The Tri-City Valleycats earned their fourth walk-off win of the season Saturday night, snapping a week-long, five game losing streak in the process, in beating Aberdeen, 4-3, in 10 innings. Grae Kessinger, grandson of former major leaguer Don Kessinger (White Sox, Cubs), went 4-5 on the night, and drove home Deury Carrasco with the game winner in the home 10th. The two teams will wrap up the series today at 5 pm at Bruno Stadium.
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Over at Siena College, the Albany Dutchmen gained a split of a home & home series with Amsterdam, beating the Mohawks, 5-4, to end a brief two game losing streak. While the Perfect Game Collegiate League gets regular television news coverage, like the Valleycats, getting any ink in The Record, with their limited resources, is a different story, pun intended. Aside from the annual Education Day exhibition with the 'Cats, the Dutchmen are all but ignored on this side of the Hudson River. One more reason we need local investors to try to buy The Record and its sister publication, The Saratogian, from its out of state, penny-pinching owners.
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The Albany Empire have lost two games this season, the latest a 54-43 heartbreaker to Philadelphia Saturday afternoon at Wells Fargo Center. With the win, the Soul join the Empire in qualifying for the Arena Football League playoffs. Malachi Jones was named Offensive Player of the Game in a losing effort.
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Thursday, June 27, 2019
News & notes
A typical season in the New York-Penn League has more ups & downs than an average week at the NY Stock Exchange.
That being said, the Tri-City Valleycats have lost three straight since walking off Vermont on Saturday night. The Lake Monsters salvaged the final game of the series at Bruno Stadium in another 11 inning affair on Sunday. Then, after a rainout on Tuesday, the 'Cats were swept by Stedler Division leader Lowell in a doubleheader on Wednesday. The first game went 8 innings (minor league doubleheaders, including the Perfect Game Collegiate League, are 7 innings per game) before Lowell walked it off, 2-1. The Spinners then completed the sweep with a 6-0 shutout. The series concludes tonight before Tri-City comes home to play Aberdeen tomorrow.
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The Albany Dutchmen's bats woke up in a big way in a 19-7 pounding of Glens Falls on Wednesday night. Albany had lost three of four prior to this game, but are still within striking distance of a playoff berth.
However, the Dutchmen will finish the season without Connor McCaffrey. McCaffrey is out for the season with an injury, per Mark Singelais of the Albany Times-Union, and has returned home to Iowa to rehab and prepare for basketball season for the Hawkeyes. Connor's dad, of course, is Iowa coach Fran McCaffrey, who won a few fans in the 518 during his days coaching Siena, which is why Connor signing with the Dutchmen was big news.
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40 years ago, Peter Torncello was a basketball star at Watervliet High, and made a number of regional all-star teams, including the All-City Team selected by the now-defunct Knickerbocker News, a team that also included Richard Foglia, of Catholic Central, and future NBA star Sam Perkins (Shaker), after the 1979-80 season.
Today, Torncello is a lawyer who's also running for a seat on the Watervliet City Council. Torncello defeated Frank McGrouty in a primary on Tuesday, and will run in the general election in November. Because his high school career was so long ago, the local press hasn't bothered to reach into the archives to bring it to the voters' attention. In Watervliet, he's the hometown boy who made good, and that might have been enough to put away McGrouty.
One wonders if this isn't the first step on a political journey for Torncello. After all, we have had a former NBA player in the US Senate (Bill Bradley), and a Hall of Fame pitcher in Congress (Jim Bunning)........
That being said, the Tri-City Valleycats have lost three straight since walking off Vermont on Saturday night. The Lake Monsters salvaged the final game of the series at Bruno Stadium in another 11 inning affair on Sunday. Then, after a rainout on Tuesday, the 'Cats were swept by Stedler Division leader Lowell in a doubleheader on Wednesday. The first game went 8 innings (minor league doubleheaders, including the Perfect Game Collegiate League, are 7 innings per game) before Lowell walked it off, 2-1. The Spinners then completed the sweep with a 6-0 shutout. The series concludes tonight before Tri-City comes home to play Aberdeen tomorrow.
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The Albany Dutchmen's bats woke up in a big way in a 19-7 pounding of Glens Falls on Wednesday night. Albany had lost three of four prior to this game, but are still within striking distance of a playoff berth.
However, the Dutchmen will finish the season without Connor McCaffrey. McCaffrey is out for the season with an injury, per Mark Singelais of the Albany Times-Union, and has returned home to Iowa to rehab and prepare for basketball season for the Hawkeyes. Connor's dad, of course, is Iowa coach Fran McCaffrey, who won a few fans in the 518 during his days coaching Siena, which is why Connor signing with the Dutchmen was big news.
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40 years ago, Peter Torncello was a basketball star at Watervliet High, and made a number of regional all-star teams, including the All-City Team selected by the now-defunct Knickerbocker News, a team that also included Richard Foglia, of Catholic Central, and future NBA star Sam Perkins (Shaker), after the 1979-80 season.
Today, Torncello is a lawyer who's also running for a seat on the Watervliet City Council. Torncello defeated Frank McGrouty in a primary on Tuesday, and will run in the general election in November. Because his high school career was so long ago, the local press hasn't bothered to reach into the archives to bring it to the voters' attention. In Watervliet, he's the hometown boy who made good, and that might have been enough to put away McGrouty.
One wonders if this isn't the first step on a political journey for Torncello. After all, we have had a former NBA player in the US Senate (Bill Bradley), and a Hall of Fame pitcher in Congress (Jim Bunning)........
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Saturday sports roundup
If they could, the Troy Fighting Irish could rent a neon sign to call attention to their games at Lansingburgh High. Competing with the Tri-City Valleycats for attention in town this time of year is almost a no-win situation.
Alas, that lead didn't last, either. The second half was a showcase for Syracuse's Rashad Burns, who broke off a 41 yard touchdown run, just over three minutes into the third quarter. Skadinski converted the extra point to tie the game. Nearly seven minutes later, Burns ran it in from in close, and Syracuse took the lead again. However, Nico D'Aquino found Brandon Hill for a 4 yard TD toss to even the score. Unfortunately for Troy, that would be their last score of the night.
However, the Irish do have a loyal, though, small, fan base, and caught a break with the Albany Empire playing a matinee at Times-Union Center earlier in the day. The defending champions of the Northeastern Football Alliance, the Syracuse Strong, were in town, looking to extend their dominance over Troy.
The Strong won the opening coin toss. However, some initial confusion forced them to spend their first time out before an offensive play could be run, which is rather unusual. Still, it took just two plays for the Strong to take the lead. Zavon Watkins, in the Wildcat formation, burned the Troy defense for a 51 yard touchdown run. Kicker Tom Stadinski's extra point was blocked, and Syracuse took a 6-0 lead into the second quarter.
Then, Troy's Marcus Hepp, a Lansingburgh High alumnus, took over.
Hepp put the Irish on the board with a 7 yard run nearly four minutes into the second quarter, but the Irish also had some kicking issues, as David Fox's kick sailed off to the right, tying the game at 6-6. With time running out in the half, Hepp scored again, this time bulling his way in from two yards. Fox converted the extra point, and Troy went into the break leading, 13-6.
Alas, that lead didn't last, either. The second half was a showcase for Syracuse's Rashad Burns, who broke off a 41 yard touchdown run, just over three minutes into the third quarter. Skadinski converted the extra point to tie the game. Nearly seven minutes later, Burns ran it in from in close, and Syracuse took the lead again. However, Nico D'Aquino found Brandon Hill for a 4 yard TD toss to even the score. Unfortunately for Troy, that would be their last score of the night.
In the fourth quarter, Burns busted free for another long run, this one for 52 yards for what would be the game winner. Skadinski added a chip shot field goal, and Burns added one more touchdown for good measure with just over ninety seconds left to ice it. Syracuse stays undefeated, and hands the Irish their first loss, 37-20.
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Speaking of the Valleycats, they remain perfect at home, needing 11 innings to defeat Vermont for the second straight night, 6-5. However, because the game took nearly four hours to complete, the scheduled fireworks display after the game was postponed. Tri-City has now won three in a row, and will look for the sweep tonight. CJ Stubbs brought Deury Carrasco home with the game winner.
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The Albany Dutchmen split a doubleheader with the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs at Siena. Albany won the opener, 6-4, but the Dawgs avoided the sweep, winning the nightcap, 7-2.
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The Empire needed some late magic to put away Atlantic City, 63-61. Taking a quick peek at the game on My-4 before leaving for the Irish-Strong game, they had barely started the fourth quarter, with Albany taking the lead. The Arena Football League's network was allotted two hours, per cable guide, but of course you know that doesn't always work that way. Anyone that has watched college football on ESPN for years knows that. They score in bunches, just like certain college teams, in the AFL, but usually with time to spare. A sustained drive in the Arena game is a foreign concept, what with teams tailored for quick strike offenses.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Feeling right at home (Valleycats 3, Lake Monsters 2)
On a night when representatives from the Baseball Hall of Fame were in town, Mother Nature tried to spoil the party with an unexpected early evening rainstorm, but the skies cleared, and that might have been all the inspiration the Tri-City Valleycats needed on Friday night.
One week after getting swept by the Vermont Lake Monsters, the 'Cats were prepared to collect at least one receipt. Unfortunately, starter Franny Cobos didn't have his best stuff in the first inning. Cobos hit the first batter of the game, Nick Ward, just two pitches in. Danny Bautista reached on an error by third baseman Juan Pineda, a last second replacement, and Kevin Richards worked out a walk to load the bases. Two outs later, Jose Rivas walked to force in Ward, and Vermont had a 1-0 lead.
However, the lead did not last. In the home second, Zach Biermann took Vermont starter Richard Morban out to right field with a home run to tie the game. In the home fourth, CJ Stubbs drilled a solo homer to left center to give Tri-City a 2-1 lead.
Alas, the bullpen couldn't hold the lead. In the sixth, Vermont tied the game, again without the benefit of a hit. Richards walked, and after an error and a wild pitch, he scored on a balk to tie the game at 2-2.
That, though, would be the end of Vermont's offense for the night.
In the bottom of the ninth, Nate Perry bounced a high Baltimore chop to third. Jordan Diaz, however, had no play, and, oh, that would prove costly for the Lake Monsters. Two pitches later, Korey Lee split the gap in left center. Perry, being waved around by manager-third base coach Ozney Guillen, scored ahead of the throw, and the 'Cats earned their second walk off win of the week, 3-2. It's also Tri-City's second straight win after salvaging the finale of their series at Aberdeen.
