News & notes

 Another night, another loss for the Albany FireWolves.

After snapping a 10 game losing streak last week, the 'Wolves returned to MVP Arena last night, and fell to the Georgia Swarm, 15-6. Not a good way to start a season ending 3 game home stand.

Making matters worse, a former member of the 'Wolves had a big hand in the Swarm's victory. Andrew Kew, who played for Albany last year, had 4 goals and 5 assists. UAlbany product Lyle Thompson added a goal.

Albany returns to MVP Arena next Sunday at 3 vs. Philadelphia.

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After tearing up Triple A at the start of the season, Kevin Smith (Columbia/Maryland) was called up by Oakland. Unfortunately, the offensive malaise that has plagued the A's all season has affected Smith, too, as he has gone 2-19 after going 0-2 Saturday vs. the Mets. Smith entered the game as a pinch hitter in the 7th, and, after a pitch clock violation, struck out, but catcher Francisco Alvarez dropped the ball, and nearly committed an error with a wild toss to Pete Alonso, who tagged 1st base before Smith got there.

In the 9th, Smith struck out again, as Mets closer pro tempore David Robertson earned his 3rd save, despite a pitch clock violation of his own extending the at bat by 1 pitch.

The teams conclude the series this afternoon at 4 pm (WCWN).

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The Albany Patroons are considering joining the Basketball Super League next season, according to the Albany Times-Union. The BSL would enable the Pats to play a more traditional winter-spring schedule (December-May instead of March-May), with extra home dates as incentive. Ex-Patroon David Magley and his wife run the BSL, and have had interest in bringing in the Pats for some time.

Fellow blogger and local historian Chuck Miller should get a kick out of this. Chuck, oh, by the way, worked the PA at a recent home game as the regular announcer was in absentia for a night. I wouldn't mind him getting a TV gig to go with his weekly radio show on Hamilton College's station.

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As seen on MSG on Saturday, George Washington scored a rare win, beating Fordham, 9-4. Anthony Germinerio (Averill Park/UAlbany) entered the game in the 7th, and was lifted in the 8th. Credited with 1 inning pitched, Germinerio gave up just 1 hit, with 1 hit batsman and a strikeout in his first appearance in 2 weeks. Seems the coaches are still concerned about a shoulder injury that held him out at the start of the season. 

Today's game is streaming on ESPN+, starting at noon.

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Central Park in Schenectady was home to a 4 game Coaches Against Cancer program Saturday. Only two games were reported as of press time.

Bethlehem used a 9 run 5th inning to ice a 12-2 win over LaSalle. The Cadets trailed, 3-0, heading into the 5th, and scored their 2 runs, but the Eagles put up 9 in their half, and the game was called due to the mercy rule.

Two Wasaren League teams squared off, as Hoosick Falls defeated Mechanicville, 13-9, the first of two meetings between the two teams in a 3 day period, as they'll meet again on Monday.

In other action:

Ravena 7, Albany 4.
Taconic Hills 13, Greenwich 5.

Schuylerville 5, Plattsburgh 4.

Men's lacrosse:

Shenendehowa 11, Ballston Spa 8.

Columbia 9, Minisink Valley 5.

Softball:

Tamarac 3, Shaker 2 (10 innings).

Cohoes 7, Albany 3 (9). The Tigers plated 4 runs in the top of the 9th to beat the luckless Falcons.

Ichabod Crane 1, Burnt Hills 0.