News & notes

 The Tri-City ValleyCats might've finally solved their pitching problems.

Arlo Marynczak (Bethlehem/Siena) got his first start of the season Saturday at Brockton, and went 4 innings, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits while striking out 6. The bullpen did the rest, while the offense hit double figures yet again in a 12-5 rout of the Rox. 

Bryden Jobert & Josh Leslie homered for Tri-City. ValleyCats pitching shut down Derek Bender (Albany Academy/Coastal Carolina) for once, as he went 0-5, finishing with the dreaded golden sombrero (4 strikeouts). Tommy Kretzler (Colonie) was 0-3 with a sacrifice fly. Jake Reinisch & Aaron Whitley were given the night off, and likely will play in today's Father's Day matinee at 1 pm.

In the AUSL, the mercy rule is a little different than in high school or college softball. If you're up by 8 or more after 5 innings, they'll call the game.

That's exactly what happened on Saturday when Carolina shut out Chicago, 8-0. The Blaze scored three runs each in the 1st & 3rd innings, and that was enough. Ana Gold (Ballston Spa/Duke) was moved to the leadoff spot, and went 1-4 with a run scored. Rookie Karlya Pickens (Tennessee) went the full 5 to pick up the win.

The teams close the series tonight at 8 (MLB Network).

Former ValleyCat Chris Burgess made it to national television as a member of the Indianapolis Clowns as part of the 2026 Banana Ball World Tour, which brought the Clowns & Savannah Bananas to Cincinnati on Saturday night. The Bananas defeated Indy, 7-3.

The Albany Firebirds have proven mortal after all.

The 'Birds dropped their 2nd straight, 78-69, to Nashville on Saturday, as there were breakdowns on defense & special teams, enabling the Kats to avenge the Arena Crown loss a year. Now, revenge is on the 'Birds' side, as Nashville comes to Albany July 11, but before that, it'll be Beaumont seeking revenge as they welcome Albany in 2 weeks.

News & notes

 The final round of the College World Series is set, as North Carolina & Oklahoma will meet on Saturday in a best of 3 series to determine the national baseball champion.

Oklahoma punched its ticket by beating Georgia for the 2nd time in 3 days, 11-4, on Wednesday. Mike O'Shaughnessy (CBA) didn't start for Georgia, but was a defensive replacement late in what would be his final college game. Now, it's just a question of if he'll be drafted next month.

Jeff Hoffman (Shaker) lost his closer's job with the Toronto Blue Jays due to recent struggles, but looked like he was back to form last night with a scoreless inning vs. Boston, as the Blue Jays defeated the Red Sox, 3-0. Tommy Kahnle didn't get in the game for Boston, but pitched on Tuesday, giving up a run on 2 hits. Hoffman has appeared in both games so far, an inning apiece, clean as a sheet.

It took just over 4 hours before the Tri-City ValleyCats defeated Quebec, 13-12, on Wednesday night. Kai Moody, Jake Reinisch, & Brayden Jobert homered for Tri-City, as Chad Gartland, newly acquired from Down East, picked up the win in relief after blowing the save in the 9th inning.

The teams will close out the series tonight at 6:50 pm.

The Carolina Blaze dropped a 4-3 decision to Chicago Wednesday night in Rosemont, Illinois. Ana Gold (Ballston Spa/Duke) went 1-4 with an RBI. Her average has dropped to .235 amidst a current slump. After 2 days off, the series resumes Saturday at noon (ESPN2), and, then, they'll be under the lights on Sunday night (MLB Network, 8 pm.).

Suddenly, the Albany Firebirds have one less game on their schedule.

The folding of the Oregon Lightning has created a void in the AF1 schedule for the rest of the season. A game for Albany vs. Kentucky has been cancelled, and now Albany has one home game left, vs. Beaumont, next month.

News & notes

 The Tri-City ValleyCats have given up 32 runs in their last two games. At least they tried to keep up on Tuesday night.

Quebec got the better of the 'Cats again, 13-12, even though their own pitching staff was battered. Jake Reinisch (Shenendehowa/Wake Forest) crushed his 5th homer, a moonshot to left that left the park in a matter of seconds, based on reports.

The teams will continue the series tonight, weather permitting, at 6:50 pm.

In other 'Cats news, pitcher Logan Jones was claimed off waivers by the Florence (KY) Y'alls, and will likely see his former team soon.