The two teams will meet again tonight at 7, but that's not all the action in town. The Troy Fighting Irish are home, too, across town at Lansingburgh High to host defending Northeastern Football Alliance champion Syracuse, also at 7.
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Other stuff: The Albany Dutchmen, after being rained out at home Thursday, blew away Adirondack, 10-2, on Friday. They'll play two today at Siena vs. Mohawk Valley.
One week after getting swept by the Vermont Lake Monsters, the 'Cats were prepared to collect at least one receipt. Unfortunately, starter Franny Cobos didn't have his best stuff in the first inning. Cobos hit the first batter of the game, Nick Ward, just two pitches in. Danny Bautista reached on an error by third baseman Juan Pineda, a last second replacement, and Kevin Richards worked out a walk to load the bases. Two outs later, Jose Rivas walked to force in Ward, and Vermont had a 1-0 lead.
However, the lead did not last. In the home second, Zach Biermann took Vermont starter Richard Morban out to right field with a home run to tie the game. In the home fourth, CJ Stubbs drilled a solo homer to left center to give Tri-City a 2-1 lead.
Alas, the bullpen couldn't hold the lead. In the sixth, Vermont tied the game, again without the benefit of a hit. Richards walked, and after an error and a wild pitch, he scored on a balk to tie the game at 2-2.
That, though, would be the end of Vermont's offense for the night.
In the bottom of the ninth, Nate Perry bounced a high Baltimore chop to third. Jordan Diaz, however, had no play, and, oh, that would prove costly for the Lake Monsters. Two pitches later, Korey Lee split the gap in left center. Perry, being waved around by manager-third base coach Ozney Guillen, scored ahead of the throw, and the 'Cats earned their second walk off win of the week, 3-2. It's also Tri-City's second straight win after salvaging the finale of their series at Aberdeen.
The two teams will meet again tonight at 7, but that's not all the action in town. The Troy Fighting Irish are home, too, across town at Lansingburgh High to host defending Northeastern Football Alliance champion Syracuse, also at 7.
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Other stuff: The Albany Dutchmen, after being rained out at home Thursday, blew away Adirondack, 10-2, on Friday. They'll play two today at Siena vs. Mohawk Valley.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
News & notes
The Troy CYO recognized two former Section II high school basketball players among their Persons of the Year on Monday night.
Sabrina Wolfe (Troy High Class of 2017) just finished her sophomore season at NY Tech. Elijah Burns, formerly of LaSalle, will be playing basketball at Siena in the fall after sitting out the 2018-9 season. Congratulations to both for their contributions to the community.
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When the Tri-City Valleycats left for Aberdeen, Maryland following Monday's 10 inning thriller over Staten Island, they left some of the momentum behind.
The 'Cats squandered a 3-1 lead, as Aberdeen scored three runs in the seventh against the Tri-City bullpen to pick up a 4-3 win. Manny Ramirez (no, not the former slugger) started, and pitched 4 2/3 innings of no-hit ball before reaching his pitch count limit.
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Whomever writes the sports copy for WROW morning co-host Ben Patton to read fumbled with Tuesday's Mets-Braves game. The Mets beat Atlanta, 10-2, but Patton, without double-checking, read it the other way. Attempts to contact the station to alert Patton to the error were met with busy signals.
Human error. It happens.
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The Troy Fighting Irish, 2-0 after dispatching Auburn, 13-12, on Saturday, return home to Lansingburgh High this Saturday to face the defending Northeastern Football Alliance champion Syracuse Strong. Attendance will be slim due to the Valleycats being home that same night, hosting Vermont.
Speaking of Lansingburgh, the school board approved a revised 2019-20 budget Tuesday night. Here's to hoping they have come to their senses and added funding for the cheerleaders and school band, in addition to junior varsity football.
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Over in Johnstown, the school board there also approved a new budget, but it also will require residents to do some fund raising in order to keep all of the school's sports programs.
Why should sports be sacrificed in these budgets, anyway? As I have personally witnessed, high school sports does its level best to bring the community together, especially during football season.
Take Lansingburgh, for example. Last year, their varsity football team went without a win, and with the lack of a band, cheerleaders, and a junior varsity squad, it was depressing to be there on a Friday night, in sharp contrast to Troy High across town, where Picken Field is always rocking during football season. Soccer & lacrosse? Not so much, but that's another story or two.
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The Albany Dutchmen finally got a monkey off their collective backs in beating Glens Falls, 6-5, on Tuesday night at Siena. This after blowing out Watertown, 14-4, on Monday. The Dutchmen are off today before playing the second half of a home & home vs. Glens Falls tomorrow.
Sabrina Wolfe (Troy High Class of 2017) just finished her sophomore season at NY Tech. Elijah Burns, formerly of LaSalle, will be playing basketball at Siena in the fall after sitting out the 2018-9 season. Congratulations to both for their contributions to the community.
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When the Tri-City Valleycats left for Aberdeen, Maryland following Monday's 10 inning thriller over Staten Island, they left some of the momentum behind.
The 'Cats squandered a 3-1 lead, as Aberdeen scored three runs in the seventh against the Tri-City bullpen to pick up a 4-3 win. Manny Ramirez (no, not the former slugger) started, and pitched 4 2/3 innings of no-hit ball before reaching his pitch count limit.
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Whomever writes the sports copy for WROW morning co-host Ben Patton to read fumbled with Tuesday's Mets-Braves game. The Mets beat Atlanta, 10-2, but Patton, without double-checking, read it the other way. Attempts to contact the station to alert Patton to the error were met with busy signals.
Human error. It happens.
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The Troy Fighting Irish, 2-0 after dispatching Auburn, 13-12, on Saturday, return home to Lansingburgh High this Saturday to face the defending Northeastern Football Alliance champion Syracuse Strong. Attendance will be slim due to the Valleycats being home that same night, hosting Vermont.
Speaking of Lansingburgh, the school board approved a revised 2019-20 budget Tuesday night. Here's to hoping they have come to their senses and added funding for the cheerleaders and school band, in addition to junior varsity football.
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Over in Johnstown, the school board there also approved a new budget, but it also will require residents to do some fund raising in order to keep all of the school's sports programs.
Why should sports be sacrificed in these budgets, anyway? As I have personally witnessed, high school sports does its level best to bring the community together, especially during football season.
Take Lansingburgh, for example. Last year, their varsity football team went without a win, and with the lack of a band, cheerleaders, and a junior varsity squad, it was depressing to be there on a Friday night, in sharp contrast to Troy High across town, where Picken Field is always rocking during football season. Soccer & lacrosse? Not so much, but that's another story or two.
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The Albany Dutchmen finally got a monkey off their collective backs in beating Glens Falls, 6-5, on Tuesday night at Siena. This after blowing out Watertown, 14-4, on Monday. The Dutchmen are off today before playing the second half of a home & home vs. Glens Falls tomorrow.
Monday, June 17, 2019
Put a ring on it (Valleycats 2, Yankees 1)
After rain postponed Sunday's home opener, the Tri-City Valleycats took the field at Bruno Stadium under sunny skies tonight, facing off against the Staten Island Yankees. The Baby Bombers, like the 'Cats, were 0-2 entering play. Someone had to win, and someone had to lose and join Good Time Charlie in singing the blues.
Lupe Chavez started for the 'Cats, and, for the most part, demonstrated some serious resiliency. He pitched five scoreless innings, allowing only two hits while striking out five and walking three.
Brian Keller, on a rehab assignment, started for Staten Island, and went six innings, allowing only three hits. He, too, kept escaping trouble, and it looked like he would pick up the win after the Yankees scored the game's first run in the seventh off Jervic Chavez without the benefit of a hit. Jervic, no relation to Lupe, was wilder than the wind, walking three. Carlos Narvaez, who drew one of those walks, scored on a wild pitch, giving the Yankees a 1-0 lead.
It stayed that way until the bottom of the ninth. Josh Maciejewski, who relieved Keller in the seventh, had been cruising. With one out, Yeuris Ramirez took him over the left-center field wall for a tying home run, and the stadium erupted in cheers.
In the tenth, extra innings rules introduced a year or so ago kicked in, with each team having a runner at second to start the inning. The Yankees could do nothing, and for whatever reason, Maciejewski stayed on to pitch the home half. Deury Carrasco was inserted to run for Joe Perez. He promptly stole second. With one out, Maciejewski sent everyone home with a wild pitch that enabled Carrasco to come home with the winning run. The Valleycats pick up their first win of the season, 2-1, in a game that was played in a tidy, speedy 2:37. The New York Yankees were in the eighth inning of their game vs. Tampa Bay in the Bronx when the game ended at Bruno Stadium. Go figure.
The Valleycats are on the road the next three nights, as they'll visit Aberdeen before returning home on Friday for a rematch with the first place Vermont Lake Monsters.
Lupe Chavez started for the 'Cats, and, for the most part, demonstrated some serious resiliency. He pitched five scoreless innings, allowing only two hits while striking out five and walking three.
Brian Keller, on a rehab assignment, started for Staten Island, and went six innings, allowing only three hits. He, too, kept escaping trouble, and it looked like he would pick up the win after the Yankees scored the game's first run in the seventh off Jervic Chavez without the benefit of a hit. Jervic, no relation to Lupe, was wilder than the wind, walking three. Carlos Narvaez, who drew one of those walks, scored on a wild pitch, giving the Yankees a 1-0 lead.
It stayed that way until the bottom of the ninth. Josh Maciejewski, who relieved Keller in the seventh, had been cruising. With one out, Yeuris Ramirez took him over the left-center field wall for a tying home run, and the stadium erupted in cheers.
In the tenth, extra innings rules introduced a year or so ago kicked in, with each team having a runner at second to start the inning. The Yankees could do nothing, and for whatever reason, Maciejewski stayed on to pitch the home half. Deury Carrasco was inserted to run for Joe Perez. He promptly stole second. With one out, Maciejewski sent everyone home with a wild pitch that enabled Carrasco to come home with the winning run. The Valleycats pick up their first win of the season, 2-1, in a game that was played in a tidy, speedy 2:37. The New York Yankees were in the eighth inning of their game vs. Tampa Bay in the Bronx when the game ended at Bruno Stadium. Go figure.
