Kenston Edges Norwayne 5-4 in Div. II District Final

Kenston held off a late rally by Norwayne to win 5-4 in the Division II district final on Saturday at Twinsburg High School.

The Bombers (21-5) will play the winner of the Wooster/Wadsworth district final in the regional semifinals on Wednesday.

Kenston took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on RBI singles by Jack Hemminger and Jake Kwiatkowski. Norwayne (20-6) tied the game in the bottom of the inning on a two-run single by Tyler Smith.

The Bombers took the lead for good in the third inning on an RBI single by Hemminger. Kenston added an insurance run in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly by Kwiatkowski.

Norwayne rallied in the bottom of the seventh inning, scoring three runs to cut the lead to 5-4. However, the Bobcats could not get the tying run across the plate.

Hemminger and Kwiatkowski each had two hits for Kenston. Smith had two hits and two RBIs for Norwayne.

Kenston pitcher Jack Culler allowed four runs on six hits in six innings. He struck out four and walked one.

Norwayne pitcher Tyler Smith allowed five runs on nine hits in seven innings. He struck out six and walked one.

Here are some additional details from the game:

• The Bombers had 12 hits in the game.
• The Bobcats had nine hits in the game.
• Kenston's defense turned a double play in the fourth inning to keep the game scoreless.
• The Bombers' offense was led by Hemminger, who had two hits and two RBIs.
• Jack Culler pitched a complete game, allowing four runs on six hits. He struck out four and walked one.

The win is a huge accomplishment for the Bombers, who have been one of the top teams in the Northeast Ohio Conference all season. They will be a tough out in the regional semifinals, and will be looking to bring home their first district title since 2019.