Photo by Holly Tonini - Observer Reporter Youngstown's Maddox Yost slides past Washington's Jonah Williamson at home plate to score a run Tuesday evening in the PONY League World Series tournament.

WASHINGTON, Pa. — On Tuesday evening, the PONY League World Series team from Youngstown made history.

In an 11-0 mercy-rule win over Washington County, the host team for the Dick’s Sporting Goods PONY League World Series, Youngstown became the first Ohio team since 1997 to reach the series championship.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for the boys,” said Youngstown manager Dom Triveri. “Every game, the bats were going. The pitchers were throwing two- and three-hitters. Hats off to these guys. They’ve been working really hard.”

Youngstown took down Washington County 10-2 on Saturday and then squeaked past Bayamon, Puerto Rico 4-1 on Sunday.

Tuesday’s game lasted five innings because of the mercy rule, which was soothing in a way for Washington County fans who sat through a slight drizzle throughout the game.

Youngstown fans didn’t care though. Not only did they have an easy game, their team is going to the finals of the tournament for the first time since 1955. Interestingly, that was the year Washington won its only title and beat Youngstown in the same game.

Washington County went 2-2 in the series, losing twice to Youngstown, the Host Area runner-up, by a combined score of 19-2.

“Defensively, it was tough,” said Washington County manager Ben Miller. “I think in 2019, people thought we were lucky to beat London and then California. This team showed that Washington County can compete on a national and global level. This just confirms what I thought. If these boys continue to trend upward, we’re going to have good things happen. I’m very proud of these guys.”

Youngstown took control of the game in the first inning, scoring four times on five hits. Anthony Triveri singled to lead off. Jacob Hayes singled Triveri to second base and Hunter Garvin smacked a single to center, scoring Triveri and Hayes. Carter Wilson also singled to center and Quinn Meola doubled in Garvin. Wilson scored on a wild pitch, one of four in the inning.

Triveri said he doesn’t care what team they play in the finals, scheduled for 6 p.m. at Lew Hays Pony Field in Washington Park.

“We’re just happy to be here,” Triveri said. “We’ll take whoever they throw at us.”

Garvin knocked in four runs and scored twice while going 2-for-3. Hayes went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs. Jake Rynd went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run.

Garvin threw four shutout innings, allowing two hits and striking out five. The only negative was the six walks Garvin allowed.