​BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) – In a dramatic comeback, Canfield 12U edged past Boardman 3-2 to force an “If-Game” in the championship of the 2026 Ohio District 2 Baseball Tournament. The tense contest remained scoreless through the first three innings before Boardman struck first with a two-run rally in the bottom of the third.
With the bases loaded, Kylar Diaz delivered a two-run single that cleared the bags and gave Boardman a 2-0 lead, heightening the pressure on Canfield. However, the Canfield squad answered immediately in the top of the fourth. Blake Himes came through with a two-run single that plated two teammates and set off a momentum shift as Canfield moved in front, 3-2.
The Canfield defense then stabilized, and Cam Brown came up clutch for Canfield by stranding two Boardman baserunners in the bottom of the sixth inning, preventing any further scoring and preserving the one-run advantage. Brown’s work on the mound was critical in the late innings as Canfield managed to hold on in a double-elimination format, remaining alive in the tournament.
As a result of the comeback win, Canfield LL earned a rematch against Boardman, set for Friday, July 10 at 6 p.m. The winner of that decisive game will advance to the 12U Little League State Tournament, scheduled to run from July 18-24 in Boardman, with competition taking place at the Fields of Dreams.
This matchup marks a pivotal moment for both teams as they vie for a spot in the state tournament, underscoring the depth and competitiveness of the 12U division in Ohio District 2 baseball. The victory for Canfield was a testament to timely hitting, clutch pitching, and resilient defense, all essential elements that have defined the tournament thus far.
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