The Boardman Spartans showed patience is a virtue Tuesday beating Lake High School in extra innings in a Division 1 Canton District semifinal game.

In the 1-0 win, starting pitcher Gavin Hyde picked up the win, throwing eight innings and picking up seven strikeouts while only allowing four hits and dishing out two free passes.

Coach Joseph Gabriel said Hyde has been the team’s go-to all season.

“He pitched his tail off. He’s been our guy all year and he was last year. He keeps getting better. We’ve been riding him and he’s a competitor,” Gabriel said.

“You’re gonna have to beat him because he won’t beat himself often.”

Griffin Widrig earned the save as he threw a perfect 9th inning with one strikeout. Gabriel said he felt confident with Widrig on the bump.

“I told (the team) to get ready and close this thing out,” he said.

The lone run for Boardman came from a Hyde single to right field in the top of the ninth inning which scored pinch runner Adam Konnerth from second.

As the game moved into the later innings and into extras, Gabriel told his team to stay focused.

“I said we have to keep staying positive and keep playing away and make something happen,” he said.

Boardman will take on North Canton Hoover in the district championship game Thursday at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium.

Gabriel said his squad is looking forward to the challenge.

“We’re excited to move to the next game and see if we can get a district championship,” he said.

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