Troy High basketball schedule 2021-2

 It's the end of June, five days after graduation, and Section II has already released their 2021-22 basketball calendar.

As with the fall sports schedule, league play will start a little later than normal this season. While we don't know who Troy High has brought in to succeed Richard Hurley as head coach, they do have a full slate of games, including a pair of non-league contests, on the docket.

I'm guessing that Section II wants to leave a little breathing room for players transitioning from football to basketball or hockey. Either that, or it's to give teams ample opportunity to schedule pre-season tournaments.

Following is Troy's varsity basketball schedule. Women's varsity games are at the opposite site, except where noted.

December 3: Women vs. Burnt Hills @ Averill Park.

December 4: Women vs. Averill Park or South Glens Falls @ Averill Park.

December 10: @ Colonie (women's home opener vs. Colonie).

December 11: Men @ CBA-DeWitt (5:30 pm approximate tip).

December 14: Men's home opener vs. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake.

December 17: @ Shaker.

December 19: Coaches Against Cancer game vs. Green Tech @ HVCC (8 pm approximate tip).

December 21: Averill Park.

December 28: @ Schenectady.

January 3: Men vs. Mount Anthony.

January 4: @ Saratoga.

January 7: @ Ballston Spa.

January 8: Men @ Schalmont.

January 14: @ Albany.

January 18: Schenectady.

January 21: Guilderland.

January 22: @ Kingston.

January 28: Shenendehowa.

February 1: @ Columbia.

February 4: Niskayuna.

February 7: CBA.

February 11: @ Bethlehem (women's senior night vs. Bethlehem).

News & notes

 The Troy Fighting Irish ran their record to 3-0 Saturday with a road win over Rochester. Unfortunately, we only know that via the team's social media channels, with no final score reported. The Irish have this weekend off before returning to action July 10 on the road.

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Siena College is saying goodbye to men's assistant basketball coach Antoni Wyche, who's headed to Notre Dame next season.

Coach Carmen Maciariello will be looking for a new assistant this summer, but, coupled with the player turnover, things will be radically different when they return to the T-U Center this winter.

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Apparently, the Atlanta Braves think Ian Anderson wouldn't stand a chance against Mets ace Jacob deGrom.

Anderson won't pitch against the Mets in the series starting tonight at Truist Park, and instead will open the series vs. Miami on Friday night. The Shen grad earned his first win against New York one week ago in the 2nd game of a doubleheader.

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Shen's other gift to Atlanta, Kevin Huerter, had 11 points in a loss to Milwaukee on Sunday night. The Hawks will try to even their series with the Bucks later tonight (8 pm, TNT).

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The Albany Dutchmen will have to get up off the mat after getting plastered by Saugerties, 12-2, on Monday night. The Dutchmen had their first Sunday games of the season this past weekend, splitting a doubleheader.

News & notes

 The Tri-City Valleycats have now won five of their last six after outslugging the Washington (PA) Wild Wings, 11-9, on Saturday at Bruno Stadium. Denis Phipps hit two home runs, including a grand slam, to lead the 'Cats (9-17), who are inching their way toward .500.

The two teams close out the series, and the 'Cats' current homestand, today at 3 pm.

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If you thought the Albany Empire would simply roll through the National Arena League, reality struck on Saturday, as a last second attempt at a fumble recovery went for naught, and the Empire suffered their first loss of the season to the previously winless Jacksonville Sharks, 61-58. The Empire have two weeks off before their next game.

It seems the Sharks have been hit with COVID issues, having played just 3 games, including last night, while Albany (4-1) remains atop the league.

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Ian Anderson is finding out very quickly just how difficult it is in the major leagues.

Anderson went six innings, gave up three runs, and struck out nine, as Atlanta lost to Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon. His next start could be a rematch with the Mets at Truist Park, as the NL East leaders come to Atlanta Tuesday-Thursday.

Former Shaker standout Jeff Hoffman, at last check, was on the injured list for the Reds, and may not be available today in the series finale.

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The Milwaukee Bucks shut down Kevin Huerter, limiting him to 8 points, in blowing out the Atlanta Hawks, 125-91, on Friday. Milwaukee's defense also forced Hawks superstar Trae Young into 9 turnovers in evening the series at 1 game apiece.

Game 3 is tonight, with an 8:30 tipoff.

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There used to be a 13 run pool in major league baseball, and it'd be news if a team scored 13 runs in a game.

That's not a thing anymore, but the Albany Dutchmen waded into the pool with a 13-2 blowout win over Glens Falls Saturday night.

Seems as the calendar turned to summer last week, the Dutchmen & Valleycats both got hot at the same time. Coincidence?

News & notes

 Could the insertion of Kevin Huerter into the starting lineup be the key to the Atlanta Hawks' finally winning an NBA title?

Huerter gained his promotion after DeAndre Hunter was lost for the season due to injury, and the Hawks have reached the Eastern Conference finals, where they beat Milwaukee in game 1 on Wednesday. Huerter contributed 13 points in the win.

We'll soon see if America's Sports Idiot, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, has anything to say about Huerter (Shenendehowa/Maryland), a 3rd year pro, and his contributions, rather than fawning over Trae Young. Say the wrong thing, Stephen, and you'll be hearing about it from the 518, that I can promise.

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The Troy Fighting Irish never took the field last Saturday in what was to be their home opener at Watervliet High. Oneida, their scheduled opponent, forfeited due to a lack of players, so the official score would be 2-0. Which is also the Irish's record, 2-0. Not the first time this has happened.

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Suddenly, the Tri-City Valleycats have gotten hot.

The 'Cats have now won three in a row after beating Sussex County, 3-2, on Wednesday, 24 hours after a combined no-hitter, the 3rd in franchise history, on Tuesday.

Tri-City welcomes back the NJ Jackals tonight for a 1-shot, and then, the Washington (PA) Wild Wings come in for a weekend set. You were expecting them to be from Buffalo?

The third time was the charm (Braves @ Mets, game 2, 6/21/21)

 For now, Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker looks like a genius.

We all assumed, thanks to Yahoo! Sports, early Monday, that Shenendehowa grad Ian Anderson would pitch opposite 2-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom in game 1 of Monday's doubleheader at Citi Field. Instead, Snitker decided to send out rookie Kyle Muller as a sort of sacrificial lamb, denying fans what would've been a marquee matchup that could still happen later this season.