Georgia eliminated Texas, 2-0. Tuesday night at the College World Series, and will get a rematch with Oklahoma tonight (7 pm, ESPN). Mike O'Shaughnessy (CBA) was 0-1 with 2 walks, as he has been slumping.

Mickey Mouse has forced RPI & Union to move the Mayor's Cup out of Albany for 2027.

Well, not really.

The 2027 Mayor's Cup will be contested January 23 at Harding Mazzotti Arena in Glens Falls due to a scheduling conflict with the Disney on Ice tour, which, due to scheduling reroutes of their own, can only come to Albany on the 23rd at MVP Arena. According to MVP Arena GM Bob Belber, he was contacted by promoter Feld Entertainment in December about the scheduling. Both schools were offered the opportunity to play the games three weeks earlier, on January 2, but both declined. Officials from Glens Falls and Warren County will join Mayors Mike McCarthy & Carmella Mantello in attending the games. No word on if Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs will join in as of press time.

Here's an idea. For those of us plebians who can't make the pilgrimage to Glens Falls, why not have the game broadcast on TV, sponsored, of course, by Harding Mazzotti? Can't hurt.

LaSalle 2026-7 hockey schedule released

 It's mid-June, and LaSalle has finalized its 2026-7 hockey schedule. There are, as of press time, 2 open dates at Knickerbacker Arena, meaning coach Tim Flanigan is looking to schedule some teams from outside Section II to fill those dates.

The lineup:

December:

4: @ Plattsburgh.

5: vs. Beekmantown @ Plattsburgh State.

9: @ Saratoga.

12: Home opener vs. opponent TBA.

18-19: Hawks tournament at M & T Bank Mohawk Harbor Center. Mohawk Valley & Iroquois Arlen are the out-of-section opponents. LaSalle will play Iroquois Arlen on the 18th, and Mohawk Valley on the 19th.

23: @ Adirondack.

January:

2: Shenendehowa.

8: CBA.

9: @ CD Jets.

15: Burnt Hills-Ballston Spa.

16: Cadets For Vets vs. CD Jets.

22: @ CBA.

23: @ Guilderville.

29: Bethlehem.

30: Queensbury.

February:

5: @ Hawks.

6: @ Bethlehem.

12: TBA.

13: Senior Night vs. Guilderville.

Dates are subject to change due to weather or other factors.

News & notes

 17 horses are dead following an overnight barn fire near the Saratoga Casino & Raceway. The fire started around 2:30 am this morning, and is still under investigation.

As a result, today's matinee card has been cancelled.

Niskayuna has found its next varsity football coach.

Pete Furey was hired over the weekend to succeed Brian Grasdorf, who stepped down over the winter. Furey's father, John, has been coaching for more than 2 decades, and we wouldn't be surprised to see the elder Furey on the Nisky sideline this fall.

Georgia will look to avoid being eliminated from the College World Series tonight (7 pm, ESPN) after losing to Oklahoma, 4-3, on Monday. Mike O'Shaughnessy (CBA) went 0-3, striking out twice.

If Georgia defeats Texas tonight, they could see the Sooners again in an instant rematch tomorrow night.

A year ago, the now-Carolina Blaze couldn't buy a win in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League.

Now, however, they're 4-1 after sweeping the Texas Volts, 6-5, in 9 innings on Monday. Ana Gold (Ballston Spa/Duke) went 1-5 with 2 RBI and a run scored. The Blaze will hit the road on Wednesday to open a series vs. the Chicago Bandits (6 pm, CBS Sports Network, Spectrum channel 315).

News & notes

 Broom service hasn't arrived for the Tri-City ValleyCats just yet.

The NY Boulders avoided being swept Sunday night, as they pounded out 20 hits in a 19-8 win over the 'Cats in front of just over 3,000 fans at Bruno Stadium. The 'Cats hit the road this week at Quebec & Brockton before returning home on June 23.

Former Union College star Shayne Gostisbehere is a Stanley Cup champion.

Gostisbehere and the Carolina Hurricanes claimed the Stanley Cup Sunday night as the 'Canes defeated Las Vegas to win their 2nd title. Shayne started his NHL career in Philadelphia a number of years back.

Congratulations to Shayne & the Hurricanes.

Ana Gold (Ballston Spa/Duke) went 0-1 with 2 walks and a run scored, as the Carolina Blaze (3-1) took down the Texas Volts, 9-1 in 6 innings on Sunday in a game delayed from Saturday due to the Volts suffering from transportation issues in getting to Durham and the Duke campus. The conclusion of this miniseries takes place tonight at 7 on ESPN2.

