Spartans edge Mustangs in state Class B semi

Photos by Cheryl Wertmn – Medina centerfielder Julian Woodworth dives to make a catch during today’s state Class B semifinal as rightfielder Ryan Pegelow pulls up.

In a tight sea-saw battle, Spackenkill (Section IX) nipped Medina 5-3 in the state Class B semifinals this afternoon at Union-Endicott High School.

Medina grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning on a two out RBI single by Ryleigh Culver as a single by Julian Woodworth and a walk to Aidan Papaj set up the threat.

However, Spackenkill answered right back with a pair of runs in the home half of the third on two out RBI singles by Dylan Updike and Linus Oudom and the sea-saw battle was on.

Medina got two runners aboard in the fourth on singles by Brody Fry and Carter Woodworth but could not capitalize as as strikeout and an infield pop out quickly ended the threat.

The Mustangs though did capitalize on a good scoring opportunity in the fifth scoring twice on an RBI single by Culver and a sacrifice fly by Fry. Singles by Vinny Gray and Papaj set the stage for the uprising which put the Mustangs back on top for what proved to be the last time at 4-3.

Again the Spartans answered right back with two runs in the home half of the fifth on an RBI single by Updike and a passed ball to regain the lead for good at 4-3.

The Spartans added a big insurance run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Noah Bogdan to make it 5-3.

Medina did get a runner aboard in both the sixth and seventh innings, first on a walk to Brandon Christiaansen and then on a single by Fry but could not capitalize.

“The team that made the less mistakes won,” said Medina Coach Chris Goyette. “We made some mistakes that hurt but overall we had a very good season and accomplished more than probably was expected.”

Medina was making its third appearance in the state semifinals. Previously the Mustangs lost to Carle Place (Section VIII) 9-1 in 2003 and 6-3 to Schuylerville (Section II) in 2019.

The Mustangs finish the season at 20-2 while the Spartans will take a 19-4 record into Saturday’s Class B title contest against Taconic Hills (Section II) which downed Little Falls (Section III) 10-6 in the other semifinal.

Medina second baseman Preston Woodworth tries to make the tag on Spackenkill’s Dylan Updike at second base.