Bloom-Carroll's Alvelo breaks strikeout record

CARROLL – Records are meant to be broken, and when it is state record, it takes on a lot more meaning.

Bloom-Carroll senior pitcher Taran Alvelo has accomplished so many things in her illustrious career, but on Monday, she moved herself to the top of the strikeout list in the state of Ohio.

Alvelo had 14 strikeouts in the Bulldogs' 11-4 win over Logan Elm, and with that, she now has 1,383 career strikeouts, which moved her to No. 1 on the all-time career strikeout list.

Alvelo passed Rocky River's Leah Black, who had 1,381 career strikeouts from 1996-1999.

"The record was always in the back of mind and it is something I dreamed about," Alvelo said. "Regardless of any of the other awards I've won, this is at the top of the list for me.

"It has made my whole career because I've not only left my mark on Bloom-Carroll softball, but the whole state of Ohio. It just means a lot."

Alvelo — was selected as a preseason USA Today first team All-American — now has 99 career wins in the circle and has a chance to become the state's career wins leader, as well. Molly Benz of Kenton Ridge holds the record with 108 and North Canton Hoover's Jessica Simpson has 103.

Alvelo, who is considered the top pitcher in the country, has signed with the University of Washington. She is a three-time first team All-Ohio honoree. In 2014, she was named the state Gatorade Player of the Year and was the national runner-up for the award. She was also selected as a first-team All-American by StudentSportsSoftball.com.

She has helped lead the Bulldogs to three consecutive Division III state finals, including 2014 where she pitched 13 2/3 innings of no-hit ball but lost on an unearned run in the 14th inning. She finished with a state tournament record 24 strikeouts.

Alvelo led Bloom-Carroll to the 2013 Division III state championship and a runner-up finish in 2012. She had 1,111 career strikeouts heading into this season. She now has 272 this season.

Alvelo finished with 10 no-hitters in 2014 and had 16 shutouts. She threw five shutouts in seven tournament games in 2014, including back-to-back no-hitters in a district final and regional semifinal.

Alvelo has also hit 37 career home runs, which ranks third all time in the state. The record is 45.

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