The Mets won game 1, 4-2. DeGrom went 5 innings of shutout ball. Ozzie Albies tagged Seth Lugo for a 2 run homer in the 6th for the final tally.

Anderson got the nod in the nightcap, matched against Jerad Eickoff, who was recalled from Syracuse on Sunday. Eickoff hadn't pitched in the majors since he was with Philadelphia in 2019. Eickoff escaped trouble in the first, and went four innings of shutout ball. With the injury curse having stricken Citi Field anew, the Mets will be happy they have another healthy arm in the rotation.

The difference in this game was Atlanta's all-world right fielder, Ronald Acuna, Jr., who first made an impact on defense, throwing out New York's Pete Alonso trying to go from first to third on a base hit by Dominic Smith in the 2nd inning. In the 5th, with Eickoff gone, replaced by Miguel Castro, Acuna hit his 20th homer of the season. Anderson and the Braves bullpen made it stand up, and the Braves gained a split of a doubleheader for the second straight night, and for that second straight night, the nightcap final was 1-0, courtesy of Acuna.

Anderson went 5 1/3 in gaining his first career win over the Mets, giving up just three hits while fanning five and walking one.

Enjoy this MLB highlight reel:

The two teams meet again tonight.

News & notes

 Barring any last minute issues, the marquee matchup we've all been waiting for takes place today at Citi Field.

Mets ace Jacob deGrom is set to start opposite Atlanta's Ian Anderson. The Shen grad is 0-2 vs. the Mets, and all three of his starts vs. New York, including today, have been at Citi Field. The Braves split a double-dip vs. St. Louis last night, and this will be their second straight double header. The Mets split one vs. Washington on Saturday, and will have a double-dip vs. Philadelphia on Friday.

First pitch for game 1 (Anderson vs. deGrom) is set for 5:10 pm.

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Sunday was also Kevin Huerter's post-season coming out party.

Huerter scored a post-season high 27 points to lead the Atlanta Hawks into the NBA's Eastern Conference Finals with a 103-96 win over the top seeded Philadelphia 76ers.

Enjoy the video highlights:

Up next for the Hawks will be Milwaukee, which eliminated Brooklyn on Saturday.

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The Tri-City Valleycats won their 2nd straight Sunday game, shutting out Sussex County, 6-0. Carson Maxwell homered for the 'Cats, who have today off before resuming their series on Tuesday.

News & notes

 The Albany Dutchmen swept a double-dip against Glens Falls on Saturday night, 5-0 & 5-1. The Dutchmen have now won four in a row heading into play tomorrow.

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It has not yet been two weeks since Bob Burns was hired away from Troy High by Christian Brothers Academy.

What the press ignores is the fact that Burns is up for re-election as a Rensselaer County legislator, and is featured on a mailing released by the county Democratic committee, which appeared in mailboxes all over downtown on Saturday.

Apparently, the wide-length postcard was printed before Burns left Troy High, and it also lists him as a teacher at Sacred Heart School. Likely, a physical education teacher.

I just find this amusing in terms of bad timing on the part of the Democrats.

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Say this for the Tri-City Valleycats. They may be in last place in their division in the Frontier League, but they will not go down without a fight.

The 'Cats lost to Sussex County again on Saturday night, 8-5, weathering a brief rain delay in the 5th inning. They'll try to finally win one at home against the miners this afternoon, and then, the series resumes on Tuesday.

In other 'Cats news, President Rick Murphy revealed that come next month, the 'Cats will have full capacity at Bruno Stadium. On the other hand, Southpaw's Den, the team's store, still doesn't have current year baseball cards available. Apparently, their supplier, Finnegan's, out of Colonie, either has had to mark up prices because of lack of availability and the 'Cats can't afford it, or Finnegan's has nothing available at the moment. Stay tuned.

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The Albany Empire will also have full crowds back at Times-Union Center next month. Meanwhile, the Empire are now halfway to an undefeated regular season after dispatching the Orlando Predators, 68-40, on Saturday night to start a 2 game Florida road trip.

Unfortunately, due to a copyright claim, the video was removed from YouTube overnight.

News & notes

 Time to catch up on some recent headlines.

Well before Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that COVID restrictions were being lifted after 70% of NY adults were vaccinated, the New York Racing Association (NYRA), perhaps anticipating the announcement, announced that Saratoga would open to 100% capacity on July 15.

After Cuomo's announcement, the East Coast Hockey League's Adirondack Thunder announced that they, too, would return to 100% capacity at Cool Insuring Arena when the 2021-2 season begins in October.

There is, though, a caveat. You still have to wear a mask if you haven't gotten a vaccine. And if you haven't, what are you waiting for?

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The Albany Dutchmen are rolling.

The Dutchmen spanked Oneonta, 15-2, on Friday night, as they continue to chase first place Amsterdam in the Perfect Game Collegiate League.

Apparently, not having an Education Day exhibition with the Tri-City Valleycats this year has had an effect on both teams.

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Speaking of the 'Cats, attendance rose to 3,100 on Friday night for another post-game fireworks show, which certainly was a consolation to the fans that stuck around, as the Sussex County Miners stuck it to Tri-City again.

Tri-City starter Jake Dexter was sent back to the lab after four innings, in which he gave up four runs on six hits. His counterpart, Mike Castellani, was brilliant, going seven innings, and giving up all three 'Cats runs.

The star of the show, however, was Sussex County's Chuck Taylor, who drove in three of the five Miner runs with a double and a homer. The Miners had placed ex-Met, Yankee, Red, & White Sox infielder Todd Frazier on the IL on Thursday, as he was injured during the Miners' series vs. the Boulders earlier in the week. No problem, as Sussex County got the better of Tri-City again, 5-3.

Video courtesy of WTEN:

The series continues tonight.

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Kevin Huerter started for the 3rd straight game, and scored 17 points, but it was not enough, as Philadelphia forced a 7th & deciding game in their NBA Eastern Conference semi-final vs. Atlanta. The series concludes tomorrow.

Troy High fall schedule update

 The school year's almost over. Schools are closed today to mark Juneteenth, and that decision, oh, by the way, was made before Juneteenth was made a Federal holiday. That's foresight for ya.

In the wake of winning the Class A baseball championship on Tuesday, Troy High has released its fall sports schedule to Schedule Galaxy.

Women's tennis:

September 1: @ Niskayuna.

September 8: Home opener vs. Colonie.

September 10: @ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake.

September 13: Shaker.

September 15: Bethlehem.

September 18 @ Averill Park.

September 20: Saratoga.