At the College World Series, we're keeping an eye on Georgia's Michael O'Shaughnessy, a CBA graduate. The senior transfer from Davidson is currently hitting .287 with 20 homers and 55 RBI. The Bulldogs will play SEC rival Oklahoma in a winners' bracket game tonight at 7 (ESPN).

Basketball season is officially over in the 518, as the NY Phoenix were eliminated from the 94x50 league playoffs in a 115-95 loss to Jersey Shore on Saturday night. There's always next year.

News & notes

 The Tri-City ValleyCats said goodbye to pitcher Nate Nabholz prior to Saturday's game vs. the NY Boulders. Nabholz, with 3 saves on the season, had his contract transferred to the San Francisco Giants, who will assign him somewhere in their farm system. Best of luck to Nate.

Then, the 'Cats gave Nabholz a going-away present in the form of a 13-5 beatdown of the Boulders on Star Wars Night at Bruno Stadium. Jake Reinisch, David Glancy, & Josh Leslie all homered, as Mason Martinez picked up his 2nd win.

The 'Cats will go for the sweep today at 5 pm.

In addition to watch parties for the just-concluded NBA Finals, they're holding watch parties here in the 518 for the FIFA World Cup, and in a most unlikely place in Albany.

Fans got to see Team USA's 4-1 win over Paraguay under the stars at Jennings Landing How cool is that? With basketball season finally over, I'd guess any future watch parties will be at MVP Arena.

The high school sports season came to an end on Saturday as well........

Softball:

Class B final:

Chatham 13, Dobbs Ferry 2. The Panthers scored 3 in the 7th to lock down the B title.

Class C:

Deposit-Hancock 4, Galway 3.

Class D:

Oakfield-Alabama 4, Windham-Ashland-Jewett 1.

A word about Windham-Ashland-Jewett. Despite being based in the boundaries of Section II, the district is in Section IV due to geographical reasons.

Like, seriously? The district is in Greene County, along with Cairo-Durham & Catskill. They play in Section IV's Delaware League, and had a breakout season. Good thing they did schedule some games against their territorial rivals, else they'd have stayed below the radar.

Baseball:

Class C:

Saratoga Catholic 4, Kendall 1.

Class D:

Duanesburg 9, Fillmore 4.

Section II closes out with 5 state titles on the day, as we'd previously reported Averill Park sweeping the Class A titles. By the way, NYSPHSAA still has AP identified as the "Warriors" instead of the current "Golden Knights". Someone's not paying attention.

News & notes

 "All good things must come to an end."-Geoffrey Chaucer.

After a narrow escape at Michigan earlier this season, the Albany Firebirds saw their 20 game win streak end at MVP Arena at the hands of the Arsenal, 57-39, on Friday night. Sam Castronovo had 4 TDs, including a rushing touchdown, but was also responsible for 4 Firebird turnovers (2 interceptions, 2 lost fumbles) that proved to be costly.

MVP Arena will host a watch party for tonight's Game 5 of the NBA finals between the Knicks & San Antonio (WTEN, 8:30 pm).

A correction from earlier this week. Last night's Mets-Braves game was not on WTEN, but instead on Apple TV. The Mets won, 7-5, behind 6 RBI from Bo Bichette. Game 2 is today at 4 on SNY.

The Tri-City ValleyCats got back on the winning track Friday, downing the NY Boulders, 7-1. Game 2 is tonight at 6:30, but good luck finding a ticket, as it's Star Wars night, and that usually is a sell-out, especially with post-game fireworks.

State regional results from Friday & today:

Women's lacrosse:

Friday:

Class A semi-final:

Penfield 18, Shaker 4.

Class B:

Victor 17, Queensbury 8. Victor went on to win the title earlier today.

Class C:

Jamesville-DeWitt 7, Burnt Hills 2.

Softball:

Friday:

Class AAA:

Lancaster 17, Saratoga 2 (6 innings). Lancaster overpowered the Lady Streaks with 12 runs in the 6th to put this one away.

Class A:

Averill Park 6, Maine-Endwell 2.

Class B:

Chatham 8, Susquehanna Valley 7.

Class C:

Galway 1, Pine Plains 0.

Class D:

Windham-Ashland-Jewett 1, Fort Ann 0.

Today:

Class A final:

Averill Park 6, Pearl River 3.

Baseball:

Friday:

Class A: 

Averill Park 9, Grand Island 0.

Class C:

Saratoga Catholic 5, Tuckahoe 3.

