SOUTH RANGE TAMES MUSTANGS IN 7-0 STATE STUNNER

COLUMBUS, OH- It was a pitching duel through 5 2/3 innings between Madeira and South Range on Thursday at Huntington Park for the Division III State Semi-Final. Then, it just happened to be the opposing pitcher at the dish that helped his cause. Big time.

With two outs and the bases loaded “The Mailman” Jake Gehring would deliver a 3-run triple that would be all South Range would need to advance to the State Championship. However, they wanted more. The Raiders would tack on an additional 2 runs in the 6th inning, and two more in the seventh for a 7-0 victory to hoist the colors.

Madeira entered the game 21-6, and were making their 5th appearance at the State Championships in school history. Junior, Tyler Sullivan would start the game for Madeira, and give up 5 runs on 6 hits (only gave up one hit through 5 innings) while walking three, and sitting down two. Mustang Senior-Sam Wirsing would try to stop the bleeding but would give up an additional two runs on 3 hits in the seventh inning to seal the deal for South Range.

Jake Gehring would go the distance for South Range. Slinging the pearl 112 times (70 strikes) while walking one and striking out 6.

Defensively, the only time things were shaky was in the bottom half of the sixth with bases loaded and no outs. Gehring was able to get a fly out, and then an UNBELIEVABLE unassisted double play when the ball was ripped to what looked like left-center field when Brandon Youngs skyed full extension to make the grab, and double off the runner at second base, himself.

It was at that moment, you could tell it was South Range’s night. The wind was completely stolen from the sails of Madeira.

The Raiders offensively were led by Jared Bajerski, and Brandon Youngs with two hits a piece. RBI’s came from Gehring (3), Bryce James, Josh Stear, and Mike Cunningham.

South Range will now prepare for State Ranked Coldwater (26-6) who will be making their 10th appearance in the Championship in school history. First Pitch is set for 1pm on Saturday. YSN will have you covered.