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.