September 22: Ballston Spa.

September 27: Albany.

October 1: @ Guilderland.
October 4: @ Shenendehowa.

October 6: Columbia

A meet vs. Schenectady has not yet been announced.

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Golf: Matches are co-ed unless otherwise indicated.

August 26: Guilderland.

August 30: @ Columbia. 

August 31: Niskayuna.

September 2: Christian Brothers Academy. (men only, of course).

September 3: @ Bethlehem.

September 9: @ Colonie.

September 10: Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake (men only).

September 14: @ Shaker.

September 15: Averill Park (men only).

September 20: Shenendehowa (rescheduled from 8/27).

September 21: @ Saratoga.

September 23: @ Ballston Spa.

September 24: Suburban Council championships, site TBA.

Home matches are at Frear Park.

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Soccer: Unless otherwise indicated, the women will be at the opposite site. 

September 2: Men's home opener vs. Hudson Falls (non-league).

September 4: Women's home opener vs. Catholic Central (9 am).

September 7: Chatham (non-league).

September 9: @ Colonie.

September 11: Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake.

September 14: @ Shaker.

September 18: Averill Park.

September 21: @ Saratoga.

September 23: @ Ballston Spa.

September 25: Women @ Cohoes (6 pm).

September 28: @ Albany.

September 30: Schenectady.

October 2: @ Guilderland.

October 5: Shenendehowa.

October 7: @ Columbia (women's Senior Day vs. Columbia).

October 12: Niskayuna (women close their season @ Nisky).

October 14: Senior Day vs. CBA.

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Volleyball:

August 31: @ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake.

September 2: @ Averill Park.

September 9: Home opener vs. Colonie.

September 14: Shaker.

September 18: @ Lansingburgh (8 am).

September 20: Catholic Central.

September 21: Saratoga.

September 23: Ballston Spa.

September 28: Albany.

September 30: Schenectady.

October 5: @ Shenendehowa.

October 7: Columbia.

October 12: @ Niskayuna.

October 21: @ Guilderland.
October 25: Senior Day vs. Guilderland.

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The dates are now set for the football season, as the post-Bob Burns era begins:

September 10: Home opener vs. Guilderland.

September 17: @ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake.

September 24: @ Averill Park.

October 1: Albany.

October 8: Homecoming vs. South Glens Falls.

October 15: @ Amsterdam.

October 22: @ Columbia.

October 29: Senior Night vs. LaSalle (Collar City Cup).

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The hope, of course, is that Troy, and everyone else in Section II, will have 100% fan capacity by the start of the season.

News & notes

 As the old saying goes, time heals all wounds.

The Enlarged City School District of Troy some time ago lifted its embargo against The Record/Saratogian, which enabled sports writer Kyle Adams to interview Troy High ace Mike Kennedy and coach Chris Stack after the Flying Horses captured the Class A baseball title Tuesday. Apparently, someone convinced Superintendent John Carmello that the school could use all the publicity it could get this spring, given the football team capturing its 3rd sectional title under now-former coach Bob Burns, who signed with CBA a few days ago, and the resurgent baseball program.

Now, if only they could have a parade before graduation....!

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The Albany Dutchmen mauled Oneonta, 9-2, on Wednesday night, but they haven't solved the Amsterdam Mohawks yet.

Albany is under .500, but things can change quickly.

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However, the Tri-City Valleycats lost, 7-3, to New Jersey, blowing another lead, and wasting a home run by Carson Maxwell. The 'Cats have one more game vs. the Jackals tonight, then come home for a series vs. Sussex County, weather permitting, starting tomorrow.

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Wednesday's sectional scoreboard:

Class C Baseball: Canajoharie 7, Lake George 0.

Class B Softball: Ichabod Crane 3, Tamarac 0.

Class C Softball: Chatham 4, Lake George 1.

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Atlanta Braves pitcher Ian Anderson grew up as a Boston Red Sox fan.

On Wednesday night, however, the visiting BoSox treated Anderson rudely, as he went 4 innings, giving up 4 earned runs on 7 hits, with a walk and 5 strikeouts. He didn't figure into the decision, though, as Boston came back from blowing an early lead, riding a grand slam from rookie Christian Arroyo to beat the Braves, 10-8.

Meanwhile, Anderson's former Shenendehowa teammate, Kevin Huerter, starting his second straight game, was held scoreless, but the Hawks beat Philadelphia, 109-103, to take a 3-2 lead into game 6 tomorrow night in Atlanta.

Anderson's next start figures to bring him back to Citi Field on Monday against the Mets, but anyone expecting a marquee matchup vs. New York ace Jacob deGrom might have to wait a little. DeGrom was lifted after 3 innings due to a sore shoulder. The Mets beat the Cubs, 6-3, just the same. Anderson is 0-2 lifetime vs. the Mets, both games at Citi Field.

These are the champions

 Tuesday was supposed to be the final day of the season for Section II spring sports. However, wet grounds left over from Monday's storms caused a couple of games to be pushed back to today.

On the other hand, everything else went as planned.

We'll start with Class A baseball.

A shade more than three weeks after losing to Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake in walk-off fashion, Troy High returned to the scene of the crime, bent on not only revenge, but also their first Section II baseball title since entering the Suburban Council in the 2015-16 season.

The Spartans drew first blood with a homer by Kyle DeCresce, giving Burnt Hills a 1-0 lead. However, Troy lefty Mike Kennedy slammed the door shut, holding the Spartans to two more hits the rest of the way. Christian Brown tied the game with a homer of his own, and Nick DiGiorgio drove in the game winner in the 7th. Troy adds a Class A baseball title to the football crown they won just weeks earlier, 2-1.

In other action:

Class AA: CBA 7, Shaker 4.

Class B: Broadalbin-Perth 6, Ichabod Crane 5.
Class D: Germantown 2, Fort Ann 1.

Men's lacrosse:

Class A: Guilderland 11, Shaker 6.

Class B: Burnt Hills 15, Ballston Spa 9.

Class C: South Glens Falls 15, LaSalle 14.

Class D: Johnstown 10, Schuylerville 9 in overtime.

Women's lacrosse:

Class C: Averill Park 11, Scotia-Glenville 8. First lacrosse title for the Warriors.

Class D: Schuylerville 16, Academy of Holy Names 9.

Today's schedule:

Class C baseball: Lake George @ Canajoharie.

Class B softball: Tamarac @ Ichabod Crane.

Class C softball: Lake George @ Chatham.

