Baseball defeats Norwayne in OHSAA District Semifinal
May 28, 2026|Boys Baseball
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Berkshire jumped out early and never let up as the Badgers earned a 6-3 victory over the Norwayne Bobcats in OHSAA Tournament action.
The Badgers wasted no time getting on the board in the opening inning, as Sam Barcikoski led off with a single and later stole second before Berkshire manufactured two runs. Bear Masink delivered an RBI single to right field to score Barcikoski, and Patrick Brancel later stole home to give the Badgers a 2-0 advantage.
Berkshire added three more runs in the third inning to extend the lead to 5-0. Barcikoski started the rally again with a leadoff double before Masink drove in another run with his second RBI single of the game. Christopher Brancel later added an RBI single, while Paden Brent drew a bases-loaded walk to cap the inning.
Norwayne chipped away in the bottom of the third, taking advantage of a passed ball and a dropped third strike to score twice and make it 5-2. However, Berkshire answered again in the sixth inning when Evan Pollock lined an RBI single to right field after Barcikoski advanced around the bases on wild pitches.
Barcikoski led the Badgers offensively, finishing with three hits, including a double, while scoring three runs and swiping multiple bases. Masink added two hits and two RBIs, while Pollock and C. Brancel each collected RBI singles.
On the mound, Barcikoski earned the complete-game victory. He worked through traffic throughout the afternoon and stranded several Norwayne scoring threats, striking out key hitters in big moments to preserve the lead. He finished with seven strikeouts and closed the game with a strikeout in the seventh inning.
The win sets up a rubber match with CVC foe Chagrin Falls in the district championship. The teams split the season series, each winning on the road. The district championship game will take place at Mentor High School on Friday, 5/29 at 5:00 pm. The winner will advance to the OHSAA regional round of 16.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.ohsaa.org/tickets or with cash at the gate.