The Valleycats are on the road the next three nights, as they'll visit Aberdeen before returning home on Friday for a rematch with the first place Vermont Lake Monsters.
Sunday, June 16, 2019
News & notes
Six Section II teams took the fields on Saturday, seeking state titles in baseball or softball, on the final day of the 2019 high school season.
Ballston Spa had the most to gain, as the Scotties had reached the Final Four in both, but any hope of a double celebration at the end of the day was dashed at Moreau.
The Lady Scotties needed 20 innings to defeat Sayville, 2-1, to advance to the title game later that day. Unfortunately, the ladies didn't have quite enough time or energy in reserve, and dropped the Class A title game, 5-0, to Williamsville East, which beat Walter Pamas earlier.
Conversely, in Binghamton, Curtis Nobles' Scotties earned their first state title in beating Maine-Endwell, 13-6. Nobles, who came over from Troy High after the 2014 season (and, oh, is Troy regretting that even today), will see 12 seniors graduate in about a week or two, but he will still have a solid base to build from for next season.
Back to softball. Ichabod Crane's season came to a crushing end with a 6-5 semifinal loss to Ardsley at Moreau. The Lady Riders had dominated the Colonial Council, and ran through the sectional tournament, but it just wasn't in the cards to win a state championship. At least, not this year.
In Binghamton, Schuylerville's magical season came to an end in a 11-1 loss to Center Moriches in six innings. The Black Horses will be back next season, to be sure.
Over in Endicott, at Union-Endicott High, Whitehall won the Class D title, blowing away Brocton, 12-1, also in six innings. Alas, none of that momentum reached Class AA power Shenendehowa, as the Plainsmen fell to McQuaid-Jesuit, 5-0.
Once the current contracts for the state tournaments run out, it'd be in Section II's best interests to bring the tournaments back home. Not just baseball, mind you, but softball, too. Just sayin'.
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As the Tri-City Valleycats come home to play the Staten Island Yankees tonight at Bruno Stadium, the team is still looking for its first win in 2019 under Ozney Guillen. The 'Cats were swept by Vermont, losing 4-1 on Saturday night, and it's been a long time, if at all, since the 'Cats started 0-2. However, there's no guarantee the game will even be played, with rain in the forecast (what else is new?). If you can't make it to the ballpark, there's always the internet feed found on the 'Cats website.
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The Albany Empire bounced back from their first loss last week to beat Washington, 56-55, on the road on Saturday, clinching a playoff spot in the process. They're back at home on Saturday afternoon.
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The Albany Dutchmen climbed over the .500 mark in the Perfect Game Collegiate League on Saturday, sweeping a doubleheader from Oneonta, 6-2 & 6-3. One game was a makeup game from a rainout two weeks ago.
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As soon as the information becomes available, we'll know how the Troy Fighting Irish did in their road opener.
Ballston Spa had the most to gain, as the Scotties had reached the Final Four in both, but any hope of a double celebration at the end of the day was dashed at Moreau.
The Lady Scotties needed 20 innings to defeat Sayville, 2-1, to advance to the title game later that day. Unfortunately, the ladies didn't have quite enough time or energy in reserve, and dropped the Class A title game, 5-0, to Williamsville East, which beat Walter Pamas earlier.
Conversely, in Binghamton, Curtis Nobles' Scotties earned their first state title in beating Maine-Endwell, 13-6. Nobles, who came over from Troy High after the 2014 season (and, oh, is Troy regretting that even today), will see 12 seniors graduate in about a week or two, but he will still have a solid base to build from for next season.
Back to softball. Ichabod Crane's season came to a crushing end with a 6-5 semifinal loss to Ardsley at Moreau. The Lady Riders had dominated the Colonial Council, and ran through the sectional tournament, but it just wasn't in the cards to win a state championship. At least, not this year.
In Binghamton, Schuylerville's magical season came to an end in a 11-1 loss to Center Moriches in six innings. The Black Horses will be back next season, to be sure.
Over in Endicott, at Union-Endicott High, Whitehall won the Class D title, blowing away Brocton, 12-1, also in six innings. Alas, none of that momentum reached Class AA power Shenendehowa, as the Plainsmen fell to McQuaid-Jesuit, 5-0.
Once the current contracts for the state tournaments run out, it'd be in Section II's best interests to bring the tournaments back home. Not just baseball, mind you, but softball, too. Just sayin'.
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As the Tri-City Valleycats come home to play the Staten Island Yankees tonight at Bruno Stadium, the team is still looking for its first win in 2019 under Ozney Guillen. The 'Cats were swept by Vermont, losing 4-1 on Saturday night, and it's been a long time, if at all, since the 'Cats started 0-2. However, there's no guarantee the game will even be played, with rain in the forecast (what else is new?). If you can't make it to the ballpark, there's always the internet feed found on the 'Cats website.
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The Albany Empire bounced back from their first loss last week to beat Washington, 56-55, on the road on Saturday, clinching a playoff spot in the process. They're back at home on Saturday afternoon.
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The Albany Dutchmen climbed over the .500 mark in the Perfect Game Collegiate League on Saturday, sweeping a doubleheader from Oneonta, 6-2 & 6-3. One game was a makeup game from a rainout two weeks ago.
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As soon as the information becomes available, we'll know how the Troy Fighting Irish did in their road opener.
Saturday, June 15, 2019
News & notes
Section II could be bringing home as many as six state titles today if everything goes their way.
In softball, Class A champion Ballston Spa plays Sayville, out of Long Island, and that game is set to start in a short while as I write. The winner will play the winner of Williamsville East vs. Walter Panas later this afternoon.
Over in Class B, Ichabod Crane will play Ardsley later this morning (both games are at Moreau Recreational Park), with the winner to meet the Eden-Oneida winner in the nightcap at approximately 4:30.
As for the boys, all four Section II teams are still alive after Friday's semi-final play.
Class AA: Shenendehowa defeated Massapequa, another Long Island school, 4-1. Brendan Disonell went the distance for the win. Evan Jones takes the hill in the final today vs. McQuaid-Jesuit at Union-Endicott High, outside of Syracuse.
Class A: Ballston Spa needed just six innings to dispatch Sayville, 10-0, which for the Long Islanders doesn't bode well for the softball team this morning. The Scotties will play Maine-Endwell at Binghamton today.
Class B: Schuylerville downed Medina, 6-3, on Friday to earn a date with Center Moriches, also at Binghamton.
Class D: Whitehall shut out South Kortright, 5-0, and will return to UEHS to play Brocton today in the final.
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Opening night for the Tri-City Valleycats wasn't as bad as Education Day.
Oh, the 'Cats open the season 0-1 after losing to Vermont, 4-0, but the bigger story was that the two teams combined for 32 strikeouts in the course of the nine innings. The Lake Monsters set a franchise record with a collective 19 K's, limiting the 'Cats to 2 hits, 2 walks, and one runner reached on an error. Tri-City pitchers recorded 13 K's. The 32 whiffs combined may very well be a league record.
You can pick up audio broadcasts online. While the Valleycats' don't broadcast road games, fans can click on the links to the Lake Monsters' radio feed. Last night's broadcast included a sound check, of all things, while the season-opening ceremonies were going on. Surreal.
In softball, Class A champion Ballston Spa plays Sayville, out of Long Island, and that game is set to start in a short while as I write. The winner will play the winner of Williamsville East vs. Walter Panas later this afternoon.
Over in Class B, Ichabod Crane will play Ardsley later this morning (both games are at Moreau Recreational Park), with the winner to meet the Eden-Oneida winner in the nightcap at approximately 4:30.
As for the boys, all four Section II teams are still alive after Friday's semi-final play.
Class AA: Shenendehowa defeated Massapequa, another Long Island school, 4-1. Brendan Disonell went the distance for the win. Evan Jones takes the hill in the final today vs. McQuaid-Jesuit at Union-Endicott High, outside of Syracuse.
Class A: Ballston Spa needed just six innings to dispatch Sayville, 10-0, which for the Long Islanders doesn't bode well for the softball team this morning. The Scotties will play Maine-Endwell at Binghamton today.
Class B: Schuylerville downed Medina, 6-3, on Friday to earn a date with Center Moriches, also at Binghamton.
Class D: Whitehall shut out South Kortright, 5-0, and will return to UEHS to play Brocton today in the final.
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Opening night for the Tri-City Valleycats wasn't as bad as Education Day.
Oh, the 'Cats open the season 0-1 after losing to Vermont, 4-0, but the bigger story was that the two teams combined for 32 strikeouts in the course of the nine innings. The Lake Monsters set a franchise record with a collective 19 K's, limiting the 'Cats to 2 hits, 2 walks, and one runner reached on an error. Tri-City pitchers recorded 13 K's. The 32 whiffs combined may very well be a league record.
You can pick up audio broadcasts online. While the Valleycats' don't broadcast road games, fans can click on the links to the Lake Monsters' radio feed. Last night's broadcast included a sound check, of all things, while the season-opening ceremonies were going on. Surreal.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
News & notes
The Tri-City Valleycats and Albany Dutchmen held their 5th annual Education Day game Wednesday morning at Bruno Stadium. It was also the debut in front of the home folks for new Valleycats manager Ozney Guillen and his staff, after last year's pilot, Jason Bell, was promoted within the Houston Astros organization earlier this year.
Unfortunately for the 'Cats, things didn't go so well, as the Dutchmen used a five-run second inning to propel them to a 10-4 victory in a game that clocked in at well over three hours. Well, it was a pre-season game, and with all the in-game substitutions, this was bound to be a slog.
Many of Houston's draft picks had not yet signed as of press time, but figure there will be a few in the fold by the time Tri-City leaves for Vermont for a season-opening two-game series vs. the Lake Monsters tomorrow.
=====================================
Speaking of the Dutchmen, there is quite a presence from Section II on their 2019 roster. Ballston Spa's Luke Gold isn't playing just yet, as the Scotties are in the state semi-finals. Gold likely won't join the team until next week at the latest. We mentioned before how former Albany Academy star Ben Seiler joined the team this year. Seiler is one of three Siena players on the Dutchmen roster, joined by Ryan McGee (formerly with Colonie) and Nick Melillo (CBA).