Class D:

Duanesburg 13, Bridgehampton 0 (5 innings).

Today:

Class A:

Averill Park 5, Plainedge 0.

News & notes

 Troy High was planning an exhibition soccer tournament for Thursday to commemorate the start of the 2026 World Cup tournament. However, the tournament was postponed in anticipation of inclement weather that didn't come until much later. It's been rescheduled for June 24, with a 1:30 start at Picken Field.

The Tri-City ValleyCats return home tonight for a series vs. the NY Boulders, weather permitting, at 6:30 pm, after the 'Cats fell to Three Rivers, 11-10, on Thursday night, snapping a 3 game winning streak. Jake Reinisch (Shen/Wake Forest) & Amani Larry homered for the 'Cats.

It was not a good day for Section II at SUNY Cortland on Thursday, as all 4 men's lacrosse teams were eliminated in the state semi-finals.'

Class A:

West Genesee 12, Shaker 5.

Class B:

Victor 17, Niskayuna 9.

Class C:

Jamesville-DeWitt 20, Burnt Hills 3.

Class D:

Marcellus 18, Schuylerville 4.

The women will have their semi-finals today, along with baseball & softball in Binghamton. Shaker sophomore Olivia Zayas, we should note, is the daughter of NYSPHSAA boss Robert Zayas, so figure he'll be at today's game.

News & notes

 The Tri-City ValleyCats have finally won a series.

David Glancy hit his team leading 6th homer of the season, Dylan Broderick extended his hitting streak to 16 games, and Austin Dill went 7 strong innings to help the  'Cats topple Three Rivers, 7-2. The teams will close the series tonight at 6:55 pm

However, we caution ahead of time to not only bring sunscreen, but umbrellas for Friday & Sunday's games, with rain in the forecast.

MVP Arena in Albany hosted a watch party for Game 4 of the NBA Finals. The Knicks rallied from a 29 point 2nd half deficit to defeat San Antonio, 107-106, setting up an opportunity to clinch the title for the first time since 1973 on Saturday. With the Firebirds playing tomorrow night instead of Saturday, the chances are MVP Arena will again host a watch party.

You probably know by now that the AUSL, with 6 teams instead of 4 as was the case last year, has decided to end the barnstorming, and each of the 6 teams have home fields this year. Ana Gold (Ballston Spa/Duke) is one of the faces of the league, per ESPN promotional ads, and is back on familiar ground, as the Carolina Blaze are playing their home games at Duke's softball field in Durham, North Carolina. The Blaze are 2-0 after beating the expansion Portland Cascade, 11-2, in 5 innings on Wednesday night. Gold went 3-3 with a walk, a run scored, and 3 RBI, and is currently hitting .600 on the season, heading into the series finale tonight. The Blaze will get a day off before hosting the Texas Volts on Saturday (12 noon, ESPN). Today's game, by the way, will air on CBS Sports Network (Spectrum channel 315).

News & notes

 The Tri-City ValleyCats scored 5 runs in the 5th inning, leading to a 10-6 win over Three Rivers on Tuesday night. The teams will meet again tonight, just before 7 pm.

While Section II lacrosse, softball, & baseball teams will vie for state titles starting tomorrow, a state title was claimed in golf.

Hayden Knapp, a sophomore at South Glens Falls, finished at -2 to win the individual championship on Monday.

Photo courtesy Albany Times-Union.

The closest Section II player behind Knapp was Maria Glavin of LaSalle, who finished 9th at +8.

On the men's side, Francisco Cupp of Saratoga was the highest finisher for Section II, placing 4th at -2 behind Ryan Liu of Manhasset (Section 8). Tanner LaTorre (Ichabod Crane) finished at +9 in a tie for 25th place. Troy's Joey Degnan was in a tie for 27th at +10.

Renovations have been completed on the tennis courts at Central Park in Schenectady, which explains why this year's men's tennis sectional finals were held on neutral campuses. The Section II finals figure to be back in Schenectady next year. The Schenectady City Council, however, is tabling the idea of pay-for-play fees, which., reportedly, are rarely enforced. Why bother with them, then, and open the courts to the public?

So they brought back the Uncle Sam baseball tournament. Let's not wait another 10 years for it to return

 I just don't get the seeming lack of interest in making the Uncle Sam baseball tournament an annual thing.

The 2026 edition, played May 15 & 17 at Lansingburgh High, and won by LaSalle, should signal the start of an annual tradition. This year, Tamarac, based in the Cropseyville suburb, replaced Catholic Central as the 4th team representing the city, along with Troy High.

