HILLSDALE COUNTY — After forfeitures and a doubleheader sweep helped shape the final standings, Camden-Frontier, North Adams-Jerome and Pittsford each finished tied atop the division standings to claim a three-way share of the SCAA East championship.
The RedHawks swept rival Litchfield on a Thursday senior night with 11-1 and 12-2 wins, securing a share of the SCAA East Division title and building momentum at the right time.
For Camden-Frontier coach Michael Conant, the finish reflected the steady growth of a group that has developed together over several seasons.
“My seniors mean a lot to me,” Conant said. “I’ve had these kids for four years. They’ve grown through it.”
Junior ace Jayden Martinez led the way in Game 1, allowing just two hits while striking out six to secure the win. He also contributed offensively with three hits, one RBI and one run, continuing a season with more than 50 strikeouts.
Senior Luis Castro‑Thilo finished with three hits and two runs, while fellow senior Weston Word drove in two runs and scored twice. Senior Brayden Bever added an RBI as Camden-Frontier honored Castro‑Thilo, Word, Bever and teammate Jase Murr.
Camden-Frontier carried that momentum into Game 2. Murr contributed with a hit and a run, while Castro‑Thilo delivered one of his most complete outings of the season on the mound. The senior came within one out of a complete game in the six-inning contest, striking out eight and controlling the pace before Litchfield’s Brady Kerr and Bobby Johnson each drove in a run late.
For Castro‑Thilo, the moment carried added weight as his high school career nears its end.
“Knowing that tonight was maybe my last time ever pitching, it was a weird feeling,” Castro‑Thilo said.
Even without finishing the complete game, the outing represented one of his strongest performances of the year.
“I went out in a good way,” Castro‑Thilo said.
Tyler Friskney, Castro‑Thilo and Word each collected a double, while Castro‑Thilo drove in two runs and scored twice. Friskney added two hits, one RBI, two runs and four stolen bases, and Braxton Gary contributed a hit, two runs and three steals. Martinez drove in a run and scored three times, Word added a hit, an RBI and a run, and Talon Groves closed the game on the mound in relief.
Castro‑Thilo said the team’s improvement in approach has made a major difference late in the season.
“When we have fun… we play way better,” he said.
That confidence has carried into the postseason mindset.
“If we play like we did those two games… we can go out there and handle business, Castro-Thilo said.
While inconsistency showed up at times earlier in the year, the RedHawks’ late push helped them secure a share of the division title heading into districts.
Conant said the focus now shifts to tightening small areas ahead of postseason play.
“It’s just little things we have to clean up here and there,” he said. “We’re right there.”
Camden-Frontier now turns its attention to District 118, hosted by Hudson. Hudson enters as a formidable and unfamiliar opponent, posting a 12-9 record after competing in the LCAA. They drop down a division, 3 to 4, this year. The RedHawks will face Hudson in the second semifinal at noon Saturday, May 30.
Pittsford finishes with winning record and a title share
Pittsford will also travel to Hudson after finishing 10-5 overall this season.
The Wildcats’ schedule was shortened after Tekonsha canceled the remainder of its season, resulting in forfeits that helped finalize the conference title share. Even so, Pittsford enters the postseason after a strong performance in its most recent game — a 10-6 win over Colon.
A combination of Ethan Pickford, Jacob Drawe and Ethan Curtis secured the victory on the mound. Curtis struck out five batters over four innings to earn the win. At the plate, Aiden Jones led the effort with a triple, five RBIs, two hits and two runs. Hunter Peiffer added a double with two hits and a run, while Pickford recorded two hits, three runs and one RBI. Curtis contributed a hit, an RBI and two runs, and Drawe scored twice. Pickford and Peiffer continue to lead Pittsford offensively, both carrying slugging percentages above .700 this season.
On the mound, Drawe has led the Wildcats this season with five wins and 73 strikeouts, along with a 3.87 ERA. Curtis has added 40 strikeouts, while Peiffer has recorded 32. Pittsford will face the winner of Waldron and Addison in the first district semifinal at 10 a.m., with the championship game scheduled for 2 p.m.
Roster availability could be a factor, as several Wildcats — including Drawe — are scheduled to compete in the MHSAA track and field state finals on the same day as district play.
North Adams-Jerome repeats as champion
North Adams-Jerome also secured a share of the SCAA East Division title, marking a second consecutive championship season for the program.
First-year head coach Kody Hodshire, who spent seven seasons as an assistant before taking over, said consistency has been the foundation for the Rams throughout the year.
“Consistency is one thing I preach, and we have different strengths this year than we had last year,” Hodshire said earlier this season.
Despite graduating several key contributors from last season, the Rams have relied on both returning players and those stepping into expanded roles. Confidence has also remained a central message for the key returners to the team that will ultimately anchor their district and regional title hopes.
That message has especially applied to standout sophomore Desman Lawless, who has emerged as one of the county’s top players these past two years.
“I really wanted to change my mentality,” Lawless said earlier this season. “I was always unconfident in my at-bat until this year.”
The shift has paid off down the stretch. Lawless finished the regular season 6-0 on the mound and is closing in on 100 strikeouts. He also leads the team offensively with a 1.086 slugging percentage and has accounted for two home runs.
Ryker Campbell has added 38 strikeouts, while senior Conner Arsenault has anchored the defense with 133 putouts and a .993 fielding percentage.
North Adams-Jerome opens postseason play Tuesday, May 26, with a district quarterfinal matchup against Reading at Concord. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
With three teams sharing the top spot, the SCAA East enters the postseason with several contenders to earn a postseason title — but Camden-Frontier, Pittsford and North Adams-Jerome each carry momentum and realistic expectations of extending their seasons.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Hillsdale County baseball teams head into playoffs as co-champions
Reporting by Joseph Flaherty, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
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