And, then, there is Connor McCaffrey, son of Iowa basketball coach (and former Siena coach) Fran McCaffrey, who made headlines when he signed. It has to be a bit embarrassing for the Valleycats to lose to the Dutchmen this year, when Albany is near the bottom of the Eastern division of the Perfect Game Collegiate League. I don't think the Dutchmen will stay there the entire season, but you never know.
======================================
A quick check of the Valleycats' promotions calendar shows that they will not be bringing professional wrestling back to the Joe this year. Northeast Wrestling is not scheduled to hit the Tri-Cities as of press time. Sounds to me like they had trouble drawing fans last year. We'll find out more soon, I'm sure.
Unfortunately for the 'Cats, things didn't go so well, as the Dutchmen used a five-run second inning to propel them to a 10-4 victory in a game that clocked in at well over three hours. Well, it was a pre-season game, and with all the in-game substitutions, this was bound to be a slog.
Many of Houston's draft picks had not yet signed as of press time, but figure there will be a few in the fold by the time Tri-City leaves for Vermont for a season-opening two-game series vs. the Lake Monsters tomorrow.
=====================================
Speaking of the Dutchmen, there is quite a presence from Section II on their 2019 roster. Ballston Spa's Luke Gold isn't playing just yet, as the Scotties are in the state semi-finals. Gold likely won't join the team until next week at the latest. We mentioned before how former Albany Academy star Ben Seiler joined the team this year. Seiler is one of three Siena players on the Dutchmen roster, joined by Ryan McGee (formerly with Colonie) and Nick Melillo (CBA).
And, then, there is Connor McCaffrey, son of Iowa basketball coach (and former Siena coach) Fran McCaffrey, who made headlines when he signed. It has to be a bit embarrassing for the Valleycats to lose to the Dutchmen this year, when Albany is near the bottom of the Eastern division of the Perfect Game Collegiate League. I don't think the Dutchmen will stay there the entire season, but you never know.
======================================
A quick check of the Valleycats' promotions calendar shows that they will not be bringing professional wrestling back to the Joe this year. Northeast Wrestling is not scheduled to hit the Tri-Cities as of press time. Sounds to me like they had trouble drawing fans last year. We'll find out more soon, I'm sure.
Monday, June 10, 2019
News & notes
We are now down to two Section II teams in softball. It was reported sometime Sunday that St. Lawrence Central downed Chatham, 3-2, so the Section II Class C champions are done for the season, leaving Ballston Spa (A) & Ichabod Crane (B) left to bring state titles home.
================================
The Troy Fighting Irish opened their season on Saturday with a 20-0 shutout over Ithaca at Lansingburgh High. No game information is available, unsurprisingly, but the team has posted the score on their website.
=================================
Former Shaker High pitcher Jeff Hoffman was on the hill for Colorado Sunday at Citi Field against the Mets, and absorbed the loss as the Mets beat the Rockies, 6-2. Hoffman's been up & down since being drafted by the Rockies a few years back, as he spent an early part of this season in the minors.
=================================
The Albany Dutchmen are off to a bad start in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. The Dutchmen sit in last place in the Eastern Division after dropping a 9-6 decision to Glens Falls on Sunday night at Siena College. Albany is 3-5, with three of those losses coming against Glens Falls, which has won just three games all year.
Former Albany Academy standout Ben Seiler, son of Albany Times-Union reporter Casey Seiler, is playing for the Dutchmen this season, which should bring a few extra eyeballs to the Siena campus. Seiler just completed his freshman season at Siena. Now, all they need is a TV or radio deal. The Dutchmen will play their annual Education Day matinee vs. the Tri-City Valleycats on Wednesday in Ozney Guillen's debut at Valleycats manager.
================================
The Troy Fighting Irish opened their season on Saturday with a 20-0 shutout over Ithaca at Lansingburgh High. No game information is available, unsurprisingly, but the team has posted the score on their website.
=================================
Former Shaker High pitcher Jeff Hoffman was on the hill for Colorado Sunday at Citi Field against the Mets, and absorbed the loss as the Mets beat the Rockies, 6-2. Hoffman's been up & down since being drafted by the Rockies a few years back, as he spent an early part of this season in the minors.
=================================
The Albany Dutchmen are off to a bad start in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. The Dutchmen sit in last place in the Eastern Division after dropping a 9-6 decision to Glens Falls on Sunday night at Siena College. Albany is 3-5, with three of those losses coming against Glens Falls, which has won just three games all year.
Former Albany Academy standout Ben Seiler, son of Albany Times-Union reporter Casey Seiler, is playing for the Dutchmen this season, which should bring a few extra eyeballs to the Siena campus. Seiler just completed his freshman season at Siena. Now, all they need is a TV or radio deal. The Dutchmen will play their annual Education Day matinee vs. the Tri-City Valleycats on Wednesday in Ozney Guillen's debut at Valleycats manager.
Sunday, June 9, 2019
News & notes
The Albany Empire finally lost a game Saturday night, dropping a 42-41 decision to Baltimore to fall to 6-1 on the season. The Empire had already beaten Baltimore this season, so for the visiting Brigade, this was just a small amount of payback.
==========================================
The Empire's fan base ensured that there would be a small crowd for the 518 Futures High School All-Star Game at Bruno Stadium, even though tickets, sold at the Valleycats' box office, were cheaper than the Empire's.
Saratoga's Nate Chudy and Troy's Isaac Brown were the starting pitchers for the Stars & Stripes, respectively. Each pitched two innings, as the players went nine innings for the first time, creating a smooth transition to the college game for the seniors.
Niskayuna's Aaron Whitley was his usual self, as he got on base four times with a single, a hit by pitch, and two walks, scoring the first run of the game in the first after he was hit on the first pitch he saw from Brown. The Stars tacked on four runs in the third to put the game away, and added insurance runs in the fifth & seventh innings to win the first all-star game, 9-0. All six Ballston Spa players who'd been selected for the Stripes, but didn't play due to state regional action, arrived at the ballpark during the game, and were brought out to be recognized for their efforts this season.
We noted before that LaSalle didn't have any players selected, but their color guard presented the colors prior the national anthem as a sort of concession to make up for the el snubbino. Also, it seems Alonzo Barrett transferred from Lansingburgh to Shaker after basketball season. Don't know what the story is there.
=========================================
The last Section II lacrosse team fell in overtime in the state semifinals on Friday, as Bethlehem was eliminated by Baker High, 15-14. The women just weren't getting enough attention, as this nearly slipped completely under the radar.
=======================================
State regional scores:
Baseball:
Class AA: Shenendehowa 6, Fayetteville-Manilus 0.
Class A: Ballston-Spa 4, Whitesboro 2.
Class B: Schuylerville 4, Ogdensburg Free Academy 0.
Class C: Ticonderoga 9, Fort Plain 1.
Class D: Whitehall 21, Livingston Manor 0.
The Railroaders score 19 runs in the third inning alone. Ouch!
On Friday:
Shen vs. Massapequa.
Ballston Spa vs. Sayville.
Schuylerville vs. Medina.
Whitehall vs. South Kortright.
Softball:
Class A: Ballston Spa 5, Jamesville-DeWitt 1.
Class B: Ichabod Crane 18, Plattsburgh 0.
The Chatham-St. Lawrence Central game was not reported at press time.
On June 15:
Ballston Spa vs. Sayville.
Ichabod Crane vs. Ardsley.
==========================================
The Empire's fan base ensured that there would be a small crowd for the 518 Futures High School All-Star Game at Bruno Stadium, even though tickets, sold at the Valleycats' box office, were cheaper than the Empire's.
Saratoga's Nate Chudy and Troy's Isaac Brown were the starting pitchers for the Stars & Stripes, respectively. Each pitched two innings, as the players went nine innings for the first time, creating a smooth transition to the college game for the seniors.
Niskayuna's Aaron Whitley was his usual self, as he got on base four times with a single, a hit by pitch, and two walks, scoring the first run of the game in the first after he was hit on the first pitch he saw from Brown. The Stars tacked on four runs in the third to put the game away, and added insurance runs in the fifth & seventh innings to win the first all-star game, 9-0. All six Ballston Spa players who'd been selected for the Stripes, but didn't play due to state regional action, arrived at the ballpark during the game, and were brought out to be recognized for their efforts this season.
We noted before that LaSalle didn't have any players selected, but their color guard presented the colors prior the national anthem as a sort of concession to make up for the el snubbino. Also, it seems Alonzo Barrett transferred from Lansingburgh to Shaker after basketball season. Don't know what the story is there.
=========================================
The last Section II lacrosse team fell in overtime in the state semifinals on Friday, as Bethlehem was eliminated by Baker High, 15-14. The women just weren't getting enough attention, as this nearly slipped completely under the radar.
=======================================
State regional scores:
Baseball:
Class AA: Shenendehowa 6, Fayetteville-Manilus 0.
Class A: Ballston-Spa 4, Whitesboro 2.
Class B: Schuylerville 4, Ogdensburg Free Academy 0.
Class C: Ticonderoga 9, Fort Plain 1.
Class D: Whitehall 21, Livingston Manor 0.
The Railroaders score 19 runs in the third inning alone. Ouch!
On Friday:
Shen vs. Massapequa.
Ballston Spa vs. Sayville.
Schuylerville vs. Medina.
Whitehall vs. South Kortright.
Softball:
Class A: Ballston Spa 5, Jamesville-DeWitt 1.
Class B: Ichabod Crane 18, Plattsburgh 0.
The Chatham-St. Lawrence Central game was not reported at press time.
On June 15:
Ballston Spa vs. Sayville.
Ichabod Crane vs. Ardsley.
Saturday, June 8, 2019
News & notes
Friday was not a good day for Section II softball.
Class AA champion Colonie dropped a 6-4 decision to Cicero-North Syracuse, while D champ Fort Ann lost, 6-3, to Crown Point, leaving the teams playing today (A champ Ballston Spa, B titlist Ichabod Crane, & C champ Chatham) still playing. We should have the results of today's action later tonight after the 518 Futures game.
=========================================
Local pro wrestling fans are familiar with Foxx Vinyer, who, depending on the night, either is billed as living in Watervliet or Troy.
So it came as a shock that Vinyer was in Philadelphia for a recent taping of Impact Wrestling's weekly show, currently on the Pursuit Channel (not available on Spectrum Cable in the 518) or on the promotion's Twitch channel. Vinyer and an unnamed partner were put in a handicap match against Madman Fulton (formerly Sawyer Fulton, who worked some NXT shows in the area the last four years). Unfortunately, to continue the misfortune of the home district on Friday, Vinyer and his partner du jour were beaten. Vinyer also has a short stint with Ring of Honor on his resume. Here's to hoping Foxx gets a look from WWE at some future point.
==========================================
A quick reminder that the Albany Empire's home game vs. Baltimore is at its regular time, 7:30, tonight at Times-Union Center, but they'll do another matinee at 3:30 in two weeks. The Troy Fighting Irish begin their season tonight at Lansingburgh High, with kickoff preceding the Empire-Brigade game by a half-hour. Unfortunately, this game will be ignored by the press due to:
1. Belmont Stakes.
2. Stanley Cup Finals.
3. 518 Futures Game.
4. Albany Empire.
What I've learned the last couple of years is that if you wait long enough, the game result will surface on either of the team's social media pages or on the Northeastern Football Alliance website. Timing is everything, after all.
Class AA champion Colonie dropped a 6-4 decision to Cicero-North Syracuse, while D champ Fort Ann lost, 6-3, to Crown Point, leaving the teams playing today (A champ Ballston Spa, B titlist Ichabod Crane, & C champ Chatham) still playing. We should have the results of today's action later tonight after the 518 Futures game.
=========================================
Local pro wrestling fans are familiar with Foxx Vinyer, who, depending on the night, either is billed as living in Watervliet or Troy.
So it came as a shock that Vinyer was in Philadelphia for a recent taping of Impact Wrestling's weekly show, currently on the Pursuit Channel (not available on Spectrum Cable in the 518) or on the promotion's Twitch channel. Vinyer and an unnamed partner were put in a handicap match against Madman Fulton (formerly Sawyer Fulton, who worked some NXT shows in the area the last four years). Unfortunately, to continue the misfortune of the home district on Friday, Vinyer and his partner du jour were beaten. Vinyer also has a short stint with Ring of Honor on his resume. Here's to hoping Foxx gets a look from WWE at some future point.
==========================================
A quick reminder that the Albany Empire's home game vs. Baltimore is at its regular time, 7:30, tonight at Times-Union Center, but they'll do another matinee at 3:30 in two weeks. The Troy Fighting Irish begin their season tonight at Lansingburgh High, with kickoff preceding the Empire-Brigade game by a half-hour. Unfortunately, this game will be ignored by the press due to:
1. Belmont Stakes.
2. Stanley Cup Finals.
3. 518 Futures Game.
4. Albany Empire.
What I've learned the last couple of years is that if you wait long enough, the game result will surface on either of the team's social media pages or on the Northeastern Football Alliance website. Timing is everything, after all.
Friday, June 7, 2019
Meet the Futures
The Record published the rosters for Saturday's 518 Futures All-Star game at Bruno Stadium. Some players won't be there due to competing in the state tournament.
Stars (coached by Chris Teta of Schalmont & Quentin Jensen of Green Tech) listed in alphabetical order by player:
Christian Baaki (Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons)-Catcher/1B.
Paul Barber (Catholic Central)-Shortstop/Outfield.
Alonzo Barrett (Shaker)-Outfield.
Connor Bovair (South Glens Falls)-Pitcher/Shortstop.
Spencer Brown (Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk)-Pitcher/1B.
Tyler Cannoe (Scotia-Glenville)-Infielder/Pitcher.
Nate Chudy (Saratoga)-Pitcher/Outfield.
Jackson DeFayette (Schalmont)-Catcher/Outfield.
Greg Farone (Schenectady)-Pitcher/1B.
Jake Greco (Amsterdam)-Outfield.
Jacob Hand (Niskayuna)-Infielder.
Brendan Harris (Guilderland)-Infielder.
Cole Hedden (Niskayuna)-Pitcher.
Matt Jung (Maple Hill)-Pitcher/3B.
Isaiah Logan (Canajoharie)-1B-Outfield.
Chris Martin (Colonie)-Outfield, 2B.
Justin Nesbitt (South Glens Falls)-Catcher/Outfield.
Aidan O'Keefe (Albany Academy)-Shortstop.
Michael Petramale (Coxsackie-Athens)-3B/Pitcher.
Anthony Ruzzo (Schalmont)-Shortstop.
Jack Sylvia (Queensbury)-Pitcher.
Kaleb Taylor (Chatham)-Infield/Outfield.
James Ward (Queensbury)-3B.
Aaron Whitley (Niskayuna)-Outfield.
Shenendehowa's Ben Lavery, Jake Reinisch, & Brendan Disonell were also named to the team, but will not play due to a state tournament game taking place at the same time.
====================================
Stripes (coached by Chris Dedrick of Columbia & Garrett Baron of Albany):
Josh Bein (Bethlehem)-Outfield.
Brodryk Benton (Broadalbin-Perth)-Catcher.
Josh Bissaillon (Columbia)-1B/Pitcher.
Isaac Brown (Troy)-Pitcher.
Alex Casciotti (Albany)-3B.
Anthony Childrose (Averill Park)-Pitcher.
Sonny D'Antonio (Christian Brothers Academy)-2B.
Carmen Erno (Columbia)-Pitcher/2B.
Robert Erno (Columbia)-Pitcher/3B.
Alex Gannon (Mohonasen)-Shortstop.
Sam Gardy (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake)-Outfield.
Jonathan Irons (Saratoga)-Outfield.
Michael Kennedy (Troy)-Pitcher/1B.
Jacob LaFountain (Mechanicville)-Pitcher/Shortstop.
Peter O'Toole (Christian Brothers Academy)-Shortstop.
Joe Saia (Voorheesville)-Outfield.
Terel Tillman (Saratoga Central Catholic)-Pitcher/Shortstop.
Jovani Wiggs (Shaker)-Outfield.
Nick Winslow (Saratoga Central Catholic)-Catcher.
Ballston Spa had Chance Checca, Jake Manderson, Evan Fox, Donovan Rhoden, Luke Gold, & Michael Poirier selected. The Record has Poirier listed as playing for Averill Park, but that's incorrect. In any case, the Scotties will not be in Troy. Strangely, of the 52 players chosen, there were, as of press time, none selected from LaSalle. Go figure.
Game time is 6 pm. Admission is $5, and gates open at 5 pm.
Stars (coached by Chris Teta of Schalmont & Quentin Jensen of Green Tech) listed in alphabetical order by player:
Christian Baaki (Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons)-Catcher/1B.
Paul Barber (Catholic Central)-Shortstop/Outfield.
Alonzo Barrett (Shaker)-Outfield.
Connor Bovair (South Glens Falls)-Pitcher/Shortstop.
Spencer Brown (Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk)-Pitcher/1B.
Tyler Cannoe (Scotia-Glenville)-Infielder/Pitcher.
Nate Chudy (Saratoga)-Pitcher/Outfield.
Jackson DeFayette (Schalmont)-Catcher/Outfield.
Greg Farone (Schenectady)-Pitcher/1B.
Jake Greco (Amsterdam)-Outfield.
Jacob Hand (Niskayuna)-Infielder.
Brendan Harris (Guilderland)-Infielder.
Cole Hedden (Niskayuna)-Pitcher.
Matt Jung (Maple Hill)-Pitcher/3B.
Isaiah Logan (Canajoharie)-1B-Outfield.
Chris Martin (Colonie)-Outfield, 2B.
Justin Nesbitt (South Glens Falls)-Catcher/Outfield.
Aidan O'Keefe (Albany Academy)-Shortstop.
Michael Petramale (Coxsackie-Athens)-3B/Pitcher.
Anthony Ruzzo (Schalmont)-Shortstop.
Jack Sylvia (Queensbury)-Pitcher.
Kaleb Taylor (Chatham)-Infield/Outfield.
James Ward (Queensbury)-3B.
Aaron Whitley (Niskayuna)-Outfield.
Shenendehowa's Ben Lavery, Jake Reinisch, & Brendan Disonell were also named to the team, but will not play due to a state tournament game taking place at the same time.
====================================
Stripes (coached by Chris Dedrick of Columbia & Garrett Baron of Albany):
Josh Bein (Bethlehem)-Outfield.
Brodryk Benton (Broadalbin-Perth)-Catcher.
Josh Bissaillon (Columbia)-1B/Pitcher.
Isaac Brown (Troy)-Pitcher.
Alex Casciotti (Albany)-3B.
Anthony Childrose (Averill Park)-Pitcher.
Sonny D'Antonio (Christian Brothers Academy)-2B.
Carmen Erno (Columbia)-Pitcher/2B.
Robert Erno (Columbia)-Pitcher/3B.
Alex Gannon (Mohonasen)-Shortstop.
Sam Gardy (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake)-Outfield.
Jonathan Irons (Saratoga)-Outfield.
Michael Kennedy (Troy)-Pitcher/1B.
Jacob LaFountain (Mechanicville)-Pitcher/Shortstop.
Peter O'Toole (Christian Brothers Academy)-Shortstop.
Joe Saia (Voorheesville)-Outfield.
Terel Tillman (Saratoga Central Catholic)-Pitcher/Shortstop.
Jovani Wiggs (Shaker)-Outfield.
Nick Winslow (Saratoga Central Catholic)-Catcher.
Ballston Spa had Chance Checca, Jake Manderson, Evan Fox, Donovan Rhoden, Luke Gold, & Michael Poirier selected. The Record has Poirier listed as playing for Averill Park, but that's incorrect. In any case, the Scotties will not be in Troy. Strangely, of the 52 players chosen, there were, as of press time, none selected from LaSalle. Go figure.
Game time is 6 pm. Admission is $5, and gates open at 5 pm.
News & notes
Three years after his twin brother, Ian, was drafted by Atlanta, Shenendehowa alumnus Ben Anderson, having finished his junior season at Binghamton, was selected Wednesday by the San Diego Padres, who are no strangers to Section II, having drafted pitcher Tim Stauffer a few years back.
Ian is currently pitching for the Braves' AA farm team in Mississippi, and could be a year or two away from the majors. Ben's journey begins later this month.
===========================================
State regional play began in softball & baseball on Thursday, and for the Section II teams that played, the theme was, well, taking no prisoners, as all five teams that played won in blowout fashion.
We'll start with baseball.
