Five area teams advance to regional round

Next week will be a busy one for area high school baseball teams.

That’s because five teams earned their way into the regional round of 16. The five teams is believed to be a record for area baseball teams qualifying for regional in one season.

Here’s how it played out:

• In Division I, Kenston advanced with a 4-1 win in the final area district final of the week at Euclid. The Bombers will face North Royalton at 5 p.m. June 2 at Louisville.

• In D-II, University won its first district crown in 30 years with a 4-1 win over a Tallmadge in Twinsburg.

The Preppers took a 2-0 lead in the first inning and never look backed. US plays Louisville in a regional semifinal at Thurman Munson Stadium against Louisville on June 2.

US last won a district title during the 1992 season.

“When I took this job two years ago, almost every initial conversation I had with the players I asked them what they wanted to achieve,” said Coach Rob McNerney. “The resounding answer was that they wanted to help put University baseball on the map.”

• Also in D-II, Chagrin Falls and Chardon will make for an allarea regional semifinal at Thurman Munson Stadium when the two play on June 2 at 2 p.m.

The Tigers will making a second straight trip to the regional round after they defeated Cloverleaf, 6-4, in the Revere District championship game.

The Hilltoppers wiped out the competition at the Struthers district, outscoring their opponents 25-6. In its district final May 25, Chardon shut out Nile McKinely, 10-0.

• In D-III, the No. 4 seed Hawken won its first district crown in 26 seasons when it held on and defeated Elyria Catholic, 5-3, at the Copley District.

Starter Devin Anthony went the distance and Dominic Brancel hit a three-run home run in the win.

The Hawks next play Canfield South Range in a June 2 regional semifinal at Massillon Washington.

• Gilmour and Mayfield had a chance to make it seven for the area but the Lancers and Wildcats lost in their district championship games.

TIM PHILLIS — FOR THE NEWS-HERALD University is one of three area schools playing in the Division II Canton Regional.