News & notes

 It's becoming a trend, with pro athletes in other sports moonlighting as horsemen, owning racehorses.

The first example is former Philadelphia & Washington star Jayson Werth, whose horse, Magic Chuck, named for his manager with the Phillies, Charlie Manuel, was euthanized over the weekend after a training injury.

The latest is Shen grad Kevin Huerter of the Detroit Pistons. Huerter looked so dapper Saturday, as a horse has a share of, The Good Life, upset first time starter Powerline in the 1st race under jockey Manuel Franco.

On the same card, hometown star Dylan Davis scored with Shape Note in the 4th race. Sister Katie finally found the winners' circle in Sunday's 3rd race with Big Brooklyn. Dylan came back three races later to win with Braums Run, then made it two in a row with Silvology in the 7th.

Racing resumes Thursday.

The season is over for the Carolina Blaze.

After Monday's game vs. Oklahoma City was suspended by rain with the Blaze already up by double digits, they resumed play earlier today, and the Blaze won via mercy rule, 11-1, in 5 innings. Ana Gold went 0-2 with a walk. There's always next year.

News & notes

 If you believe WWE's math, they drew more people to MVP Arena, 7300 and change in this case, for last night's Smackdown broadcast on USA Network. This morning, the wrestlers are headed back to New York for the 2nd half of Fanatics Fest.

Siena normally averages anywhere from four to six thousand fans for home games at the arena.

Adam Pearce, former NWA champ and current Monday Night Raw general manager, was filling in for his Smackdown counterpart, and another former NWA champion, Nick Aldis, for the 2nd time in 3 weeks.

Check the highlight reel:

Saturday Night's Main Event, emanating from Madison Square Garden, and referenced frequently in the above video, takes place tonight (Peacock, 8 pm).

Irad Ortiz, Jr. has wasted little time reestablishing himself as the top dog in the jockeys' room at Saratoga.

Ortiz had 4 winners on Friday's card, brother Jose had 2, on the 10 race card. Most of today's card will air on FS1 in addition to OTB-TV.

The Tri-City ValleyCats, back from the All Star break, split a doubleheader with Quebec, winning the opener, 9-0, then dropping the nightcap, 7-5. Aaron Whitley (Niskayuna) batted 9th in game one, then was elevated to 3rd in the 2nd game, and finished with a 1-7 ledger with 2 runs scored.

News & notes

 Manuel Franco had a riding triple Thursday at Saratoga as racing resumes, beginning week 3 of the summer meet. First post today is 1:10 pm.

If you can't afford a ticket for tonight's Friday Night Smackdown card at MVP Arena, take comfort in knowing it'll air on USA Network starting at 8 pm. 

The next Mets game to air on WTEN will be Sunday at 1:30 at Philadelphia. WXXA has the finals of the World Cup at 3 pm.

The Carolina Blaze were officially eliminated from the AUSL playoffs Thursday, losing to Chicago, 15-7. Ana Gold (Ballston Spa/Duke) snapped out of a slump with a 2 run homer, but it just wasn't enough.

The Bandits won the game via mercy rule in 6 innings. As we've outlined before, the mercy rule's a little different than it is at the high school level, where a team up by 8, instead of 10 or more, runs can close out a game early.

News & notes

 Riley Mulvey (Albany Academy/Siena) is turning pro, but not here in the US just yet.

Mulvey has signed with BKM Lucenec in the Slovak Basketball League. No word on when their season starts.

Saratoga's Ben Coryea will stay in the 518 to play college football.

Coryea has signed on as a walk-on with UAlbany after a standout senior season with the Blue Streaks. We'll be keeping an eye on him during the fall.

It doesn't look as though the Carolina Blaze will reach the AUSL playoffs, which start next week.

The Blaze dropped a heartbreaker, 7-6, to Chicago on Wednesday night, their 7th straight loss, which all but eliminates them from the postseason. Ana Gold (Ballston Spa/Duke) is continuing to struggle, going 0-4 on the night, as the game went 8 innings.

Game 2 is tonight at 7 pm on CBS Sports Network.

LaSalle 2026 fall sports schedule released, though incomplete

 I meant to do this sooner, but life happened. Anyway, in the interests of equal time, here's the bulk of LaSalle's fall sports schedule. Not all the football games are listed on Arbiter Live, and they don't differentiate between actual games and scrimmages.

August:

31: Women's golf @ Holy Names.

September:

1: Women's golf @ Emma Willard.

2: Men's golf @ Schalmont.

3: Men's soccer @ Ichabod Crane. Women's soccer home opener vs. Ichabod Crane.

4: Men's soccer home opener vs. Columbia.

