The Wellsville Lions saw their season conclude with a 6-5 defeat to the Haverling Rams of Bath in the Section V championship, a game that swung in the final inning.
Although the Lions out-hit Bath 12-4, a clutch rally by the Rams in the seventh proved decisive, turning a 1-0 lead held by freshman pitcher Drew Cowburn into a 6-5 loss.
The seniors' final chapter
Coach John Anderson lauded the effort of his squad and the leadership of the senior class, whose three consecutive Section V titles underscore a dynasty in Wellsville baseball.
Matt Ritter finished 3-for-3 with a double, an RBI and two runs, while Trenton Green contributed 2-for-3 with a RBI and two scores. Brennen Geffers added a triple and a run, and Andrew Ordiway delivered a single and turned a double play.
Karter Grover batted .428 in the postseason with seven RBI, and Cowburn, despite a shutout into the fourth, struck out two over five innings without surrendering an earned run.
Bath’s Dylan Wenban earned the win, pitching six innings with five runs allowed, while Lukas Wightman closed the game with a flawless seventh, recording a hit and no walks.
The Lions finish the year at 14-8, ending a run that featured a blend of youthful talent and seasoned seniors, while Bath prepares to meet Medina in the New York State pre-quarterfinals.