Congratulations to all the champions on fantastic seasons.

News & notes

 The Atlanta Hawks inserted Kevin Huerter into the starting lineup Monday for game 4 of their NBA Eastern Conference semi-final vs. Philadelphia. Huerter scored 10 points, to help Atlanta even the series at 2 games apiece, winning game 4, 103-100. The scene shifts back to Philadelphia for game 5 later this week.

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Like everyone else, the Troy Fighting Irish didn't play a game in 2020 due to COVID-19.

However, that also ultimately cost the Irish the use of Lansingburgh High as their home field. A quick check of the team's website shows that their home games this year have shifted over to Watervliet High. The Irish will have their home opener on Saturday, but you need a car to get to the game, as Watervliet High is off the busline for common commuting schleps like ye scribe.

This is nothing new. The Irish used to play their home games at Schenectady High before moving to Lansingburgh a few years back. Money almost certainly is the issue here.

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Monday's heavy rains forced postponement of two women's lacrosse finals (Classes C & D) to today, adding to an already heavy schedule.

Two games were played, however, as Bethlehem claimed the Class A title, beating Shenendehowa, 6-5, and Queensbury won the B title in a Battle of the Lady Spartans over Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, 17-11.

Everyone else will try to go today.

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The rain also washed out the Albany Dutchmen's game vs. Saugerties. They'll make it up as a doubleheader next month.

News & notes

 The Albany Empire are a perfect 3-0 in the National Arena League after thumping Carolina, 83-58, on Saturday at Times-Union Center. QB Ryan Grady threw 9 TD's, five to Darius Prince.

Unfortunately, the YouTube broadcast was late starting, and missed the Cobras' 1st touchdown. Somehow, you had a feeling something like that was going to happen.

Next up for Albany is a trip to Orlando to face the Predators, who came over from the Arena Football League as well. The Predators, you might remember, were the team that fell to the Firebirds in the 1999 ArenaBowl.

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The Albany Times-Union didn't have box scores of Saturday's sectional action due to lack of space (extra advertising) in Sunday's editions. What we do know is that South Glens Falls completed a perfect season, beating Amsterdam to claim the Class A softball title for the first time since 2012. Shenendehowa, unsurprisingly, won the Class AA title.

Championships will be decided today & tomorrow in lacrosse, and tomorrow in baseball. Weather permitting, of course.

The lineup:

Men's lacrosse:

Tuesday:

Class A: Shaker vs. Guilderland @ Amsterdam.

Class B: Ballston Spa vs. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake @ Amsterdam.

Class C: LaSalle vs. South Glens Falls @ Schuylerville.

Class D: Johnstown @ Schuylerville.

Women's lacrosse:

Today:

Class A: Shen @ Bethlehem.

Class B: Burnt Hills @ Queensbury.

Class C: Scotia @ Averill Park.

Class D: Schuylerville @ Academy of Holy Names.

Baseball:

Tuesday:

Class AA: Shaker @ CBA.

Class A: Troy @ Burnt Hills.

Class B: Ichabod Crane @ Broadalbin-Perth.

Class C: Lake George @ Canajoharie.

Class D: Fort Ann @ Germantown.

Softball:

Tuesday:

Class B: Tamarac @ Ichabod Crane.

Class C: Lake George @ Chatham.

While lacrosse rightfully shouldn't be adversely affected by adverse weather conditions, teams have cancelled games the last few years out of concern for player safety & health, same as with baseball & softball. Please check with the schools before game time.

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The Tri-City Valleycats can count themselves thankful they get Mondays off in the Frontier League. The 'Cats need a break after letting another game slip away vs. Sussex County, 5-4, on Sunday. They'll open a series vs. the New Jersey Jackals on Tuesday before coming home to play the Miners in a 5 game series, June 18-20 & 22-23.

News & notes

 The Suburban Council is assured of retaining the Class AA & A crowns come Tuesday.

The Class AA baseball tournament might as well be renamed the Suburban Council Championship, since there are no other Class AA schools outside of the league, with Catholic Central & LaSalle (Colonial Council) now in different classes. In fact, the Cadets nearly spoiled the party for the Suburban Council in A, except for the red hot Spartans of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake.

The Spartans shut out LaSalle, 15-0, Saturday afternoon, and, as the #3 seed (I thought they were lower), will host #4 Troy, which similarly blew out top seeded South Glens Falls, 14-2, winning their third straight and fifth in their last six. Mike Kennedy led Troy with 5 RBI on the day, and likely will be on the hill when the Flying Horses & Spartans meet for the 2nd time this season on Tuesday.

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One of the differences between the Frontier League and the now-defunct NY-Penn League came up and bit the Tri-City Valleycats on Saturday night.

After being locked in a 4-4 standoff with Sussex County after 10 innings, the 'Cats played Home Run Derby with the Miners, and lost, 5-0, so the Miners pick up another win over the struggling Valleycats, with the series finale later today.

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The Albany Dutchmen dropped a doubleheader to Amsterdam by identical 3-0 scores on Saturday night. The Mohawks have added Brett Young (Siena/Albany Academy) to their roster. Brett went 1-5 in the doubleheader before being lifted after his 2nd at-bat in game 2. As has been the case at Siena, and, before that, VCU, Brett is playing the outfield, in this case in center field. From what I've been told, Brett is playing with Amsterdam on the recommendation of Siena coach Tony Rossi, despite the fact that Siena/Academy teammate Ben Seiler pitches for the Dutchmen.

The business of baseball, yo'.

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Ex-Valleycat Joe Musgrove was abused by the Mets for the 2nd time in a week Saturday afternoon. Musgrove went 6 1/3 innings, and took the loss as the Mets beat San Diego, 4-1. Last week, Musgrove had the misfortune to be matched against Mets ace Jacob deGrom. This time, it was Marcus Stroman, who also went 6 1/3, and picked up the win.

Another ex-'Cat, Vince Velasquez, got the start for Philadelphia against the Yankees, but didn't figure in the decision as Philadelphia won its third straight in walk-off fashion, in 10 innings. Velasquez went the first five, could've had the win, but the bullpen couldn't hold it for him, as DJ LeMahieu homered in the top of the 9th to tie it. Philadelphia needed the win to keep pace with the front-running Mets.

News & notes

 The Philadelphia 76ers finally recognized what kind of a threat Kevin Huerter is off the bench, and neutralized him Friday as they took a 2-1 series lead over Atlanta. Huerter was limited to 3 points in 23 minutes played.