8: Women's golf @ Voorheesville, men's soccer vs. Troy.

9: Tennis @ Voorheesville, men's golf home opener vs. Troy.

10: Women's golf home opener vs. Ravena.

11: Tennis vs. Ichabod Crane, women's golf vs. Mohonasen, volleyball home opener vs. Holy Names, football @ Johnstown.

14: Volleyball vs. Troy, tennis @ Holy Names, men's soccer vs. Scotia.

15: Women's golf @ Albany Academy.

16: Tennis vs. Troy, men's golf vs. Albany Academy.

17: Women's golf vs. Holy Names, men's soccer vs. Ravena.

18: Women's golf vs. Emma Willard, volleyball vs. Ichabod Crane.

21: Men's soccer vs. Glens Falls.

23: Tennis vs. Ravena, men's golf vs. Ravena, volleyball @ Troy.

24: Men's soccer @ Mohonasen, women's golf vs. Voorheesville, women's soccer vs. Mohonasen.

25: Tennis @ Albany Academy, women's golf @ Ravena, volleyball vs. Ravena.

28: Tennis vs. Emma Willard, men's golf vs. Lansingburgh.

29: Women's golf @ Mohonasen, men's soccer at Cohoes, women's soccer vs. Cohoes.

30: Tennis @ Mohonasen, men's golf @ Ichabod Crane, volleyball @ Mohonasen.

October:

1: Women's golf vs. Albany Academy, men's soccer vs. Lansingburgh.

5: Tennis vs. Schalmont, women's soccer vs. Schalmont, men's soccer vs. Queensbury.

6: Men's soccer @ Schalmont.

7: Volleyball vs. Schalmont.

8: Women's soccer @ Voorheesville, men's soccer vs. Voorheesville. 

13: Women's soccer vs. Holy Names.

15: Men's soccer @ Albany Academy.

16: Volleyball vs. Voorheeesville.

21: Volleyball @ Ichabod Crane.

23: Volleyball @ Holy Names.

Schedules subject to change due to weather or other issues.

News & notes

 As it is the All-Star Break in the majors, so it also is in the Frontier League.

The Tri-City ValleyCats are idle until after the break, but closed out the first half with a flourish, as they salvaged the finale of their series at Ottawa, 12-10, on Sunday afternoon. On Friday, the 'Cats return to Canada for a series vs. Quebec before returning home for a rematch with the Titans next week.

At least Tri-City will be represented at tomorrow's All Star Game with David Glancy & Dylan Broderick playing for Team Atlantic.

The 2016 MLB draft has come & gone, and two former Section II standouts are heading off to start their pro careers.

Ryan Bilka (CBA) was drafted by the Cleveland Guardians out of Miami, while Gavin Van Kempen (Maple Hill) was chosen by the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers out of East Carolina.

Now, if only the Albany Times-Union would go back to tracking the minor league journeys of these local kids........

With a week to go before the playoffs, Ana Gold and the Carolina Blaze are in danger of missing the postseason.

Carolina has dropped six in a row after getting swept by Texas, 8-0, in 5 innings Monday. Gold was 0-2, as her slump continues. Fortunately for the Blaze, they'll close the season at home, as they'll start a 5 game tomorrow vs. Chicago, streaming on MLB.TV. The finale of that 2-set will be Thursday on CBS Sports Network at 7 pm. After that, they'll finish with Oklahoma City (Saturday at 4 pm, Sunday at noon, and Monday at 7, all on ESPN or ESPN2.). Carolina needs to run the table to get back into playoff contention, as they're currently in 5th place, 5 1/2 games out of first. Utah has locked down the regular season title, meaning the best the Blaze can hope for is to finish 2nd or 3rd.

News & notes

 The Carolina Blaze dropped a heartbreaker to the Texas Volts, 1-0, in 8 innings Friday. Ana Gold went 1-2, starting as the "designated player" before taking the field at 3rd base late in the game. The teams finish the two game series today at 2 pm on ESPN.

The good news for the Tri-City ValleyCats is that they got a game in under three hours Friday at Ottawa. The bad news, of course, is that the Titans defeated Tri-City, 4-2.

Ranko Stevanovic homered for the 'Cats. The team's website might've been joking when they suggested Stevanovic has a future as a meteorologist for WRGB, probably after a guest appearance recently.

Kinnon LaRose might not have been a headline player at Siena, but he's looking to make inroads as a trainer at Saratoga.

LaRose debuts today with three horses entered at Saratoga, including in the first two races.

The jockeys' room will be a little fuller today as Irad Ortiz, Jr. and a few others return from suspension. 

Jose Ortiz, Irad's brother, had another riding triple on Friday. Dylan Davis had two mounts finish in the money on the card. Today's 11 race card begins at 12:35 pm.