By this time next year, Catholic Central will be just an elementary school in Latham, with the high schoolers moving to Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons in Schenectady, having already ended decades old sports rivalries with the other city schools, so Tamarac would make a perfect substitute.

But, then, there is a question of whether or not Lansingburgh would host the tournament every year. 'Burgh has hosted the last two, the 2017 edition being played next door at Knickerbacker Park. LaSalle plays most of their home games at Geer Field, home of South Troy Little League, and as such, wouldn't be suitable for the tournament. They try to play at least one home game a year at Bruno Stadium, weather permitting, but the tournament would have to be scheduled prior to the start of the Tri-City ValleyCats season, since they host the Section II baseball semi-finals & finals, as was the case two weeks ago. Troy, like 'Burgh, has a turf field in their sports complex on Burdett Avenue, and added a couple of electronic scoreboards in the last decade. The only thing missing would be a secondary PA system on that side of the complex.

The easy solution would be to work out a deal with the 'Cats and Hudson Valley Community College to schedule the tournament the weekend before the 'Cats begin their home schedule.

But, in this era of equality, what about a Uncle Sam softball tournament? Troy, 'Burgh, LaSalle, & Emma Willard would be the four teams. Lansingburgh hosted the Section II softball championships for the first time this year, with Troy hosting the Class A semi-finals. Emma Willard, like Tamarac, would represent the Wasaren League, while the others are in the Colonial Council.

In this case, the four schools could rotate hosting the tournament, given Emma Willard's close proximity to Troy High. Weather, of course, would be a factor, though this year's tournaments were not affected by weather all that much, surprisingly.

Something to think about.

News & notes

 Shaker is not getting a state flag football championship.

The Lady Bison fell to Half Hollow Hills East, 26-12, Sunday afternoon at SUNY Cortland.

For what it's worth, Yorktown captured the Class B title, and Pioneer won the Class C title. Congratulations to all three teams.

The Tri-City ValleyCats snapped a four game losing streak in beating Ottawa, 7-5, on Sunday. Arlo Marynczak (Bethlehem/Siena) earned his 3rd save. The 'Cats are heading to Canada to play Three Rivers starting Tuesday.

Speaking of the 'Cats, Aaron Whitley (Niskayuna) landed on SportsCenter's top 10 plays on Friday with a highlight reel catch in the loss to Ottawa, and made a case for another one on Sunday. The 'Cats return home to play the NY Boulders on Friday.

There was one other local connection on Saturday at Saratoga during the Belmont Stakes Festival.

Eddie Fazzone owns Buttah, who won the 6th race. Fazzone, based out of Schenectady, merited a feature article in the Daily Gazette on Sunday. Congratulations, Eddie.

The NY Phoenix closed out their home schedule with another win on Sunday at M & T Bank Arena. The playoffs await after a season ending road trip.

The Mets will be back on WTEN on Friday while Fox begins coverage of the World Cup soccer tournament.

News & notes

 Saratoga native Cherie DeVaux added the Belmont Stakes to her resume Saturday night, as Golden Tempo won the Belmont at Saratoga. Count on Golden Tempo returning "home" to the Old Spa next month for the annual summer meet.

The Tri-City ValleyCats might be feeling somewhat embarrassed after a 10-7 loss to Ottawa at Bruno Stadium Saturday, such that they haven't done a game recap as of press time.

The series finale, weather permitting, takes place today at 5 pm.

WROW's Ben Patten didn't get the memo on the Albany Firebirds.

In reading a list of events set to take place on his Saturday morning show, Patten included the Firebirds' game vs. Beaumont, which, of course, took place Friday. Well, to be fair, we assumed the game was to have been last night, too, 'til we saw the YouTube video Saturday morning.

Saturday's state regional results:

Flag football:

Class A semi-final:

Shaker 20, Penfield 13. The Lady Bison return to Homer High today to play Half Hollow Hills East. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 am.

Women's lacrosse:

Class A:

Shaker will play Penfield at SUNY Cortland, Friday at 9 am.

Class B:

Queensbury will play Victor at SUNY Cortland, Friday at 11:30 am.

Class C:

Burnt Hills 19, Massena 1. The Lady Spartans await the winner of Jamesville-DeWitt vs. Honeoye Falls-Lima, which has not been reported as of press time.

Class D:

Canton 9, Schuylerville 6.

Men's lacrosse:

Class A: 

Shaker plays West Genesee Thursday at 7 pm at SUNY Cortland.