Game 4 is Monday in Atlanta. You and I know Huerter will be motivated to make the necessary adjustments.

Meanwhile, fellow Shenendehowa alum Ian Anderson had a pitchers' duel with Philadelphia's Zack Wheeler on Thursday. Anderson exited first, going 7 innings, striking out 4. Wheeler went one better, fanning 12 over 8 innings. Neither figured in the decision, as the Phillies beat the Braves, 4-3, in 10 innings.

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The Albany Dutchmen let another one slip away Friday, losing to Saugerties, 6-5. Former Yankee (and Phillie and Giant and Pirate) Charlie Hayes is a coach with the Stallions, while his son, Ke'Bryan, is a rookie infielder with Pittsburgh.

And it was another ex-big leaguer that had an impact on Friday's Frontier League double dip between Sussex County and the Tri-City Valleycats.

Todd Frazier, released by Pittsburgh a week ago, made his debut for his home state Miners on Friday in the first game of the double-header, going 0-3. Frazier, who also played with the Yankees, Mets, White Sox, and Reds in his big league career, will be playing for Team USA in the Olympics in Tokyo later this summer. While we don't know when he'll be leaving for Tokyo, he may be a gate attraction when the Miners make their Troy debut next weekend at Bruno Stadium.

Oh, by the way, Sussex County swept the 'Cats.

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It is Semi-final Saturday in Section II baseball, with games getting underway in just a few minutes as I write.

Class AA sees Colonie vs. CBA and Shaker vs. Saratoga. In Class A, it'll be Troy at South Glens Falls, and Burnt Hills at LaSalle. Both classes will crown new champions this year, as the 2019 A champs, Ballston Spa, moved up to AA, and were eliminated earlier this week. Same for AA champion Shenendehowa, upset by Saratoga.

It's also Championship Saturday in softball. Full results coming tomorrow.

News & notes

 Tradition vs. political correctness.

That's what it really came down to Thursday when the Cambridge school board voted to retain the team name, "Indians", for their sports teams going forward. They realize how the images of Native Americans used by other teams (i.e. Washington until 2020) were considered offensive, so they're going to look for a more positive Native American imagery in time for the 2021-2 season. In addition, new curriculum on Native Americans will be added to the schools' programs next season.

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Before walking off the NY Boulders, 2-1, on Thursday, the Tri-City Valleycats got some good news of a nostalgic bent.

Pitcher Bud Norris, who began his pro career 15 years ago after he was drafted by Houston, is expected to return to Troy in about a week to ten days, according to his agent, Scott Lonergan of Ballergee Group. Norris has been a major league journeyman, with stops in Houston and St. Louis among the teams on his resume.

In an unrelated note, unless they're already there, baseball card enthusiasts should expect to see the usual supply of packs from Finnegan's Sports Cards of Colonie by the time the 'Cats return home from their road trip next week. Finnegan's and the 'Cats were charging anywhere from $2.50 to $5 a pack prior to last year's panic buying binges by greedy newbies to the hobby, so we'll see what happens.

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The excitement is building among high school baseball fans in the hometown, particularly with the prospect of an all-Troy final in the Class A tournament.

Troy High did their part, and shut down Albany Academy, 6-0, behind junior lefty Mike Kennedy. The Flying Horses (11-6 overall) will travel to South Glens Falls tomorrow in the semi-finals against the top seeded Bulldogs, and, in a matter of school pride, seeking revenge after South High eliminated Troy in softball on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, closer to home, second-seeded LaSalle eliminated Amsterdam, 5-3, with Eddie Girtler leading the way with 15 strikeouts. Up next for Jesse Braverman's Cadets will be Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, which took down Queensbury. South High put down Averill Park, 3-0, to advance to their semi-final date with Troy.

Keep in mind that if Troy and LaSalle do win tomorrow, LaSalle hosts the final round game, likely at Geer Field, on Tuesday. If it's Troy vs. Suburban Council rival Burnt Hills, the game is at Troy. If South High beats Troy, they host the final.

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Other scores:

Baseball:

Class AA:

Colonie 8, Columbia 0. Tyler Sausville with a no-hitter and 11 strikeouts. Tyler Figueroa hit two homers to back up Sausville.

Shaker 9, Ballston Spa 6.

Guilderland 2, Bethlehem 1. This game had been suspended twice because of weather. The Dutchmen play CBA today, with the winner to face Colonie on Saturday. Shaker will play Saratoga in the other semi-final.

Class B:

Schalmont 6, Schuylerville 2.

Ichabod Crane 5, Tamarac 2.

Class C:

Galway 6, Maple Hill 5.

Lake George 4, Stillwater 2.

Canajoharie 2, Hoosic Valley 0.

Chatham 8, Greenwich 0.

Saturday's semi-finals sees Galway at Canajoharie, and Lake George at Chatham.

Class D:

Argyle 9, Northville 1. The Scots will play Fort Ann on Saturday.

Hartford-New Hartford 8, Salem 2. H-NH will play top-seeded Germantown on Saturday.

Softball:

Class AA:

Shenendehowa 6, Guilderland 1.

Bethlehem 3, Ballston Spa 2.

It'll be Bethlehem @ Shen on Saturday.

Class A:

Amsterdam 4, Burnt Hills 2.

South Glens Falls 7, Queensbury 2.

It's an all-Foothills Council final between the Rams and the Bulldogs on Saturday.

Class B:

Tamarac 13, Catholic Central 1 (5 innings). Tamarac plays Greenville on Saturday.

Ichabod Crane 12, Fonda-Fultonville 0 (6). Ichabod Crane plays Schalmont on Saturday.

Class C:

Warrensburg 4, Saratoga Catholic 2.

Whitehall 4, Stillwater 0.

The other games were not reported in time for today's editions.

Class D:

Salem 7, Argyle 3. Salem becomes the first sectional champion of the season.

News & notes

 Upstate Yankee fans who've been waiting for Derek Jeter to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame will have to wait until September to make the pilgrimage to Cooperstown.

The Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that this year's induction is being moved to September to allow vaccinated fans to attend. They're, of course, hoping the majority of fans will be vaccinated by then. MLB Network will have live coverage of the event.

==================================

When Christian Brothers Academy parted with football coach Joe Burke last month, rumors immediately began circulating that athletic director Blaine Drescher was targeting Troy's Bob "The Builder" Burns, especially after Troy had bludgeoned its way to a Class A title.