The Albany Firebirds close the regular season tonight at MVP Arena vs. Nashville (Vice, 6 pm), hoping to win by 10 points or better to reclaim the top seed. Sam Castronova returns after missing last week's win at Beaumont due to a death in the family. Too bad the 'Birds don't have a radio deal.......

News & notes

 Just when you thought the Tri-City ValleyCats had things going their way, making a run toward the playoffs, their pitching regressed the last two nights.

The ValleyCats have given up 29 runs in their last two games, both losses to Three Rivers, the latest a 16-5 drubbing on Thursday. The Eagles scored 9 runs in the final two innings to put the game away, offsetting two homers by Brayden Jobert, who took over the team lead in homers from David Glancy.

Glancy, oh, by the way, has been added to the Atlantic Conference All-Star team for Wednesday's game in Florence, Kentucky, joining Dylan Broderick.

Tri-City begins a long road trip in Ottawa tonight, and will return to The Joe on July 21.

Mets fans will need to have access to Apple TV in order to watch tonight's game vs. Boston. First pitch is at 7:15 pm. If you can access their radio feed on Audacy (via the former WCBS AM in NYC), you'll be all set.

One week ago, it was a comforting story to read that Paco Lopez had recovered from a spill to win the feature race at Saratoga.

But, fate can be oh so cruel.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Lopez has been hit with a 30 days suspension for gross careless riding. Fellow jockey Javier Castellano will be sidelined for an additional three weeks, as he recovers from his injuries.

Current riding leader Jose Ortiz had another three win day on Thursday. Hometown star Dylan Davis picked up his 2nd winner with the Irish bred After Taxes in Thursday's 9th race.

Today's 10 race card begins at 1:10 pm.

Troy High fall 2026 sports schedule released

 As promised, we have the Troy High 2026 fall schedule, which is still subject to change. We are including the previously announced football schedule:

September:

1: Men's soccer @ Mechanicville.

2. Golf home opener vs. Ravena.

3: Men's soccer home opener vs. Ravena, women will open at Ravena.

4: Football home opener vs. Amsterdam.

5: Men's soccer vs. Amsterdam.

8: Men's soccer @ LaSalle. Women vs. an opponent to be named.

9: Tennis @ Albany Academy, golf @ LaSalle.

10: Men's & women's soccer doubleheader. Men host Lansingburgh, while the ladies will entertain Holy Names under the lights.

11: Tennis vs. Emma Willard, football @ Mohonasen, golf vs. Lansingburgh.

12: Men's soccer vs. Ballston Spa. Women's soccer vs. Albany. Arbiter may have made an error, as they have both games listed at home with 7 pm starts.

14: Volleyball @ LaSalle, golf @ Ichabod Crane, tennis @ Mohonasen, men's soccer vs. Cohoes, women's soccer at Cohoes.

16: Tennis @ LaSalle, golf vs. Schalmont, volleyball @ Ichabod Crane.

17: Men's soccer @ Lansingburgh. The women are home vs. 'Burgh.

18: Volleyball vs. Mohonasen, football @ Queensbury.

19: Men's soccer vs. Schenectady.

21: Golf @ Ravena.

22: Women's soccer vs. Schenectady.

23: Tennis vs. Voorheesville, golf @ Voorheesville, volleyball vs. LaSalle.

24: Men's soccer @ Schalmont, women's soccer hosts Schalmont.

25: Volleyball @ Holy Names, tennis @ Ichabod Crane, football vs. Burnt Hills.

28: Tennis vs. Holy Names.

29: Men's soccer vs. Voorheesville. Women's soccer @ Voorheesville.

30: Tennis @ Schalmont, golf @ Albany Academy, volleyball vs. Ichabod Crane.

October:

2: Women's soccer @ Holy Names, volleyball vs. Ravena, football @ Columbia.

3: Women's soccer vs. Hoosic Valley.

5: Tennis @ Ravena.

6: Women's soccer @ Albany Academy, men's soccer hosts Academy.

7: Volleyball @ Mohonasen.

8: Men's soccer @ Ichabod Crane, women host the Riders.

9: Football @ Shaker.

13: Men's soccer vs. Mohonasen, women @ Mohon.

14: Volleyball vs. Cohoes.

16: Football vs. Bethlehem, volleyball @ Schalmont.

23: Volleyball vs. Voorheesville.

Not included is the annual Collar City Cup game vs. LaSalle. Soon as we hear something, we'll update.

Schedule subject to change due to weather and/or other concerns.

News & notes

 Bethlehem product Matt Quatraro had to be reaching for the Rolaids Tuesday night at Citi Field.

