Struthers, OH - The Steel Valley Devil Rays (25-4) continued their dynastic run, capturing their seventh league championship after defeating Village Tavern three games to one in a best-of-five series.

Leading the way was Jarrett Orbin, who earned League Championship Series MVP honors following two stellar outings on the mound. Orbin threw a combined 12.2 innings, allowing just nine hits while striking out 12 batters and picking up two wins in the series.

As they had all season, the Rays’ offense delivered from top to bottom, with clutch performances and timely hitting throughout the lineup.

In Game 2, Trevor Foster powered the Rays to victory with a dominant showing at the plate, going 3-for-4 with 4 RBIs, 2 doubles, and a home run. Payton Zupko also joined the power surge, launching a home run of his own.

In the title-clinching Game 4, it was Jeff Hosey who came through in the clutch, delivering a massive two-out, two-RBI single in the fifth inning to break the game wide open and swing momentum firmly in the Rays’ favor.

Notable Offensive Performances – League Championship Series:

• Derek Morrison: 6-for-14 (.428), 2 RBIs, 3 SBs, 7 Runs
• Scott McDermott: 6-for-9 (.667), 1 Double, 1 RBI, 3 Runs
• Dylan Duchek: 6-for-14 (.428), 3 Doubles, 1 Triple, 6 RBIs, 4 Runs
• Andrew Kendrick: 5-for-9 (.555), 2 Doubles, 5 RBIs, 2 SBs, 3 Runs
• Ryan Cheslik: 5-for-9 (.555), 1 RBI

The Rays’ combination of dominant pitching, relentless offense, and championship experience proved too much for Village Tavern to overcome. With their seventh title now secured, Steel Valley further cements its status as the league’s premier franchises.

Struthers, OH - In the semifinals, the Devil Rays met tougher resistance in the Avalanche, needing all three games to advance.

Game 1 featured a pivotal performance from Andrew Kendrick, who went 2-for-2 with a grand slam. Trevor Foster also added two hits, while Jarrett Orbin dominated on the mound with eight strikeouts over five innings to earn the win.

After dropping Game 2, Steel Valley responded in a big way in the decisive Game 3, exploding for 16 runs.

Ryan Cheslik, Spencer Woolley, and Derek Morrison each went 2-for-3 with multiple RBIs to put the game out of reach. Mike Nuzzo earned the win in relief, closing the door and punching the Rays’ ticket to the finals.

Boardman, OH - The Devil Rays’ playoff campaign has been nothing short of explosive, powered by a relentless offensive attack and timely pitching.

In the quarterfinal round, Steel Valley faced the Red Wings and made quick work of the series, winning 16-0 and 12-0 in back-to-back blowouts.

In Game 1, Spencer Woolley led the charge, going a perfect 3-for-3 with four RBIs. Andrew Cupan added a 2-for-3 effort at the plate, while veteran Matt DeSalvo secured the win on the mound.

Game 2 saw another offensive explosion. Dylan Duchek and Woolley both went 2-for-3 with three RBIs each, while Andrew Kendrick and Brett Pitzer each launched home runs to cap off the sweep.

Liberty, OH - The Devil Rays opened their 2025 campaign in electrifying fashion, riding the arm of Matt DeSalvo to a 15-1 win over the Spiders on Opening Day. DeSalvo was untouchable in his season debut, throwing a no-hitter over five innings while striking out seven.

The Devil Rays’ offense came out swinging with contributions up and down the lineup. Derek Morrison, Dylan Duchek, Ray Hill, and Willy Ellesin each tallied two hits.

Koby Zupko wasted no time picking up where he left off in 2024, launching a towering two-run homer over the center field fence. His first of the 2025 season.

Scott McDermott earned his first career managerial win with the Devil Rays. The new skipper also added a hit at the plate, going 1-for-1 in a memorable debut both as a manager and player.

Youngstown, OH - We are proud to celebrate the achievements of four of our standout players who were recognized with league honors. 

Derek Morrison - MVP

Morrison's all-around excellence made him a clear choice for MVP. Derek lead the league in critical offensive categories and is elite on the basepaths. Derek accompanied his offensive star power with phenomenal defense in centerfield. 

Koby Zupko - Offensive Player of the Year

Zupko's first year with the team was one to remember. Koby registered a .440 batting average and tied the single season home run record with nine homers during the regular season. He added another round tripper in the playoffs to finish his campaign with 10 in total. Hitting out of the two-hole, Koby also drove in 30 runs and stole 18 bases.

Matt DeSalvo - Pitcher of the Year

DeSalvo was lights out yet again for the Rays. He posted a perfect 9-0 record on the hill while recording 54 strikeouts and only allowing 10 walks. Opponents struggled to find success against him, batting just .185 overall.

Dylan Duchek - Gold Glove

The three-time MVP continues to add to his resume, earning his third career Gold Glove award. The Rays' shortstop recorded a .950 fielding percentage on 71 total chances. Duchek also turned nine double plays with his counterpart, providing elite defense all season long. 

Austintown, OH - The Steel Valley Devil Rays (30-3) cemented their dynasty status by capturing their sixth league championship, defeating Natty Ice 10-2 in game 5 of the League Championship Series. In a display of grit, and championship pedigree, the Rays clawed back from a daunting 0-2 series deficit by winning three straight elimination games, comepleting a remarkable comeback.

Andrew Kendrick and Ray Hill were named LCS MVPs.