New Albany Baseball Triumphs to Reach State Final Behind Bryson Gittins' Strong Performance

CANTON – The New Albany Eagles showcased their hitting prowess and pitching excellence on June 12, securing a spot in the Division II state final for the second year in a row. With a total of nine hits from seven players, the Eagles defeated Harrison 4-1 at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium, led by the impressive performance of junior pitcher Bryson Gittins.

“Our coach [Michael Sandman] talks about ‘A swings,’ so any time I go up to the [batter’s] box, I am just looking for a pitch I can hit well,” said senior designated hitter Justin Speert. He contributed significantly to the victory, along with junior outfielder Mason Ackermann, as both players recorded two hits each. The Eagles (25-7) are set to face either Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit or North Canton Hoover in the state final on June 13 at 7 p.m. at 17 Credit Union Park in Akron.

New Albany last competed in a state final in 2021, when they claimed the Division I title. Sandman remarked on the team’s ability to adapt throughout the season, noting, “It explains our season in a nutshell – different guys stepping up at different times.” The Eagles were able to score in both the first and second innings, with junior first baseman Carson Skinner crossing home plate due to a bases-loaded walk and Speert scoring on a sacrifice fly by Caden Kistner.

The Eagles put pressure on Harrison’s starting pitcher, Xander Loos, in the third inning, loading the bases and scoring two more runs through a sacrifice fly and an RBI single from Speert. “I wanted to attack early in the count,” Speert explained. “I swung when I saw the ball well and found some holes.”

Harrison (14-11), which made its first appearance in the state tournament, managed to score a run in the fifth inning, but it was not enough to overcome the Eagles' lead. Gittins' pitching was instrumental in the victory; he became the first New Albany pitcher to achieve a 10-0 record in a season, striking out eight batters while allowing just five hits over 97 pitches.

“I completely lost my curveball in my last game, but I found it today,” Gittins shared. “I just figured out along the way that every inning, I might have to rely on something different.” New Albany has been a formidable defensive team, not allowing more than a single run in their last nine games, which includes three shutouts. This latest win also offered a sense of redemption after last year’s heartbreaking semifinal loss on the same field.