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?