Mustangs edge Panthers in N-O opener

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Julian Woodworth lays down a bunt for Medina during the Mustangs win over Newfane at Vets Park this evening.
Two late inning runs proved to be just enough as Medina opened defense of its Niagara-Orleans League baseball title with a 2-0 win over Newfane at Vets Park this evening.
Back-to-back run producing singles by Aidan Paul and winning pitcher Zach Fike in the bottom of the fifth inning provided all the offense Medina would need. A two-out double by Xander Payne ignited the decisive uprising.
Fike pitched the first six innings allowing only 1 hit and striking out 9. Payne came on to pitch the seventh and retired the Panthers in order with 1 strikeout.
Medina’s only other big scoring threat came in the second inning as Brody Fry doubled to leadoff the frame and Julian Woodworth followed up with a bunt single. However, Newfane pitcher Brady Harrington got out of the jam by registering three clutch strikeouts as the Mustangs stranded runners at second and third. He had a total of 9 strikeouts.
Medina will next visit Newfane at 4:45 p.m. Friday.
In one other N-O game, Wilson nipped Barker 2-1.