Wednesday, Drescher had his man, and now Troy has to find a new coach.

Burns leaves Troy with a 58-4 record in six seasons as football coach, one of the highest winning percentages of any active coach in Section II. What is not known is whether or not Burns, who also coaches outdoor track at Troy, will do the same at CBA.

We must assume Troy will hire from within, unless Burns takes his staff with him to CBA. Troy will make a corresponding move before training camp begins in two months' time.

After the 2021 fall schedule was released two weeks ago, Troy supporters envisioned another title run. Now, Burnt Hills, Queensbury, and everyone else who were run over by the Troy steamroller, are licking their chops, hoping for revenge.

But that's why they play the games.

====================================

Another night, another loss for the Tri-City Valleycats.

The momentum from Sunday's win over New Jersey dissipated with Tuesday's storms, and the NY Boulders continued their dominance over the 'Cats with a 7-1 win. Carlos Sano (0-1), who was so brilliant on Friday vs. New Jersey, couldn't get out of the fifth inning this time, charged with all seven Boulders runs on 5 hits, with 5 walks and 5 K's.

=====================================

The road to the Section II Class A softball title will go through the North Country.

Top-seeded Averill Park was eliminated by Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, 8-2, in a major upset, ending Kevin Earl's 1st season as Warriors coach.

Second seeded South Glens Falls ended Troy's run, 6-0, as Hannah Breen checked the Flying Horses with a 1 hit shutout, fanning 15. Breen was also 3-3 at the plate with a double and 2 RBI. Troy finishes 9-8 on the season (6-7 Suburban Council), and will have a solid core of players returning next season.

The Bulldogs will host third-seeded Queensbury today, with the winner to host either Burnt Hills or Amsterdam on Saturday.

====================================

You have to hope Troy had some scouts at the College of St. Rose, where Albany Academy bludgeoned Glens Falls, 16-5, in five innings, on Wednesday. The Cadets moved the game off their campus due to wet grounds from Tuesday's storm. Troy hosts the Cadets today, with the winner to play the winner of South Glens Falls-Averill Park on Saturday.

The other Class A quarters have Amsterdam at LaSalle, and Queensbury at Burnt Hills.

===============================

To follow up on a story from earlier this week, the Lake George school board voted to cancel their football team's merger with Corinth for this season, after hearing protests from some of the players last week. Corinth was going to merge with Lake George & Hadley-Luzerne, since with 7 players, they don't have enough to field their own team, due to diminishing interest.

News & notes

 Former Giants coach Jim Fassel, who directed the team to the Super Bowl after the 2000 season, passed away on Tuesday at 73. Fassel was the coach when Big Blue began holding training camps at UAlbany at the end of the 90's.

========================================

Philadelphia evened their NBA Eastern Conference semi-final series vs. Atlanta with a 118-102 win on Tuesday. Shenendehowa grad Kevin Huerter tallied 20 points for Atlanta in a losing effort. The scene shifts to Atlanta on Friday night for game 3.

========================================

Late afternoon rains wiped out the Tri-City Valleycats' home game vs. the NY Boulders. That will be made up as part of a doubleheader when the Boulders return to Troy next month. They'll try again to get a game in today.

The Albany Dutchmen were rained out in Glens Falls, so they'll try again later this week to complete a suspended game from last week vs. the Dragons.

=========================================

Tuesday's sectional scoreboard:

Baseball:

Class AA:

Saratoga 1, Niskayuna 0.

Shaker 12, Albany 0.

Class A:

Amsterdam 5, Gloversville 3.

Troy 10, Hudson Falls 0. Austin Francis pitched a complete game shutout for the Flying Horses (10-6), who await the Albany Academy-Glens Falls winner. They'll attempt to play that game today as they were rained out on Tuesday.

Burnt Hills 12, Lansingburgh 2 (5 innings).

Class B:

Schuylerville 3, Mechanicville 0.

Schalmont 10, Saratoga Catholic 0.

Fonda-Fultonville 3, Granville 1.

Cobleskill-Richmondville 16, Watervliet 5 (Monday).

Class C:

Stillwater 7, Fort Plain 2.

Hoosic Valley 16, Whitehall 0. (6 innings)

Greenwich 7, Hoosick Falls 5.

Hoosick Falls 8, Voorheesville 1 (Monday).

Maple Hill 20, Berlin 2 (Monday, 5 innings).

Waterford 19, Middleburgh 4 (Monday, 5 innings).

===================================

Men's lacrosse:

Niskayuna 21, Colonie 3.

Guilderland 22, Saratoga 11.

Shaker 9, CBA 3.

Queensbury def. Troy via forfeit. The winless Flying Horses opted out for unknown reasons, although you couldn't blame them if their collective psyche had been irrevocably shattered with one blowout loss after another. Officially, the worst lacrosse season on record at Troy ends at 0-14.

Women's lacrosse:

Cohoes 13, Hoosick Falls 12.

Schuylerville 15, Greenwich 3.

Johnstown 26, Catholic Central 5.

======================================

Softball:

Class AA:

Shenendehowa 10, Albany 0.

Ballston Spa 9, Saratoga 1.

Class B:

Catholic Central 18, Coxsackie-Athens 2 (5).

Canajoharie 10, Schoharie 9.

Class A games, including Burnt Hills-Averill Park and Troy-South Glens Falls, were rained out. They'll try again today.

News & notes

 The Tri-City Valleycats finally snapped a seven game losing streak on Sunday, salvaging the final game of their series with the New Jersey Jackals, 4-2, in the midst of a weekend heat wave. Denis Phipps provided the difference maker with a 2 run homer, and the 'Cats' pitching made it stand up.

After an off-day Monday, Tri-City will seek revenge on the NY Boulders beginning tonight. First pitch is at 6:30 pm.

=======================================

Kevin Huerter scored 15 points off the bench as Atlanta downed top-seeded Philadelphia, 128-124 Sunday. Trae Young led all scorers with 34 points.

The 76ers had hoped for a good luck charm from the WWE, as Paul "Triple H" Levesque came out with Sixers star Joel Embiid to ring the replica Liberty Bell during pre-game festivities. Levesque & Embiid came out to the theme of DeGeneration X, rocking the 2006-era shirts. Embiid is a fan.

With WWE resuming live events on a limited scale next month, don't be surprised if they do hit Albany before the end of the year.

