What a season!
The North Royalton Varsity Baseball team had a successful 2021 campaign. With an overall record of 21-9, they were the Suburban League Champions, capturing the Division One Sectional/District Baseball Championship. They also defeated state-ranked Brecksville three times during the season. Those are accomplishments that will be talked about for years to come.
The season ended in the Regional semi-final round at Louisville High School. Mayfield defeated the Bears 6-0, but that loss should not take away from thrills that the Bears provided to their fellow students, parents and fans.
The post-season began with the Bears hosting Cleveland Rhodes High School. North Royalton scored early and often as they blanked the Rams 16-0. Junior pitcher Gavin Jones pitched a five-inning no-hitter, striking out 11.
The District Tournament was played at Barberton High School.
In the semi-final round, the Bears defeated Westlake 14-2. The Bears scored in every inning and put the game away when they scored five runs in the top of the sixth.
North Royalton had 20 hits in the game and scored in every inning. Vince Koprowski, Bryce Goloja and Nate Sprecher each had four hits in the game. Jones started on the mound and went two innings before turning it over to freshman Brady Sasse, who pitched four innings allowing only two hits and one run.
That win set up another match-up with Brecksville, a third meeting between the Bears and the Bees. North Royalton trailed 3-2 heading into the sixth. The Bears scored a run in the sixth to tie it and two in the seventh to win it.
The Bears had eight hits in the game. Sprecher and Chris Domke each managed two hits for the Bears. Domke added two RBI’s.
Jones started the game for the Bears and pitched the first five innings. Tyler Jenkins relieved Jones and was brilliant, going two innings allowing one hit and no runs in wrapping up the 5-3 win.
Bears head coach Matt Stricker said, “It was a pleasure to coach the team. It was an awesome ride and a lot of fun especially knowing what we’ve been through this year and knowing what we went through last year.”
The three wins against Brecksville will be remembered, especially how the Bears rallied in all three games to win. “Playing your rival brings out the best in both teams. It’s a good rivalry between North Royalton and Brecksville. It has been going on for a long time,” said Coach Stricker. “We are a gritty team and always seemed to find a way to get it done.”
The Bears will lose eight seniors, including their starting outfield of Bryce Goloja, Killian O’Callahan and Cole Huzl. Plus, first basemen Nate Sprecher and relief pitcher Tyler Jenkins will graduate. Coming back next year will be pitcher Gavin Jones, infielders Andrew Korton, Vince Koprowski and Chris Domke and catcher Frank Audino.
Thanks for the ride. Can’t wait for next season!

By JOE JASTRZEMSKI
Contributing Writer