Toronto's Perkins hits win #400 News, Sports, Jobs

A BIG START – The Toronto baseball team will celebrate coach Brian Perkins reaching his 400th victory after beating Oak Glen on Wednesday. – Contributed

TORONTO – Every win is good, but a big one is really special.

The Toronto baseball team and head coach Brian Perkins had one of the most notable victories against Oak Glen.

The Red Knights plated three runs in the bottom of the first inning and never looked back en route to an 8-0 shutout of the Golden Bears on Wednesday night at the Knight Baseball Complex.

The win was Toronto's seventh of the season and Perkins' 400th career win.

“The boys played very well” Perkins said. “We have really good approaches at the plate. Philby played a great game and had a good defense behind him.”

The Gem City boys had won their first five games of the season before suffering their first loss on Saturday. Toronto bounced back from a Triway loss to beat United at home on Monday before beating Oak Glen.

“We had one bad inning against Triway at the prep baseball complex,” Perkins said. “We improved that day. Playing against good competition will make you better. We always take this approach. We won the last two games.”

Bad weather has affected many games so far this season. The Red Knights and Golden Bears were originally scheduled to play in Oak Glen, but the game was moved to Toronto this afternoon.

“I'm glad we can go out and play.” Perkins said.

Aiden Fleabee got the win for Toronto (7-1). Philby struck out six and walked four in six innings of work. Cole Barkus finished seventh. Barkus struck out three and walked one.

The Hancock County boys used two pitchers in the game.

Josh Maher started and suffered the loss for the Golden Bears. Maher pitched four innings. He walked two and did not record a hit. Bryce Cooper pitched the final two innings. Cooper recorded no hits and three walks.

After three runs in the first, the home team scored three more in the fourth and two more in the fifth.

Offensively, Toronto beat Oak Glen, 7-2.

Philby led the offense for the Red and White with a single, two doubles and two RBIs. Blake Close also had a single and an RBI, Dom Bauscher, Russ Dickinson and Nolan Dickinson each had a base hit and Barkus contributed an RBI.

Cam Carter doubled for the Golden Bears and Maher singled.

“I think they did,” Perkins said he asked his players before the game if they knew about the milestone. “After the game, Blake Close – the first baseman – flipped me the ball. It was very important for me what an old brother said. It's nice that they can share it. It was a special evening.”

After the game, Perkins was able to reflect on his career thus far.

“After the game I sat down and thought about it.” Perkins said. “It means a lot. When I look back and reflect on my career, I've been fortunate to coach a lot of great players and I've been fortunate to work with a lot of great coaches throughout my career. This is very special. It gave me a trip down memory lane, which was fun.”

Perkins spent the last 31 years as a coach in Toronto.

Perkins is a 1989 graduate of East Liverpool and played four years of baseball at West Liberty.

“I was part of the team that went to the College World Series in 1990.” Perkins said. “West Liberty has only done it twice. It was really cool to do that.”

Perkins began his career as an assistant coach in Toronto before taking over the program from Matt Morrison. Perkins has been the head coach of the Red Knights since 2005.

“It was my first job.” Perkins talked about coaching in Toronto. “It was my first job out of college, and I never left.”

As a child, Perkins dreamed of becoming a teacher and coach, a dream he has pursued for the past 31 years.

“I've always been passionate about athletics” Perkins said. “I've always wanted to make an impact on kids. Even when I went back to school, I knew I wanted to be a coach and teacher. I am happy to have fulfilled my dream. It's been a great time so far.”

In the last 31 years, some things have changed and others have not.

“The game is the same” Perkins said. “Children are the same. I am fortunate to have spent my career in Toronto. They understand me. Children know what to expect. I've been fortunate enough to coach a lot of great kids. It has been a great experience to be a part of the Toronto community and schools.”

Perkins learned a lot about the game from Morrison.

“Matt and I played together at West Liberty, and we started at the same time in Toronto,” Perkins said. “I learned a lot about baseball from Matt Morrison. He is still one of my best friends. Matt Morrison has been a huge influence on my career.”

Toronto holds a special place in Perkins' heart.

“If I had to sum it up, I would say it's because of the great support of the school administration and the community,” he said. Perkins talked about what makes baseball in Toronto special. “The community is embracing baseball. They love sports. We always have a really good crowd if you come to the game. Most importantly, we were supported by the school and society.”

For his career, Perkins is now 400-109.

“I want to thank my wife, Jamie, my son, Zach, and my daughter, Camryn.” Perkins said. “They share me with Toronto. They understand what I need to do. I couldn't do what I do without them. They are very important.”

Perkins has been surrounded by many great players and coaches throughout his career, and those players and coaches have been instrumental in all of his success on the diamond.

“I've been fortunate enough to work with and work with a lot of great coaches.” Perkins said. “Their support and loyalty is very important to me. I've been with a lot of great coaches over the years. I am fortunate to have their support and loyalty. My success is due to them.”

Weather permitting, Toronto will play Boardman tonight at 5 p.m.

Oak Glen plays county rival Weir on the road Friday night at 5 p.m.

Toronto 8, Oak Glen 0

Oak Glen 000 000 0 – 0 2 3

Toronto 300 320 X – 8 7 1

OAK GLEN (2-8): Maher LP (4IP, 6R, 6H, 0K, 2BB), Cooper (2IP, 2R, 1H, 0K, 3BB) and Chappell. Maher S; Carter D

TORONTO (7-1): Filby WP (6IP, 0R, 2H, 6K, 4BB), Barcus (1IP, 0R, 0H, 3K, 1BB) and McGrath. Filby S, 2D, 2RBI; Do it. Boucher S; R. Dickinson S; S, RBI closure; N. Dickinson S; Barcus RBI

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