Medina tops Wellsville in Class B sub regional

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Preston Woodworth went the distance on the mound for Medina in this evening’s 6-2 Class B state playoff Sub Regional win over Wellsville at Newark.

In a repeat of last year’s state playoff opening round victory, Section VI champion Medina downed Section V champion Wellsville 6-2 in the Class B Sub Regional this evening at Colburn Park in Newark.

Last Spring Medina bested Wellsville 8-3 in the Class B Far West Regional.

Tonight’s victory vaults Medina, which improves to 22-1, into the Class B Regional against Section IV champion Oneonta on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Frontier High School in Hamburg.

Run producing hits by Carter Woodworth, Tyler Kroening and Ryleigh Culver provided most of the offense for Medina which managed a total of only 5 hits.

Preston Woodworth turned in a sparkling effort on the mound for the Mustangs allowing only 3 hits and striking out 11.

The Mustangs defensive efforts were highlighted by a double play turned by Kroening in the first inning.

Medina wasted no time in moving on top to stay as Carter Woodworth banged out a two-run single in the top of the first inning. A walk to Vinny Gray and a single by Aidan Papaj set up the opportunity.

The Mustangs doubled the advantage to 4-0 in the fourth inning on a two-run double by Kroening. A walk and an error set up that treat.

Wellsville got on the scoreboard with an unearned run in the bottom of the fourth but Medina got that one back with interest in the top of the fifth.

The Mustangs tallied twice in the fifth on a wild pitch and an RBI single by Culver to up the advantage to 6-1. Preston Woodworth helped himself at the plate in that frame as he led off with a triple and came home on the wild pitch. Then, following a walk and an error, Culver banged out his run producing single.

The Lions picked up a run in the bottom of the sixth on a pair of hits but would get no closer than 6-2.

Preston Woodworth capped off the win in strong fashion by striking out the side in the bottom of the seventh.

Medina advanced to the state playoffs by downing Southwestern 6-0 in the Section VI Class B championship game. Wellsville claimed the Section V Class B title with a 4-3 win over LeRoy.

This is Medina’ third appearance in the state playoffs in the last four years.

Medina pinch runner Ryan Pegelow dives back to first base ahead of the throw to Wellsville’s Karson Grover.

Medina third baseman Carter Woodworth makes a throw to first.

A large crowd of Medina fans made the trip to Newark sitting both in the bleachers, top photo, and along the first base and right field line, lower photo.