Class B:

Niskayuna 14, Fayetteville-Manilus 13. Victor is next for Nisky, Thursday at 4 pm at SUNY Cortland.

Class C:

Burnt Hills 18, Massena 10. The Spartans play Jamesville-DeWitt Thursday at 4:30 at SUNY Cortland.

Class D:

Schuylerville 11, Potsdam 10. Next for the Black Horses will be Marcellsu, Thursday at 6:30 at SUNY Cortland.

Softball:

Class AAA:

Saratoga will play Lancaster, Friday at 1 in Binghamton.

Class A:

Averill Park 9, New Hartford 1. The Golden Knights hit Binghamton on Friday to play Maine-Endwell at 10 am.

Class B:

Chatham 9, Canton 0. The Panthers will next play Susquehanna Valley, Friday at 4 in Binghamton.

Class C:

Galway will play Pine Plains, just after 5 pm on Friday.

Class D:

Fort Ann 6, Crown Point 0. Next for Fort Ann will be Windham-Ashland-Jewett, Friday at 11:30 am.

Baseball:

Class AA:

West Genesee 2, Bethlehem 1.

Class A:

Averill Park 4, New Hartford 0. Next stop is Binghamton University for the Golden Knights, where they'll play Grand Island Friday at 4 pm.

Class B:

Notre Dame 7, Taconic Hills 5.

Class C:

Saratoga Catholic 7, Chapel Field Christian 0. Next for the Saints will be Tuckahoe, Friday at 1 at Mirabito Stadium.

Class D:

Duanesburg 1, Bolton 0. Duanesburg goes to Union-Endicott to play Bridgehampton, Friday at 1.

News & notes

 Cable Guide waited until the last minute to sub in the Mets-Padres broadcast for Fox programming from 9-10 pm last night. Next week, with the World Cup getting underway, the Mets likely will be back on WTEN, but we'll see.

For the record, the Mets defeated San Diego, 5-0.

Friday's state regional results:

Men's lacrosse:

Class A:

Shaker 15, Plattsburgh 5. The Bison await the winner of today's game between Penfield & West Genesee, with the semi-finals taking place on Thursday at SUNY Cortland.

Women's lacrosse:

Class B: 

Queensbury 20, Potsdam 0. The Lady Spartans will face either Victor or Fayetteville-Manilus next Friday at SUNY Cortland.

Baseball:

Class AAA:

Liverpool 3, Saratoga 1.

Softball:

Class AAA:

Saratoga 2, Cicero-North Syracuse 0. The Lady Streaks will play either Lancaster or Corning-Painted Post next Friday in Binghamton.

Class AA:

Fayetteville-Manilus 6, Columbia 5.

Class C:

Galway 18, Ticonderoga 1 (5 innings). Galway awaits the winner of today's game between Tuckahoe & Pine Plains in the semifinals next Friday.

The Tri-City ValleyCats wasted a strong start by Wes Albert, who went 6 innings, and could not come back from a late Ottawa rally, falling to the Titans, 7-6, in 10 innings. Arlo Marynczak (Bethlehem/Siena) blew the save in the 9th, allowing 3 runs. Jake Reinisch (Shen/Wake Forest) was 1-4 with a walk and 2 runs scored.

Game 2, weather permitting, is tonight at 6:30 pm.

Another night, another win for the Albany Firebirds.

With a rare Friday home game at MVP Arena, the 'Birds blitzed Beaumont, 45-12. The Renegades briefly led in the first quarter before Albany took control for good.

On the first of back-to-back 14 race cards at Saratoga, Flavian Prat had 3 winners, Irad Ortiz, Jr. & Luis Saez had two apiece, and Chad Brown (Mechanicville) saddled a pair. Today's card begins at 11 am.

News & notes

 The Tri-City ValleyCats still haven't won a series yet this season.

The struggling 'Cats dropped a 9-8 heartbreaker to Sussex County on Thursday afternoon, despite homers from Jake Reinisch (Shenendehowa/Wake Forest) and Ranko Stevanovic (a grand slam, the 2nd ValleyCat slam in the series), and two defensive gems from Aaron Whitley (Niskayuna). Sussex County goes to 4-2 on the season vs. Tri-City.

The 'Cats will try to turn things around vs. Ottawa tonight at 6:30.

Marcus Jackson will continue his college basketball career outside the 518.

Jackson will play for Mercyhurst next season after spending the last three years between UAlbany & Siena.