With the Kansas City Royals in town to face the Mets, Quatraro watched as his club scored 11 unanswered runs in the middle innings, and hold on to beat the Mets, 16-12. The teams continue the series tonight with a first pitch scheduled for 7:10 pm (SNY).

The crew of the USS Marionette were special guests of the Tri-City ValleyCats Tuesday, and were treated to plenty of offensive fireworks as the 'Cats defeated Three Rivers, 8-6. Dylan Broderick hit two homers for the 'Cats, while RJ Stinson & Bryden Jobert each went yard for Tri-City.

Unfortunately, the attendance was below 2000 fans for the 2nd straight home date. The series continues tonight at 6:30 pm.

The Colonial Council has struck a deal with Arbiter to host the league's website. Later today, we'll post the Troy High fall schedule, sans football, with LaSalle to follow later this week.

The Portland Cascade gained a measure of revenge against the Carolina Blaze, defeating the Blaze, 4-2, on Tuesday. The only scoring for Carolina came on a 2 run inside the park homer by Ana Gold, who was dropped to 7th in the batting order. Gold went 1-2 with a walk and the homer in the game. Game 2 is tonight at 8 on CBS Sports Network.

You'll have to wait an extra day before racing resumes at Saratoga. The NYRA website notes, in small print, that action will resume tomorrow. Not sure if that's going to be the case for the balance of the meet.

News & notes

 Saratoga native Dylan Davis finally got into the winner's circle Sunday at Saratoga, winning the 7th race aboard Liberty's Secret. Davis also has had 3 mounts finish in the money the last two days. Sister Katharine is still on the suspended list, but may be back riding this week.

It's clear that Ana Gold has been slumping after getting off to a fast start for the Carolina Blaze.

Gold came on as a pinch-hitter in Saturday's 5-4 loss to Utah, but struck out, dropping her average to .184. We all know that everyone goes through slumps, and with time running out on the regular season, we'll see if Ana gets back in the starting lineup soon. The Blaze travel to Portland to take on the Cascade Tuesday at 8 pm on ESPN2 and Wednesday at 8 on CBS Sports Network.

Tri-City ValleyCats outfielder Dylan Broderick has been selected as a starter for the Atlantic Conference for next week's Frontier League All-Star game in Florence, Kentucky. Broderick is the team leader in runs scored.

On Sunday, however, the ValleyCats split another doubleheader with the Brockton Rox, with each team winning by a 2-1 count. Local products Derek Bender & Tommy Kretzler were a combined 0-5 in the opener. Kretzler finished the day 0-5 with a run scored. Bender was 1-2 in game 2, won by the ValleyCats. Aaron Whitley moved into the leadoff spot for Tri-City in game 2, but went 0-3.

The 'Cats open a series vs. Three Rivers on Tuesday.

News & notes

 In the wake of Troy's new Knickerbacker Aquatic Center opening on Thursday, Albany is opening their city pools today as the current heat wave is winding down.

Just the site of Mayor Carmella Mantello and others jumping into the pool, fully clothed, may have made for an amusing photo op, but I guess Madame Mayor forgot her swimsuit.....!

CBA reserve defensive back Gunnar Felton likely will be a starter as he enters his senior season, especially after making a commitment to Army earlier this week, the 3rd member of Bob Burns' defense to make a pre-season college commitment, after JT Vogel (Princeton) and Chase McIntyre (Fordham). The Brothers' embarrassment of riches continues.

We were incorrect in reporting that the Carolina Blaze's game at Utah was to air on ESPN2 last night. It didn't, and instead streamed on the MLB app. The Blaze won the game, 4-2. Ana Gold (Ballston Spa/Duke) didn't start, and was inserted as a pinch runner late. Apparently, Ana is on the bench due to her recent struggles at the plate. It happens to everyone eventually. The series continues tonight at 9 pm on CBS Sports Network.

Local viewers will get to see the Mets at Atlanta for the 2nd straight night, this time on Fox's Baseball Night in America tonight at 8, the late start being due to World Cup coverage. I am reminded that 41 years ago today, the two teams played a marathon game at Fulton County Stadium, won by the Mets, 16-13, in 19 innings.

As you can tell, the late John Sterling was part of the Braves' broadcast team back then.

The Tri-City ValleyCats split a doubleheader with Brockton Friday at Bruno Stadium. The Rox won the opener, 7-5, thanks in large part to Cat-killer Derek Bender, who was 2-4 with 3 RBI and a run scored. Bender (Albany Academy/Coastal Carolina) seems to love playing at The Joe. Tommy Kretzler (Colonie) was held in check, as he went 1-7 in the doubleheader. