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.