Dylan Davis hasn't yet reached the winner's circle at Saratoga during the Belmont Stakes festival, but, on Thursday, Flavian Prat & Manuel Franco had 8 of the 11 winners between them, with 4 each. Tyler Gaffalione had 2 and Irad Ortiz, Jr. had the other.

Racing at Saratoga continues through Sunday.

Windham-Ashland-Jewett advanced to the Class D state semi-finals with a 10-1 win over Chapel Field on Thursday. They'll next play the winner of Fort Ann vs. Crown Point, taking place tomorrow, next Friday at 11:30 am in Binghamton.

Former Shaker star Tommy Kahnle is back in the major leagues. 

Kahnle was called up by Boston on Thursday from AAA Worcester, just in time for a weekend series against the Yankees. We'll be keeping an eye on that.

News & notes

 They are just underway at Bruno Stadium this morning, as the Tri-City ValleyCats will try to win the series vs. Sussex County after losing, 17-9, in a nearly 4 hour marathon on Wednesday.

While the Frontier League uses a pitch clock, like everyone else, the pace of play is still an issue, though you can chalk up yesterday to the 26 runs scored between the two teams on a hot June morning. The league doesn't have the ABS system, either, but maybe that'll be added down the road.

Troy High's Julian Monk has qualified for state regionals in track, and will compete on Saturday after winning his race on Wednesday afternoon.

NEPSAC has claimed some more Section II basketball players.

The Albany Times-Union reports today that Shaker's Giada & Sofia Lanni will play for former Catholic Central star Julie McBride at the Hoosac School in Hoosick Falls next season. The sisters have been reclassified as juniors for next season, meaning they will be part of the Class of 2028. On the men's side, Marcelin Mukendi, has also reclassified as he transfers to the CATS Academy in Boston for next season. He, too, will graduate in 2028. The Lannis are spending the summer playing AAU ball with the NY Havoc, with soon-to-be-ex-teammates Malia Jackson & Jayla Geter.

Wednesday's state regional scoreboard:

Softball:

Class B:

Chatham 9, Saranac 2. The Panthers await the winner of today's game between Canton & Marcellus, and will host that game Saturday at Lansingburgh, with a 2 pm start. The A game between Averill Park & New Hartford starts at 12 noon.

Curiously, Windham-Ashland-Jewett, based in Greene County, doesn't play in Section II, but they, too, have qualified, playing in Class D, and will play Chapel Field today at 1:30 at Monroe-Woodbury. In case you wonder, ye scribe has kin in Greene County.

We're keeping a close eye on the Belmont Stakes Festival at Saratoga, running through Sunday. Dylan Davis (Saratoga) didn't win any races on Wednesday, but had three mounts finish in the money (2 2nd's & a 3rd). He has 5 mounts on today's 11 race card, while sister Katherine has 2.

With the NBA finals on ABC tomorrow, the Mets-Padres game will air on WXXA, with a 9:40 pm first pitch. It'll be the first WPIX feed on Fox23 since the pre-season, as the Mets have already had a national game on Fox last month.

News & notes

 Contrary to what we wrote yesterday, the Belmont Stakes Festival at Saratoga opens with a 10 race card today, and the 1st race goes off at 12:35, instead of the traditional 1 pm. 

The Albany Times-Union has discontinued its annual handicapper's challenge series with Capital Region OTB, and instead welcomed a new reporter to the racing beat in Matt Donato, whose picks appear alongside those of Sam Hollingsworth beginning today.

The Tri-City ValleyCats opened their homestand with a 12-5 blowout over Sussex County on Tuesday at Bruno Stadium. The 'Cats scored 10 runs in the 7th & 8th innings, highlighted by a David Glancy grand slam, to put the game away. Game two is just getting underway as we write this morning.

Averill Park needed 6 innings to advance in the Class A softball state regionals after blowing out Peru, 12-0, on Tuesday. The Golden Knights await the winner of New Hartford vs. Gouverneur, taking place today, with the quarterfinal set for Lansingburgh on Saturday.

Meanwhile, we now have the pairings for the Class AAA & AA baseball & softball state regionals:

Softball:

Class AAA:

Saratoga vs. Cicero-North Syracuse at Carrier Park, Friday @ 5 pm.

Class AA:

Columbia vs. Fayetteville-Manilus, also at Carrier Park, Friday @ 5 pm.

Baseball:

Class AAA:

Saratoga vs. Liverpool at Onondaga Community College, Saturday @ 6 pm.

