by TIME TO SHOP!
North Ridgeville, OH: There is always talk about how hard it is to beat a team three times in the same season, but Medina did just that, taking down rival Strongsville 3-2 in Friday’s District Championship. With the score tied at two in the sixth, Alex Rosetti scored the eventual game-winning run on an errant throw from the right fielder.
The Mustangs came out of the gate hot, with junior Murphy Kelley starting things with a lead-off double. After a sacrifice bunt moved him to third, Kelley scored on a wild pitch to give Strongsville an early 1-0 lead. Medina had base runners of their own in the first two innings, but were unable to push a run across.
Leading off the fourth inning, Tommy Farkas laced a double to left-center field and advanced to third on a failed pick-off attempt. A single from Faris Thabata scored Farkas, but the Bees’ senior pitcher, Nolan Frank, was able to get out of the inning without any more damage.
Trailing 2-0, the Bees’ offense came alive in the bottom of the fourth. Luka Pagura got things started by drawing a walk and advancing on a failed throwback attempt by the catcher. A one-out fielder’s choice by Alex Rosetti brought in Pagura to draw Medina closer at 2-1.
Brian Wuchter got the home half of the fifth going with a lead-off double. With two outs, Luka Pagura came through again, punching a double into the outfield that scored Wuchter and tied the game 2-2.
Farkas kicked off the sixth by reaching second on a throwing error, but reliever Brayden Smigel retired the next three Mustangs in order.
With two outs in the bottom of the sixth, Alex Rosetti reached first on a throwing error by the shortstop. Up came River Blomquist, who hit a single to right field. As Rosetti rounded second, the right fielder threw the ball towards third base, but it sailed over the fence, scoring Rosetti and giving the Bees a 3-2 lead.
Riding the momentum swing of the previous inning, Smigel retired the final three hitters in order, giving Medina a 3-2 victory and their second district title in the last three seasons.
Up Next
The Bees will look to keep their hot streak rolling next Wednesday when they square off with Canton Glenoak in the Regional Semifinals. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 pm at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium in Canton.
Top Performers
Strongsville Mustangs
Murphy Kelley: 2-3 2B R
Tommy Farkas: 1-2 2B R
Faris Thabata: 1-3 RBI
Medina Bees
Luka Pagura: 1-2 2B RBI R
Brian Wuchter: 1-4 2B R
Alex Rosetti: 1-3 R
|
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
5th |
6th |
7th |
R |
H |
|
| Strongsville |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
| Medina |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
X |
3 |
7 |