=======================================

Lake George merged its football program with Hadley-Luzerne seven years ago. Now, Corinth is being added to the mix, and Lake George players, who've come to respect H-L coach Zac Kozersky over the last seven seasons, have threatened a boycott if Kozersky is not retained.

Parents are concerned because the Lake George school board did not consult with them, the players, or the coaches before making the merger deal with Corinth, which would be forced to go it alone with H-L if Lake George follows through on its threat. All we can say for now is, stay tuned.

===========================================

Monday's sectional scoreboard:

Women's lacrosse:

Class A:

Shaker 15, Guilderland 6.

Shenendehowa 23, Albany 0.

Saratoga 22, Colonie 9.

Shaker will play top-seeded Bethlehem on Thursday while Saratoga & Shen renew hostilities. Winners will meet next Monday.

Class B:

Columbia 18, Albany Academy 5. Columbia will play Queensbury on Thursday.

Niskayuna 24, Amsterdam 3. Nisky will play Burnt Hills on Thursday.

==============================

Softball:

Class AA:

Colonie 4, Shaker 0.

Albany 4, Nisky 3.

Class A:

Troy 8, Glens Falls 2. Olivia DeCitise pitched a complete game, fanning 12, and went 3-4 at the plate. Maryssa Sano added a homer for the winners, who now play South Glens Falls today.

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake 13, Lansingburgh 1. The Spartans will visit Suburban Council rival Averill Park today.

Class C:

Hoosic Valley 3, Canajoharie 1.

Academy of Holy Names 16, Duanesburg 9.

Maple Hill 14, Waterford 2.

================================

Baseball:

Class B:

Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk 7, Coxsackie-Athens 6 (10 innings).

The rest of Monday's games were not reported in time for today's editions.

And, so, the sectionals begin

 Sectional titles in baseball, softball, & lacrosse will be decided over the next week-plus. Unlike in past years, there won't be a neutral site for the championships, except in lacrosse. The baseball finals won't be at Joe Bruno Stadium this year, for example, and the softball finals are not at Luther Forest in Malta, the latter of which makes little sense unless they have some sort of scheduling issue due to the pandemic. The Tri-City Valleycats' season is already underway, but the 'Cats will be on the road starting on Friday, and Section II couldn't make a deal with, say, RPI or Siena to host the finals.

As a Troy High alumnus, I'd rather that Troy's lacrosse team declined a bid for the Class B sectionals (there's no Class AA in lacrosse), but the winless laxmen will play one more game at Queensbury. The chances of a miracle run are slim.

Softball sectional pairings:

Class AA: 

Today:

Albany @ Niskayuna. Winner will play Shenendehowa on Tuesday.

Shaker @ Colonie. Winner will play Bethlehem on Tuesday.

Tuesday:

Guilderland @ Columbia.

Saratoga @ Ballston Spa.

Class A:

Today:

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake @ Lansingburgh. Winner will play Averill Park on Tuesday.

Hudson Falls @ Scotia-Glenville. Winner will play Queensbury on Tuesday.

Glens Falls @ Troy. Winner will play South Glens Falls on Tuesday.

Tuesday:

Amsterdam @ Mohonasen.

Class B:

Today:

Albany Academy @ Johnstown. Winner plays Ichabod Crane on Tuesday.

Broadalbin-Perth @ Cohoes. Winner plays Greenville on Tuesday.

Tuesday:

Fonda-Fultonville @ Bishop Gibbons.

Mechanicville @ Taconic Hills.

Hudson @ Schalmont.

Cobleskill-Richmondville @ Tamarac.

Coxsackie-Athens @ Catholic Central.

Granville @ Schuylerville.

Class C:

Today:

Schoharie @ Berlin-New Lebanon. Winner plays Chatham on Tuesday.

Middleburgh @ Voorheesville. Winner plays Saratoga Catholic @ Geyser Park on Tuesday.

Galway @ Hoosick Falls. Winner plays Warrensburg on Tuesday.

Duanesburg @ Academy of Holy Names. Winner plays Lake George on Tuesday.

Waterford @ Maple Hill. Winner plays Greenwich on Tuesday.

Hoosic Valley @ Canajoharie. Winner plays Whitehall on Tuesday.

Tuesday:

Mayfield @ Stillwater.

Berne Knox-Westerlo @ Rensselaer.

Class D:

Tuesday:

Fort Edward/Hartford @ Salem.

Fort Ann @ Argyle.

The winners will meet Thursday at the highest remaining seed.

===============================

Baseball sectional pairings:

Class AA:

Tuesday:

Bethlehem @ Guilderland. Winner plays CBA on Thursday.

Schenectady @ Columbia. Winner plays Colonie on Thursday.

Albany @ Shaker. Winner plays Ballston Spa on Thursday.

Saratoga @ Niskayuna. Winner plays Shen on Thursday.

Class A: 

Tuesday:

Mohonasen @ Averill Park. Winner plays South Glens Falls on Thursday.

Glens Falls @ Albany Academy.

Hudson Falls @ Troy.

Lansingburgh @ Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake. 

Scotia-Glenville @ Queensbury.

Gloversville @ Amsterdam. Winner plays LaSalle on Thursday.

Class B:

Today:

Watervliet @ Cobleskill-Richmondville. Winner plays Hudson on Tuesday.

Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk @ Coxsackie-Athens. Winner plays Broadalbin-Perth on Tuesday.

Tuesday:

Fonda-Fultonville @ Granville.

Catskill @ Ichabod Crane.

Taconic Hills @ Tamarac.

Schuylerville @ Mechanicville.

Saratoga Catholic @ Schalmont.

Cohoes @ Greenville.

Class C:

Today:

Berne Knox-Westerlo @ Stillwater. Winner plays Fort Plain on Tuesday.

Bishop Gibbons @ Duanesburg. Winner plays Chatham on Tuesday.

Voorheesville @ Hoosick Falls. Winner plays Greenwich on Tuesday.

Berlin @ Maple Hill. Winner plays Rensselaer on Tuesday.

Middleburgh @ Waterford. Winner plays Galway on Tuesday.

Corinth @ Schoharie. Winner plays Canajoharie on Tuesday.

Tuesday:

Whitehall @ Hoosic Valley.

Lake George @ Hadley-Luzerne.

Class D:

Thursday:

Hartford-Fort Edward @ Salem. Winner plays Germantown on Saturday.

Northville @ Argyle. Winner plays Fort Ann on Saturday.

News & notes

 It seems the Tri-City Valleycats can't finish off their games.