In Class A, Ballston Spa shut out Massena, 10-0, to advance to the quarterfinals, where they'll host Whitesboro at Shuttleworth Park in Amsterdam on Saturday at 12:30 pm. If the Scotties win, they will play the winner of a game between Clarke & Sayville at Union-Endicott High on June 14, with the title game the next day.
Over in Class B, Schuylerville blew away Northeastern Clinton, 11-1, and will host Ogdensburg Free Academy at the Plumeri Sports Complex Saturday at 1. A win here, and the Black Horses would play the winner of a game between Le Roy & Medina.
I should note that both Ballston Spa & Schuylerville were seeded second in their respective classes, as was Shenendehowa in Class AA.
They'll be playing a double-header at Plumeri for Section II fans on Saturday, as Class C champion Fort Plain shut down Norwood-Norfolk, 11-0. They'll host Ticonderoga on Saturday at 4.
=================================
In softball, only two Section II teams saw action.
In Class B, Ichabod Crane crushed Ogdensburg Free Academy, 14-2. The Lady Riders will travel to SUNY-Plattsburgh tomorrow to play Plattsburgh High, even though it's a de facto home game for Plattsburgh.
Over in Class C, Chatham battered Ticonderoga by the same 14-2 score. Next stop is SUNY-Potsdam to play St. Lawrence Central.
Fort Ann, the D champ, plays today vs. Crown Point, while Colonie & Ballston Spa begin play tomorrow.
=======================================
A quick reminder that the 518 Futures All-Star Game will be played tomorrow at Bruno Stadium at 6 pm. Coupled with the Albany Empire playing another home game at Times-Union Center, the Troy Fighting Irish, who open their season at Lansingburgh High tomorrow vs. Ithaca, will be hard pressed to fill the bleachers, much less get any sort of attention from the press. Stay tuned.
Ian is currently pitching for the Braves' AA farm team in Mississippi, and could be a year or two away from the majors. Ben's journey begins later this month.
===========================================
State regional play began in softball & baseball on Thursday, and for the Section II teams that played, the theme was, well, taking no prisoners, as all five teams that played won in blowout fashion.
We'll start with baseball.
In Class A, Ballston Spa shut out Massena, 10-0, to advance to the quarterfinals, where they'll host Whitesboro at Shuttleworth Park in Amsterdam on Saturday at 12:30 pm. If the Scotties win, they will play the winner of a game between Clarke & Sayville at Union-Endicott High on June 14, with the title game the next day.
Over in Class B, Schuylerville blew away Northeastern Clinton, 11-1, and will host Ogdensburg Free Academy at the Plumeri Sports Complex Saturday at 1. A win here, and the Black Horses would play the winner of a game between Le Roy & Medina.
I should note that both Ballston Spa & Schuylerville were seeded second in their respective classes, as was Shenendehowa in Class AA.
They'll be playing a double-header at Plumeri for Section II fans on Saturday, as Class C champion Fort Plain shut down Norwood-Norfolk, 11-0. They'll host Ticonderoga on Saturday at 4.
=================================
In softball, only two Section II teams saw action.
In Class B, Ichabod Crane crushed Ogdensburg Free Academy, 14-2. The Lady Riders will travel to SUNY-Plattsburgh tomorrow to play Plattsburgh High, even though it's a de facto home game for Plattsburgh.
Over in Class C, Chatham battered Ticonderoga by the same 14-2 score. Next stop is SUNY-Potsdam to play St. Lawrence Central.
Fort Ann, the D champ, plays today vs. Crown Point, while Colonie & Ballston Spa begin play tomorrow.
=======================================
A quick reminder that the 518 Futures All-Star Game will be played tomorrow at Bruno Stadium at 6 pm. Coupled with the Albany Empire playing another home game at Times-Union Center, the Troy Fighting Irish, who open their season at Lansingburgh High tomorrow vs. Ithaca, will be hard pressed to fill the bleachers, much less get any sort of attention from the press. Stay tuned.
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Setting the stage for the state tournaments
Ten teams from Section II will begin state regional play over the next three days, as all roads lead to the state title games on June 15.
Baseball:
Class AA:
Following a thrilling, extra-inning victory over Niskayuna on Monday, Shenendehowa gets a first-round bye in state play, and will take on Fayetteville-Manilus at Onondaga Community College on Saturday at 5 pm.
Class A:
Ballston Spa begins state play today against Massena at Salmon River High. First pitch is set for 5 pm. The winner plays Whitesboro on Saturday at a site to be decided. If Ballston Spa wins, the game will be played at Shuttleworth Park in Amsterdam.
Class B:
Schuylerville, after nearly a week's rest, will play Northeastern Clinton today at 4, with the game being played at the Plumeri Sports Complex in Albany. The Black Horses are the only Section II team hosting a game within their own section. The winner will play Ogdensburg Free Academy on Saturday. If the Black Horses win, they'll go right back to the Plumeri Complex.
Class C:
Fort Plain is in Canton, outside of Syracuse, today to play Norwood-Norfolk. If Fort Plain wins, they'll return to the Capital Region to play Ticonderoga at the Plumeri Complex on Saturday.
Class D:
Whitehall plays Livingston Manor Saturday in Saugerites (Cantine Field). It's also the first game of the day, with first pitch at 1 pm.
===========================================
Softball
Class AA:
Colonie opens vs. Cicero-North Syracuse on Friday at 5, with the game set for Carrier Park in East Syracuse.
Class A:
Ballston Spa, like Colonie, gets a bye, but the Lady Scotties' first game isn't until Saturday at 4 against the winner of Jamesville-DeWitt vs. Franklin Academy.
Class B:
Ichabod Crane plays Ogdensburg Free Academy today at 5.
Class C:
Chatham will play Ticonderoga today at 4:30 at Moreau Recreational Park. The winner goes to SUNY-Potsdam to play St. Lawrence Central on Saturday.
Class D:
Fort Ann is also at Moreau, but their game is tomorrow, as they'll play Crown Point at 4:30.
====================================
Best of luck to our Section II teams.
Baseball:
Class AA:
Following a thrilling, extra-inning victory over Niskayuna on Monday, Shenendehowa gets a first-round bye in state play, and will take on Fayetteville-Manilus at Onondaga Community College on Saturday at 5 pm.
Class A:
Ballston Spa begins state play today against Massena at Salmon River High. First pitch is set for 5 pm. The winner plays Whitesboro on Saturday at a site to be decided. If Ballston Spa wins, the game will be played at Shuttleworth Park in Amsterdam.
Class B:
Schuylerville, after nearly a week's rest, will play Northeastern Clinton today at 4, with the game being played at the Plumeri Sports Complex in Albany. The Black Horses are the only Section II team hosting a game within their own section. The winner will play Ogdensburg Free Academy on Saturday. If the Black Horses win, they'll go right back to the Plumeri Complex.
Class C:
Fort Plain is in Canton, outside of Syracuse, today to play Norwood-Norfolk. If Fort Plain wins, they'll return to the Capital Region to play Ticonderoga at the Plumeri Complex on Saturday.
Class D:
Whitehall plays Livingston Manor Saturday in Saugerites (Cantine Field). It's also the first game of the day, with first pitch at 1 pm.
===========================================
Softball
Class AA:
Colonie opens vs. Cicero-North Syracuse on Friday at 5, with the game set for Carrier Park in East Syracuse.
Class A:
Ballston Spa, like Colonie, gets a bye, but the Lady Scotties' first game isn't until Saturday at 4 against the winner of Jamesville-DeWitt vs. Franklin Academy.
Class B:
Ichabod Crane plays Ogdensburg Free Academy today at 5.
Class C:
Chatham will play Ticonderoga today at 4:30 at Moreau Recreational Park. The winner goes to SUNY-Potsdam to play St. Lawrence Central on Saturday.
Class D:
Fort Ann is also at Moreau, but their game is tomorrow, as they'll play Crown Point at 4:30.
====================================
Best of luck to our Section II teams.
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Softball recap, 6/4
All 5 Section II softball titles were decided on Tuesday in two different venues.
At Luther Forest Sports Complex, Malta:
AA: Colonie 17, Bethlehem 4.
A: Ballston Spa 3, South Glens Falls 2.
B: Ichabod Crane 3, Schuylerville 1.
============================
At Moreau Recreation Center:
C: Chatham 5, Lake George 3.
D: Fort Plain 5, Whitehall 2.
==============================
Notes: Fort Plain has now won nine straight Class D softball titles. What I can't figure is how the women remained in Class D while the men moved to Class C and won a baseball title on Saturday. At the same time, Whitehall was denied a sweep in Class D, as the men won the D baseball title. Ballston Spa is the only other school besides Fort Plain to sweep in baseball & softball this season, as Schuylerville was also denied in Class B.
For whatever reason, Section II insists on having the title games played at Luther Forest and Moreau because they have multiple diamonds where the games can be played simultaneously. Well, here's a news flash for the people in charge of Section II. We've got a venue closer to home for many of these ladies.
What I'm thinking of is having some of the title games moved to Knickerbocker Park in Troy, which is practically next door to Lansingburgh High. 'Burgh has a turf field, while Knickerbocker Park has two grass diamonds. Catholic Central plays their home games at Knickerbocker Park, and teams from the Colonial Council (i.e. Ichabod Crane, Cohoes) are familiar with the Knick and 'Burgh.
Something to think about.
At Luther Forest Sports Complex, Malta:
AA: Colonie 17, Bethlehem 4.
A: Ballston Spa 3, South Glens Falls 2.
B: Ichabod Crane 3, Schuylerville 1.
============================
At Moreau Recreation Center:
C: Chatham 5, Lake George 3.
D: Fort Plain 5, Whitehall 2.
==============================
Notes: Fort Plain has now won nine straight Class D softball titles. What I can't figure is how the women remained in Class D while the men moved to Class C and won a baseball title on Saturday. At the same time, Whitehall was denied a sweep in Class D, as the men won the D baseball title. Ballston Spa is the only other school besides Fort Plain to sweep in baseball & softball this season, as Schuylerville was also denied in Class B.
For whatever reason, Section II insists on having the title games played at Luther Forest and Moreau because they have multiple diamonds where the games can be played simultaneously. Well, here's a news flash for the people in charge of Section II. We've got a venue closer to home for many of these ladies.