Class AA:

Bethlehem vs. West Genesee at Onondaga CC, Saturday at 3 pm.

News & notes

 The last sectional titles in Section II were decided Monday night. Now, it's on to state play.

Troy was the center of the Section II universe, with softball finals at Lansingburgh High, and baseball across town at Joe Bruno Stadium.

Monday's results:

Softball:

Class AA final:

Columbia 5, Queensbury 4.

Class AAA final:

Saratoga 10, Shenendehowa 8.

Baseball:

Class AA final:

Bethlehem 6, Mohonasen 3. The Eagles win their 2nd title in 3 years.

Class AAA final:

Saratoga 3, Colonie 1. The Blue Streaks repeat as champions.

State regional pairings:

Baseball:

Class AAA:

Saratoga vs. TBA, site TBA.

Class AA:

Bethlehem vs. West Genesee, Saturday at 3 pm at Onondaga Community College.

Softball:

Opponents for both Saratoga & Columbia will be finalized tomorrow.

Oddsmakers are treating Saratoga native Cherie DeVaux like she was related to Rodney Dangerfield.

DeVaux's horse, Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, is the 3rd choice for Saturday's Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, with opening odds of 9-2. Instead, Renegade, who finished 2nd in the Preakness, is the morning line favorite for trainer Todd Pletcher, followed by Chief Wallabee, who was 4th in the Derby, then, Golden Tempo. Chief Wallabee's trainer, Bill Mott, won last year's Belmont with Sovereignty. Post time for the Belmont is set for just after 7 pm on Saturday night.

Even though he finished his college career at Florida State, the local press still treats ex-UAlbany star Jared Verse like he was one of us.

So, it was a shock to learn Monday that Verse, the 2024 Defensive Rookie of The Year, was traded, along with draft picks over the next three years, to Cleveland for Myles Garrett, who broke the single season sack record last year, surpassing Michael Strahan & TJ Watt. This speaks to the "win now" mentality with the Los Angeles Rams, who decided to give up Verse, swapping potential for veteran experience.

Prediction: The Rams will make the playoffs with Garrett. Verse will miss the postseason. 

News & notes

 Sunday's sectional scores:

Women's lacrosse:

Class A final:

Shaker 13, Shenendehowa 8.

Class B final:

Queensbury 10, Bethlehem 8.

Class C final:

Burnt Hills 14, Glens Falls 2.

Class D final:

Schuylerville 12, Voorheesville 9.

State regional pairings:

Class A:

Shaker vs. Plattsburgh, Friday at 4:30 pm  @ SUNY Plattsburgh.

Class B:

Queensbury vs. Potsdam, Friday at 5 pm @ SUNY Potsdam.

Class C:

Burnt Hills vs. Massena, Saturday at 10 am @ SUNY Potsdam.

Class D:

Schuylerville vs. Canton, Saturday at 12:15 pm @ SUNY Potsdam.

Men's lacrosse:

Class A:

Shaker vs. Plattsburgh, Friday at 5 pm @ SUNY Plattsburgh.

Class B:

Niskayuna vs. TBA, Saturday at 12 noon @ Cicero-North Syracuse.

Class C:

Burnt Hills vs. Massena, Saturday at 2:30 pm @ Potsdam High.

Class D:

Schuylerville vs. Potsdam, Saturday at 5 pm at Potsdam High.

Baseball:

Class A:

Averill Park vs. Peru, Wednesday at 4 pm @ Northeastern Clinton.

Class B:

Taconic Hills vs. Northeastern Clinton, Wednesday at 4 pm @ Plattsburgh High.

Class C:

Saratoga Catholic vs. Chapel Field Christian, Saturday at 11:30 am @ Lorenz Field, Saugerties.

Class D:

Duanesburg vs. TBA, Saturday at 1 pm @ Plattsburgh High.

Softball:

Class A:

Averill Park vs. Peru, tomorrow at 4:30 pm @ Plattsburgh High.

Class B:

Chatham vs. Saranac, Wednesday at 4:30 pm @ Plattsburgh High.

Class C:

Galway vs. Ticonderoga, Friday at 4:30 pm @ Plattsburgh High.

Class D:

Fort Ann vs. Crown Point, Saturday at 1 pm @ Plattsburgh High.

State pairings for Classes AA & AAA in softball & baseball should be finalized in the next 24-36 hours.

The NY Phoenix ran their winning streak to 5 in a row on Sunday, and finally defeated Eastern Conference leader Capital, 110-105. The Phoenix will be back at M & T Bank Arena on Friday.