Waynedale Holds Off Gilmour Academy 2-1 in District Championship

Waynedale avenged last year’s district finals defeat Wednesday evening, as the Golden Bears topped the Lancers 2-1. Starting pitcher Trey Barkman went the distance for the Bears, coming in just under the 125 pitch limit. Barkman went seven innings giving up seven hits and four walks while striking out seven batters.

Trailing 2-0 going into the 6th, the Lancers managed to load the bases but were robbed of a big inning by Bears’ third baseman Timmy Short. Mick Hopkins ripped the ball down the third baseline when Short made a diving play to get the force at third. The Lancers scored a run on the play, but had that ball gotten past Short, it could have led to a big inning for Gilmour.

Not only did Short turn in a Gold Glove-worthy play, he also led the Bears offensively, going 1-1 with a single and driving in both of his team’s runs. Junior Connor Gatti went 1-3 in the game, scoring both runs and stealing a base. Offensively for the Lancers was pitcher Paddy Murphy, who went 2-3 with two singles and scored the lone Gilmour run of the evening.

Up next for Waynedale (24-4) is a regional semifinal clash next Thursday, June 2nd at 5pm against Youngstown Ursuline (18-8) in Massillon. Ursuline advanced to regionals after beating Rootstown 8-2 to win the Struthers District title