'A big one to put under our belt': Hoban seniors earn first baseball win over Walsh Jesuit

CUYAHOGA FALLS — Archbishop Hoban's Class of 2024 will graduate as one of the most decorated in the school's baseball history.

Hoban's seniors played key roles on the 2021 state title and 2022 state runner-up teams.

There was, however, one large hole in the Knight seniors' resume: A win over rival Walsh Jesuit.

"We were 0-3 coming into the year," said Hoban coach Derek Carmichael. "Our senior class has done a lot — winning a state title and state runner-up — but beating Walsh is something we haven't done."

Thanks to ace Noah LaFine and some timely power hitting, Hoban's goose egg is gone.

LaFine pitched six scoreless innings, leading the Knights (13-4) to a 7-3 over the host Warriors (12-5) on Thursday.

"We feel really confident when Noah is pitching. We know he's a competitor," Carmichael said. "There is a little peace for us on offense, knowing the guy on the mound is going to keep throwing zeroes. We can be a little more aggressive at the plate when No. 14 has the baseball."

LaFine wasn't perfect, however, as he had to walk a fine line on a couple of occasions. The Vanderbilt recruit walked the bases loaded in both the first and third innings, but got strikeouts in each inning to end it.

"I got a little wild," LaFine said. "I knew I had to strike out the next dude to keep my team in the game. I did it twice with base loaded. I think that's what gave me the confidence to go and win it."

LaFine (2-0) allowed two hits and six walks, while striking out seven.

"You've got got to give Noah credit," said Walsh Jesuit coach Joe Bowers. "He pitched his butt off tonight. That was a big part of it. Our guys are young. Maybe the lights were too bright and we didn't have them prepared for that kind of pitcher. We've seen about four or five D-I arms in the last week, so I thought we'd be prepared."

"This is a big rivalry," LaFine said. "Especially for us seniors, who never beat them, it's a big one to put under our belt now. This is a big game for momentum."

The bottom of Hoban's lineup did most of the damage.

Andrew Karhoff opened the second inning with his first home home run of year, blasting a solo shot to center. Justice Buckner followed with an RBI double and Leo Wilson added an RBI single.

Karhoff, who finished 2 for 3 with two RBIs and two runs, also drew a base-loaded walk in the fifth inning.

Buckner, who hit his own solo homer in the sixth inning, finished 2 for 4 with two RBIs and three runs. Michael Ciavolella and Breyan Stewart added RBI singles for Hoban.

After LaFine left the game, Walsh found its offense in the bottom of the seventh. An RBI single by Ryan Clark and two errors allowed Walsh to cut its deficit to 7-3.

However, Hoban closer Will Givens came on and retired three straight Warriors to end the rally.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Ace Noah LaFine leads Hoban baseball to victory over Walsh Jesuit