Down go the defending champs

Shadyside has prided itself all season on its pitching staff — especially with three no-hitters and a perfect game to its resume — heading into Monday’s Division IV East district semifinal.

The Tigers’ top three pitchers were on full display, holding defending champion and top-seeded Toronto to just three hits during an 11-3 victory.

“The mindset was to come here and leave no doubt in anybody’s mind,” Shadyside head coach Shawn Selmon said. “That is an absolute quality baseball team over there, and I wish them the best in the future. But, it is nice (to win) because Toronto has been the top dog for a long, long time. They’ll continue to be up there. It’s just we have a very talented baseball team, and they’re enjoying themselves right now.”

No. 3 seed Shadyside (21-6) advances to the district final Wednesday against second-seeded Hiland, who defeated Shenandoah, 2-0.

Clinging to a slim 2-0 advantage after four innings, the Tigers got on a roll and scored nine during the final three frames, including a five-run fifth that gave them all of the momentum.

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