What I'm thinking of is having some of the title games moved to Knickerbocker Park in Troy, which is practically next door to Lansingburgh High. 'Burgh has a turf field, while Knickerbocker Park has two grass diamonds. Catholic Central plays their home games at Knickerbocker Park, and teams from the Colonial Council (i.e. Ichabod Crane, Cohoes) are familiar with the Knick and 'Burgh.
Something to think about.
Monday, June 3, 2019
The Longest Arm of the Law
This is what's known as saving the best for last.
The Class AA championship game at Joe Bruno Stadium featured yet another pitchers' duel, this one between Shenendehowa's Branden Disonell and Niskayuna's Sam Morra. If this doesn't further whet your appetite for when the Tri-City Valleycats begin their home schedule in less than two weeks, I don't know what does.
Shen drew first blood in the first inning without the benefit of a hit. Patrick McGuire walked. With one out, Morra fanned Ben Lavery, but catcher Rob Schneider couldn't hang on to the ball, and Lavery reached. Schneider had similar problems catching a third strike against Chase Carroll, but was able to complete the play before Lavery came up. As a result, McGuire was on third, and scored when Jake Reinisch forced Lavery at second.
It took Niskayuna until the home half of the third inning to answer. Aaron Whitley was hit by a pitch, with two out, and had an idea of taking a step toward Disonell, suggesting there'd been some earlier drama between the two. The last time these two teams played, also at the Joe, just last month, there were no hints of issues between Whitley & Disonell. Whitley stole second, and scored on a single by Jacob Hand to tie the game.
After an error by Nick Lemire allowed Cole Hedden to reach, Disonell settled down, and induced a comebacker from Tim Schaffer to end the frame.
From that point, the pitchers & defense took over. Oh, did it ever. Shen right fielder Sam Law, who'd robbed Jack Murray of an extra base hit in the third before the drama with Whitley began, made another diving grab in the sixth, this time stretching into foul territory to catch a drive from Chris Erickson. In the seventh, he robbed Morra of what could've been an extra base hit if the ball had not drifted into foul territory. And so it went. Until the ninth.
Lavery led off the Shen half with a ground ball that Cole Hedden muffled for his second error of the game, and this time, it would prove costly. A couple of pitches later, Reinisch went shopping at the Gap, as they say on ESPN, and Lavery scored all the way from first on a triple. After a walk to Tom Krill, Niskayuna manager Chris Bianchi shuffled the defense, with Morra moving to left field, Murray to third, and Hedden took over the pitching. He didn't have complete command on Friday against Guilderland, and it was more of the same tonight. Lemire reached on a force play when Reinisch was thrown out at the plate.
Then came one of the most oddball plays of the season. With two out, two runners in scoring position, and four runs already home, Hedden unleashed a wild pitch that Schneider took a week to find, enabling both Law & McGuire, who'd had run scoring hits, to come home. Hedden's night was over, as Bianchi came back out to pull him in favor of Shawn Vena with a count of 2-2 on Carroll. Carroll subsequently walked, but Lavery struck out to end the inning. In all, six runs scored.
Morra went six-plus, giving up two runs, while striking out nine. Hedden poured gasoline on the fire in 2/3 of an inning, with a strikeout and two walks, to go along with four runs.
Disonell, meanwhile, went the distance, striking out ten while walking just two on four hits, as Shen takes home another AA title, 7-1. State play awaits the Plainsmen, starting later this week.
For the Silver Warriors, however, it's a case of where did everything go wrong, and at such a bad time. Did Bianchi leave Morra on the mound too long, since he was grinding in the seventh & eighth innings, his tank nearing empty? Maybe. Hedden wasn't the answer tonight. His error opened the floodgates in the ninth, and putting him on the mound exacerbated things. Not a good way to end the season.
While Section II's champions move on, Bruno Stadium will host the first 518 Futures All-Star Game on Saturday night at 6 pm.
The Class AA championship game at Joe Bruno Stadium featured yet another pitchers' duel, this one between Shenendehowa's Branden Disonell and Niskayuna's Sam Morra. If this doesn't further whet your appetite for when the Tri-City Valleycats begin their home schedule in less than two weeks, I don't know what does.
Shen drew first blood in the first inning without the benefit of a hit. Patrick McGuire walked. With one out, Morra fanned Ben Lavery, but catcher Rob Schneider couldn't hang on to the ball, and Lavery reached. Schneider had similar problems catching a third strike against Chase Carroll, but was able to complete the play before Lavery came up. As a result, McGuire was on third, and scored when Jake Reinisch forced Lavery at second.
It took Niskayuna until the home half of the third inning to answer. Aaron Whitley was hit by a pitch, with two out, and had an idea of taking a step toward Disonell, suggesting there'd been some earlier drama between the two. The last time these two teams played, also at the Joe, just last month, there were no hints of issues between Whitley & Disonell. Whitley stole second, and scored on a single by Jacob Hand to tie the game.
After an error by Nick Lemire allowed Cole Hedden to reach, Disonell settled down, and induced a comebacker from Tim Schaffer to end the frame.
From that point, the pitchers & defense took over. Oh, did it ever. Shen right fielder Sam Law, who'd robbed Jack Murray of an extra base hit in the third before the drama with Whitley began, made another diving grab in the sixth, this time stretching into foul territory to catch a drive from Chris Erickson. In the seventh, he robbed Morra of what could've been an extra base hit if the ball had not drifted into foul territory. And so it went. Until the ninth.
Lavery led off the Shen half with a ground ball that Cole Hedden muffled for his second error of the game, and this time, it would prove costly. A couple of pitches later, Reinisch went shopping at the Gap, as they say on ESPN, and Lavery scored all the way from first on a triple. After a walk to Tom Krill, Niskayuna manager Chris Bianchi shuffled the defense, with Morra moving to left field, Murray to third, and Hedden took over the pitching. He didn't have complete command on Friday against Guilderland, and it was more of the same tonight. Lemire reached on a force play when Reinisch was thrown out at the plate.
Then came one of the most oddball plays of the season. With two out, two runners in scoring position, and four runs already home, Hedden unleashed a wild pitch that Schneider took a week to find, enabling both Law & McGuire, who'd had run scoring hits, to come home. Hedden's night was over, as Bianchi came back out to pull him in favor of Shawn Vena with a count of 2-2 on Carroll. Carroll subsequently walked, but Lavery struck out to end the inning. In all, six runs scored.
Morra went six-plus, giving up two runs, while striking out nine. Hedden poured gasoline on the fire in 2/3 of an inning, with a strikeout and two walks, to go along with four runs.
Disonell, meanwhile, went the distance, striking out ten while walking just two on four hits, as Shen takes home another AA title, 7-1. State play awaits the Plainsmen, starting later this week.
For the Silver Warriors, however, it's a case of where did everything go wrong, and at such a bad time. Did Bianchi leave Morra on the mound too long, since he was grinding in the seventh & eighth innings, his tank nearing empty? Maybe. Hedden wasn't the answer tonight. His error opened the floodgates in the ninth, and putting him on the mound exacerbated things. Not a good way to end the season.
While Section II's champions move on, Bruno Stadium will host the first 518 Futures All-Star Game on Saturday night at 6 pm.
Sunday, June 2, 2019
News & notes
Without much fanfare, the Freihofer's Run For Women marked 40 years on Saturday with the 41st annual edition. It's just too bad none of the local television stations can be bothered to carry the race live.
Elaina Robb of Watertown, Massachusetts won the main race. Section II had a healthy presence, and the highest finisher was Kelsey Chmiel of Saratoga, who finished fifth behind Robb. Chmiel is heading for North Carolina State in the fall after she graduates later this month.
=========================================
To borrow from "The Blues Brothers", the Albany Empire are on a mission from God.
The Empire are 6-0 after beating Washington, 58-48, on Saturday afternoon at the Times-Union Center. That the games are also on local television isn't hurting attendance at all. The Empire also have a radio deal, so the team is retaining a tradition that dates back to the Firebirds nearly 30 years ago.
=========================================
Hard to believe, but there is still one women's lacrosse team from Section II still playing.
Bethlehem reached the state semi-finals on Wednesday, but as of press time, the result of any semi-final game has not yet been reported. We should have an update before the end of the day.
Elaina Robb of Watertown, Massachusetts won the main race. Section II had a healthy presence, and the highest finisher was Kelsey Chmiel of Saratoga, who finished fifth behind Robb. Chmiel is heading for North Carolina State in the fall after she graduates later this month.
=========================================
To borrow from "The Blues Brothers", the Albany Empire are on a mission from God.
The Empire are 6-0 after beating Washington, 58-48, on Saturday afternoon at the Times-Union Center. That the games are also on local television isn't hurting attendance at all. The Empire also have a radio deal, so the team is retaining a tradition that dates back to the Firebirds nearly 30 years ago.
=========================================
Hard to believe, but there is still one women's lacrosse team from Section II still playing.
Bethlehem reached the state semi-finals on Wednesday, but as of press time, the result of any semi-final game has not yet been reported. We should have an update before the end of the day.
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Last year's bridesmaids, this year's champions
Last year, Ballston Spa contended for the Class AA title in baseball, and fell short, losing to Columbia. This year, both schools moved down to Class A, and the Scotties reached the title game, bent on going from bridesmaid to bride. First, though, they had to deal with Averill Park.
In the first, with one out, Luke Gold singled, and back to back walks loaded the bases for the Scotties. A sacrifice fly by Chance Checca gave Ballston Spa a 1-0 lead. Two more walks by Childrose led to another Scotties run in the second. After giving up a lead-off double to Donovan Rhoden in the third, and a single to Checca, Childrose was pulled in favor of Wesley Duscher. A passed ball and back-to-back hits by Colman Hinman and Anthony DeVizzio put three more on the board, giving Ballston Spa a 5-0 lead after three.
Ballston Spa put the game away with four runs in the sixth, finally solving Duscher. For his part, Poirer went four-plus, allowing three runs on three hits, while striking out three. Problem was inconsistent control, leading to six walks. Ballston Spa advances to state play with a 9-3 win.
The Class A title game at Bruno Stadium drew the largest crowd of the weekend, as the fans were about evenly split between the two Suburban Council rivals, even though this amounted to a de facto home game for Averill Park.
Scotties senior hurler Michael Poirer got the start, and was brilliant in extricating himself from one difficult situation after another in the first three innings. The same cannot be said for Averill Park junior pitcher Anthony Childrose, who couldn't get out of the third inning.
