Winters 3 run HR keys Bee’s route of Willoughby South

MEDINA, Ohio – A beautiful 3 run homerun in the second inning by Collin Winters helped the Medina Bee’s route Willoughby South Saturday morning in the first half of a double header.

The Winters three run homerun capped off a 6 run second inning that put the Bee’s ahead 8 – 0. They would hold on to eventually win 9-2.

There was a lot of hype behind the Willoughby South starting pitcher Juan Bloom who is a junior but a serious recruit prospect of Ohio State. Bloom had tremendous movement on his curveball and changeup striking out several batters, the only problem was that his catcher couldn’t stop it and several passed balls led to multiple runs scored against him. Winters made them pay for the extra outs when he put one over the left field fence.

Winters had a big day with the number one diamond doll in the crowd to cheer him on. Winters got the hitting off to a start in the first inning with a single to right and then would come around to score on one of several passed balls by Bloom. It was part of a 25 pitch inning for him as he didn’t make it out of the second inning.

With St. Ed’s looming in the second half of the double header, coach Kap knew he had to get several innings out of starting pitcher Michael Schirripa to save the bullpen and keep fresh arms ready for game two. Schirripa came through on coaches wishes as he went into the sixth inning before Robbie Hansen came into the game in relief.

With arms in the rotation such as Spencer Auckerman, Robbie Hansen, Alex Whittaker, Michael Schirripa, John “John Boy” Curtis and John Kalucis, it is no surprise that Medina currently sits a top of the conference.

Mix in the steady pitching of those six with the clutch hitting of Bryce Fink, Collin “Two LL’s” Winters, Ryan Bowers, Dillon Munoz and Jordan Fultz and the Bee’s will be a serious threat to sting the competition the rest of the way.

News and notes – total attendance for the game was 147 fans packed to the rafters. Paid attendance was 0.

Local celebrity and track and field superstar Jake “The Wild Thing” Wickey was in attendance as he had spent the morning running wind sprints on the football field. Wickey had the swarm buzzing but also provided the inspiration the Bee’s needed to put the game away.

The Bee’s would fall in the second half of the double header to St. Edwards as opposing pitcher Kevin Finzer was dominant in a 7-0 Eagles win.

The Bee’s went 2-2 in their 4 games over the 3 day stretch.

The Bee’s (8-5) play again Monday at home against Elyria, before traveling to Elyria Tuesday night and then getting a chance for revenge against the Strongsville Mustangs at home Wednesday night.

They will then travel to Solon on Thursday evening in another 4 day stretch of 4 games. They will then have next Friday off before another double header next Saturday against Buckeye for a total of 6 games in 6 days.

The Medina season is about t hit its busiest stretch of the year.

As always stay glued to NEO Sports Insiders, your official home for Medina baseball coverage.

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