 24 RBIs, 10 XBH) in the No. 3 hole as the Generals hope to build on their 17-9 record through May 14.
Norris leads the Blue Devils in hits (28), RBIs (14) and is second in average (.346) and runs (15), while his nine steals also paces the team.
The Blue Devils improved to 10-13 and snapped a six-game losing streak with a 14-13 win at Morgan on May 14 and are looking to surprise in the Division III East District tournament.
Thompson has a .554 on-base percentage and a 2.26 ERA in 40 1/3 innings for a 6-11 Ceramics team that is 3-3 in their last six games. He is second behind Kyson Riggs with a .359 average.
He tossed a two-hitter with nine strikeouts against Millersport on May 11 and a three-hitter in a 4-1 win against Meadowbrook on April 28.
Jace Thompson, of Crooksville, fires a pitch to the plate against Morgan on April 2, 2026, in McLuney, Ohio. Morgan won, 6-5.
The veteran Tom, part of a hardscrabble bunch of Electric seniors, leads the team in batting average (.412), on-base percentage (.539), homers (1), doubles (8) and steals (13), while committing only five errors with a .930 fielding percentage.
Philo has won six of seven games, including a 7-3 nonleague conquest of Indian Valley on May 12. It is seeded sixth entering the Division IV East District tournament, where the Braves are No. 1.
The Ohio Wesleyan recruit has been a consistent performer for the Generals, serving as the team's most consistent pitcher (6-1, 3.18 ERA, 36 Ks) and a catalyst at the top of the order (.392 avg., team-high 31 hits). He entered May 14 with a .550 on-base percentage and struck out just 10 times in 110 at-bats.
The MVL-Big School champions take a 20-5 record into Division III East/Southeast District play.
Noah Wamer fires a pitch during Sheridan's 12-2 win against visiting Philo on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Reading Township,. Ohio. Sheridan remained unbeaten in Muskingum Valley League play.
Werntz has enjoyed some big moments at the plate, but his biggest impact has came on the mound, where the lefty has a 2.59 ERA in eight starts with a team-best 60 strikeouts in 46 innings. He also has a homer and 11 RBIs with a .382 on-base percentage.
The combination of Wood in the middle of the order and Parker Loomis at the top has a good one for Coshocton much of the year as it enters Division V East District play at 11-14.
Wood entered the weekend batting .425 with a homer and team-high 33 RBIs while hitting .468 with runners in scoring position. He has 13 extra-base hits and is slugging .621.
He also leads the team in innings (56), strikeouts (65) and fewest walks issued among starters (18).
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Fifteen area players to watch this high school baseball postseason