In the first, with one out, Luke Gold singled, and back to back walks loaded the bases for the Scotties. A sacrifice fly by Chance Checca gave Ballston Spa a 1-0 lead. Two more walks by Childrose led to another Scotties run in the second. After giving up a lead-off double to Donovan Rhoden in the third, and a single to Checca, Childrose was pulled in favor of Wesley Duscher. A passed ball and back-to-back hits by Colman Hinman and Anthony DeVizzio put three more on the board, giving Ballston Spa a 5-0 lead after three.
Childrose was charged with all five runs on three hits, with one strikeout and five walks in two-plus innings.
In the fourth, Averill Park began to peck away at the lead. After being held without a hit through the first three innings, Avery Pascucci picked up the first hit of the night for the Warriors. A two run double by Ethan Simard put Averill Park on the board, but they still trailed, 5-2, after four innings. In the fifth, they inched even closer, and knocked Poirer from the game after consecutive walks to Anthony Carucci and Pascucci. Alex Yash plated Carucci with a single off Jake Manderson, who had moved from catcher to replace Poirer.
Manderson, however, slammed the door shut, allowing only a double to Ian Ziesue the rest of the way. Manderson retired the last seven batters to face him.
Ballston Spa put the game away with four runs in the sixth, finally solving Duscher. For his part, Poirer went four-plus, allowing three runs on three hits, while striking out three. Problem was inconsistent control, leading to six walks. Ballston Spa advances to state play with a 9-3 win.
======================================
Earlier, defending Class D champion Fort Plain, moving to Class C this season, got a dominant pitching performance from junior pitcher John Cortese while the offense teed off on Hoosick Falls pitching. Cortese fanned 14 in five-plus innings as the Hilltoppers blew out the Panthers, 10-0, in six innings. Fort Plain, despite the class change, wins another sectional title.
The Class AA title will be decided between old rivals Shenendehowa and Niskayuna on Monday.
High School Fridays: Three for the price of two
Hall of Famer Ernie Banks famously said, "let's play two". Section II, after the rains spoiled the Class AA semi-final between Guilderland and Niskayuna on Thursday, said, let's play three on Friday.
With most parents at work, the Dutchmen & Silver Warriors completed business in front of a sparse crowd at Joe Bruno Stadium Friday afternoon, picking up at the point of the game's suspension on Thursday night, with Guilderland leading, 1-0, with one out, and a runner on 1st against Cole Hedden.
The Niskayuna senior rebounded by striking out Mason Steward, and, after a walk to Henry Li, induced a groundout from Malachi Flaherty to end the frame.
Niskayuna evened the score in the second against Guilderland starter Dylan Jones. With one out, Chris Erickson walked, stole second, and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Jimmy Joyce then hit a grounder to second, but Erickson beat the throw home to tie the game. Strangely, Joyce was credited with a base hit, instead of a fielder's choice. Well, at least he wasn't the umpire.
In the home fourth, back-to-back hits by Tim Schaffer and James Murphy put the Silver Warriors in business with nobody out. Erickson hit a sacrifice fly to bring Schaffer home, making it 2-1.
Jones unraveled after that. A hit batsman & a walk loaded the bases. With two out, Aaron Whitley drew a bases loaded walk, plating Murphy to make it 3-1.
After allowing a lead-off single to Flaherty to start the sixth, Hedden moved to third base, and Sam Morra came in from the outfield. Morra slammed the door, allowing only a single in the seventh, and picked up the save, as the Silver Warriors advance to face Shenendehowa on Monday night. Hedden went five-plus innings on the mound, giving up just the one run, his four strikeouts counter-balanced with six walks.
===================================
The Class D title game, then, had a lot to live up to. With the AA game added to the bill, everything else was pushed back, as Whitehall players were arriving during the first game.
Starter Ethan Patch was in a pitchers' duel with Hartford-Fort Edward's Mitch Raymond at the beginning. Patch bent, but didn't break through three innings, allowing only a pair of walks and a hit batsman while striking out six.
The Railroaders, looking for their first title in 30 years, broke through against Raymond in the third. After Raymond hit Jacob Moore with a pitch to start the inning, Austin Barnao doubled, moving Moore to third. Thomas Fish reached on an error, one of six against the Tanaforts' defense, which caved in at that point. Three runs in the third, and five more in the fourth, were more than enough for Patch, who pitched into the sixth before trading places with first baseman Matt Redmond, son of coach Keith Redmond. Thomas Fish pitched the seventh, and although he gave up three runs, finished the game, sending the Railroaders to state play for the first time since 1989, 9-4.
=================================
Schuylerville hadn't won a sectional title since 2005. Between them & Mechanicville, the bleachers were close to full, almost like a typical Friday night during Valleycats season, which, oh by the way, starts in two weeks.
First pitch wasn't until after 8 due to the earlier games, and, again, we started with a pitchers' duel, this one between Mechanicville's Jacob Popeil and Schuylerville's Alex Vallee.
In the home fourth, Rocco DeVito split the gap in right center field for a triple, and scored a couple of pitches later on a single by Matt Wertman. After a base hit by Jacob LaFountain, Popeil lifted a fly to short, dropped for an error. Wertman scored on the play. Two batters later, LaFountain came home on a force play when Vallee's toss to catcher Jack Harshbarger was late, giving Mechanicville a 3-0 lead through four.
However, running the bases may have drained Popeil, who had carved up the Schuylerville offense like a veg-a-matic through four innings with eight strikeouts. Vallee started the rally with a double, then scored on a hit by Jack Bodnar. Back-to-back hits by Brady Eugair & Christian Petralia brought the Black Horses closer. Popeil, however, in trying to pick off Petralia, threw the ball away, the momentum shifting permanently to Schuylerville. Vallee ended the inning, as the Black Horses batted around, by striking out, giving Popeil ten K's through five innings, but Schuylerville now had a 5-3 lead.
Vallee didn't allow another hit in the final three innings, striking out thirteen total, including the last five in a row, as his fastball began to sing like, well, Rudy Vallee, for you old-timers out there. Schuylerville added seven runs against Popeil and two relievers in the seventh, sealing a 12-3 victory.
State play awaits Schuylerville & Whitehall next week. The Class C & A finals are scheduled for today, weather permitting.
"High School Fridays" returns in September.
With most parents at work, the Dutchmen & Silver Warriors completed business in front of a sparse crowd at Joe Bruno Stadium Friday afternoon, picking up at the point of the game's suspension on Thursday night, with Guilderland leading, 1-0, with one out, and a runner on 1st against Cole Hedden.
The Niskayuna senior rebounded by striking out Mason Steward, and, after a walk to Henry Li, induced a groundout from Malachi Flaherty to end the frame.
Niskayuna evened the score in the second against Guilderland starter Dylan Jones. With one out, Chris Erickson walked, stole second, and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Jimmy Joyce then hit a grounder to second, but Erickson beat the throw home to tie the game. Strangely, Joyce was credited with a base hit, instead of a fielder's choice. Well, at least he wasn't the umpire.
In the home fourth, back-to-back hits by Tim Schaffer and James Murphy put the Silver Warriors in business with nobody out. Erickson hit a sacrifice fly to bring Schaffer home, making it 2-1.
Jones unraveled after that. A hit batsman & a walk loaded the bases. With two out, Aaron Whitley drew a bases loaded walk, plating Murphy to make it 3-1.
After allowing a lead-off single to Flaherty to start the sixth, Hedden moved to third base, and Sam Morra came in from the outfield. Morra slammed the door, allowing only a single in the seventh, and picked up the save, as the Silver Warriors advance to face Shenendehowa on Monday night. Hedden went five-plus innings on the mound, giving up just the one run, his four strikeouts counter-balanced with six walks.
===================================
The Class D title game, then, had a lot to live up to. With the AA game added to the bill, everything else was pushed back, as Whitehall players were arriving during the first game.
Starter Ethan Patch was in a pitchers' duel with Hartford-Fort Edward's Mitch Raymond at the beginning. Patch bent, but didn't break through three innings, allowing only a pair of walks and a hit batsman while striking out six.
The Railroaders, looking for their first title in 30 years, broke through against Raymond in the third. After Raymond hit Jacob Moore with a pitch to start the inning, Austin Barnao doubled, moving Moore to third. Thomas Fish reached on an error, one of six against the Tanaforts' defense, which caved in at that point. Three runs in the third, and five more in the fourth, were more than enough for Patch, who pitched into the sixth before trading places with first baseman Matt Redmond, son of coach Keith Redmond. Thomas Fish pitched the seventh, and although he gave up three runs, finished the game, sending the Railroaders to state play for the first time since 1989, 9-4.
=================================
Schuylerville hadn't won a sectional title since 2005. Between them & Mechanicville, the bleachers were close to full, almost like a typical Friday night during Valleycats season, which, oh by the way, starts in two weeks.
First pitch wasn't until after 8 due to the earlier games, and, again, we started with a pitchers' duel, this one between Mechanicville's Jacob Popeil and Schuylerville's Alex Vallee.
In the home fourth, Rocco DeVito split the gap in right center field for a triple, and scored a couple of pitches later on a single by Matt Wertman. After a base hit by Jacob LaFountain, Popeil lifted a fly to short, dropped for an error. Wertman scored on the play. Two batters later, LaFountain came home on a force play when Vallee's toss to catcher Jack Harshbarger was late, giving Mechanicville a 3-0 lead through four.
However, running the bases may have drained Popeil, who had carved up the Schuylerville offense like a veg-a-matic through four innings with eight strikeouts. Vallee started the rally with a double, then scored on a hit by Jack Bodnar. Back-to-back hits by Brady Eugair & Christian Petralia brought the Black Horses closer. Popeil, however, in trying to pick off Petralia, threw the ball away, the momentum shifting permanently to Schuylerville. Vallee ended the inning, as the Black Horses batted around, by striking out, giving Popeil ten K's through five innings, but Schuylerville now had a 5-3 lead.
Vallee didn't allow another hit in the final three innings, striking out thirteen total, including the last five in a row, as his fastball began to sing like, well, Rudy Vallee, for you old-timers out there. Schuylerville added seven runs against Popeil and two relievers in the seventh, sealing a 12-3 victory.
State play awaits Schuylerville & Whitehall next week. The Class C & A finals are scheduled for today, weather permitting.
"High School Fridays" returns in September.
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