Mustangs edge past Tigers in 9 innings

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Medina’s Hayden Woodroe, who scored the winning run, here dives into second base in the ninth inning ahead of a throw to Akron’s Jack Klodzinski.

Unlike Monday’s lopsided 15-1 victory at Akron, Medina had to go extra innings to complete the home-and-home sweep as the Mustangs nipped the Tigers 3-2 this afternoon in a Niagara-Orleans League game at Vets Park.

The Mustangs plated the game winner in the bottom of the ninth inning without the benefit of a hit as pinch runner Hayden Woodroe scored with two outs on a wild pitch. A walk, stolen base and fielders choice play set up the scoring opportunity.

The game’s other runs all came in the first inning.

Medina’s Xander Payne delivers a pitch.

Akron scored twice in the top of the first on an error and Medina answered right back with two tallies in the home half of the frame on a wild pitch and an RBI single by Austin Mosher. A one out double by AJ Seefeldt sparked the rally.

The majority of the rest of the game was a pitching dual between Medina’s Xander Payne and Akron’s Jack Klodzinski. 

Payne allowed 4 hits and struck out seven in eight innings of work. Klodzinski likewise gave up only 4 hits and struck out 5 in eight and one third innings of work as he had to leave the mound due to pitch count rules.

Akron did get a runner to third in the top of the ninth as Adam Mietz singled, stole second and advaneed to third on a sacrifice bunt by Matt Iannarelli. However, Mietz was left stranded as Brian Fry, who took over on the mound for the Mustangs in the ninth, got out of the jam himself on a groundout and a strikeout.

The Mustangs defense came up with several key plays on the day including a nice pickup and throw by third baseman Joe Cecchini for the final out in the sixth inning and a pair of nice running catches by center fielder Corey Saj,

Medina, which next hosts Albion on Friday, improves to 4-0 while Akron slips to 0-2.

Roy-Hart 15, Newfane 1

Pounding out 15 hits, Roy-Hart posted a 15-1 victory at Newfane as the Rams scored in six different innings to stay undefeated at 4-0 in N-O action.

Noah Stern and winning pitcher Ryan Mettler both had 4 hits for the Rams as John Gould and Braydon Hy both had 3.

On the mound, Mettler gave up 3 hits and struck out 3.

Wilson 7, Barker 2

Wilson got a combined no hitter from pitchers Tyler Johnston and Noah Yernye to post a 7-2 win over Barker and regain the .500 mark at 2-2 in N-O action.

Johnston struck out 10 over the first five innings and Yernye fanned four over the final two frames.

Yernye and Conner Ernest both had two hits for the Lakemen.

Wilson next hosts Albion on Thursday.

N-O Standings: Medina 4-0, Roy-Hart 4-0, Newfane 3-2, Wilson 2-2, Akron 0-2, Albion 0-2, Barker 0-4.