The 'Cats let another game slip through their fingers Saturday night, as New Jersey beat Tri-City, 7-5, extending the 'Cats' losing streak to seven straight.

Tri-City will attempt to salvage the final game of the series today, thankful that they'll have a day off tomorrow.

========================================

LPBA veteran Kelly Kulick taught the youngsters a thing or two Saturday in Glens Falls when she won the tournament. Rotterdam native Liz Kuhlkin finished 24th.

Will we see Kuhlkin in a televised finals? We'll see.

=========================================

Tennis season is officially over at Troy High. Averill Park snuffed out the momentum the Flying Horses built from beating CBA in their regular season finale, and handed Troy another shutout, 7-0. Troy tennis finishes 1-13 on the season.

On the diamond, CBA beat Troy in baseball, 12-7, so Troy enters the sectionals on a 2 game losing streak (9-6, 9-5 league play). However, the softball team decimated Cohoes, from the Colonial Council, 14-2. Jody Rogers pitched a complete game for Troy (8-7 overall, 6-7 Suburban Council).

We should have an idea of Troy's sectional opponents in the next 24-36 hours.

News & notes

 Country singer John Conlee had a hit song back in the day, "Friday Night Blues". Sports fans in the 518 were feeling those blues, but for a different reason.

Our tale of woe starts in Clifton Park, where Troy High finished a winless season in lacrosse, falling to Shenendehowa, 21-1, to finish the regular season 0-13. To their credit, the Plainsmen, on their Twitter page, chose not to disclose the final score to spare Troy further humiliation, saying only that Shen had 8 players tally goals. The talent just isn't there at Troy in lacrosse, and it'll be a while before they can find someone that can lead the laxmen to the win column. At least they scored a goal in the final quarter of the season, so there's that.

Next, we head to Saratoga. Troy's softball team dropped its 4th straight, 4-1, to the Lady Streaks. Sean Geisel's club (7-7, 6-7 Suburban Council) will get to play Cohoes after all, as the non-league game will be the home finale this afternoon at 3 pm. Troy baseball split a doubleheader with Saratoga, taking the first game, 5-1, for their 3rd straight win, but the Blue Streaks turned things around in the nightcap with a 9-0 win. Troy is now 9-5, and will finish the regular season with CBA today, also at 3. The 2nd game was considered a non-league game.

The upside is that Chris Strack's club will finish above .500 for the first time in a long time, and their ace, Mike Kennedy, will return next season.

Back at home, the Tri-City Valleycats opened the home portion of their season hoping to end a 5 game losing streak as they welcomed the New Jersey Jackals, making their first visit to Troy.

First pitch was pushed back to 7:20 pm due to pre-game tributes to team founder Bill Gladstone and Senator Joe Bruno, both of whom passed away last year.

Tri-City never led, as they fell behind, 2-0, despite a standout performance by starter Carlos Sano, who went six innings, and left with the game tied at 2 thanks to a Juan Silverio homer in the home 6th. However, the Jackals abused the 'Cats' bullpen, scoring 15 runs in the final three innings to post a 17-2 victory, sending the 'Cats skidding to their 6th straight loss while ending a brief two game losing streak of their own. Ouch!

The series resumes tonight at 7.

==================================

Shenendehowa grad Ian Anderson was hoping to rebound from a loss to the Mets last Saturday night when he took the hill at Truist Park to face the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, the defending World Series champions had other ideas.

For the 2nd straight game, Anderson was knocked out in the 5th inning, going 4 1/3 this time, giving up four runs for the 2nd straight game, as the Dodgers beat Atlanta, 9-5. In hindsight, maybe Brian Snitker's plan to give Anderson an extra day's rest backfired after all.

==================================

But, there is a happy ending, supplied by the Albany Empire.

Albany rolled into New Jersey to take on the Jersey Flight. This YouTube broadcast is being called by the Flight's own announcers.

This is the only Friday game on the regular season schedule for Albany. It's Saturdays going forward, starting with a home game next week at Times-Union Center. 

======================================

Lest we forget that the Albany Dutchmen's opener at Glens Falls on Thursday was suspended by rain in the 5th inning, with Albany already up, 10-1. They will finish that game as part of a double-dip when they return to Glens Falls on Tuesday. No boxscore until then. The Dutchmen will christen their new home field in Guilderland today with a doubleheader.

News & notes

 If you tuned in to MLB Network Thursday, expecting to see Shenendehowa grad Ian Anderson back on the hill for the Atlanta Braves, you got a rude surprise.

Anderson had his start moved to tonight, as the Braves welcome the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manager Brian Snitker made the decision to give Anderson an extra day's rest, and the move paid off, as the Braves beat Washington, 5-1, behind rookie Tucker Davidson.

====================================

Meanwhile, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Jeff Hoffman (Shaker) was placed on the 10-day injured list with a shoulder injury a week ago, but, given how arm injuries of any kind can be unpredictable, there is no timetable for Hoffman's return.

====================================

As we noted in a late update yesterday, Troy High's baseball game vs. CBA was pushed back to Saturday due to wet grounds at THS. What is meant to be the Senior Day game will now be the regular season finale, as Troy will play at Saratoga in a twi-night doubleheader. First game at 4:30, with the nightcap at 7, weather permitting, of course. Tomorrow's game is set for a 3 pm first pitch.

The Troy softball team travels to Saratoga today as well, hoping to snap a three game losing streak after Averill Park walked them off, 7-6, Thursday, on a sacrifice fly in the home 7th inning. Sean Geisel's club now sits in 4th place in the Suburban Council's Grey division at 6-6 (7-6 overall).

Troy's lacrosse team, locked in the basement, has one game remaining today at Shenendehowa. The mission at hand, of course, is to finally score. Troy was shut out again Thursday in a twilight game at Saratoga, 20-0. Now 0-12 (0-10 in league play), the laxmen need to find their pride and make a more concerted effort against Shen.

=====================================

The Tri-City Valleycats limp into their home opener tonight vs. New Jersey after a 1-5 road trip to start the season.

Perhaps the sight of some friendly faces at Bruno Stadium could provide a cure. Attendance will be capped at 2.500 fans to start the season (33% capacity), but the joint will be jumpin'. They'll also pay tribute to founding owner Bill Gladstone and Senator Joe Bruno, both of whom passed away since the team's last game.

=======================================

Also tonight: The Albany Empire are on the road to play the Jersey Flight. The game will be available on YouTube. Just punch in Albany Empire in the search box, and you're there.