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.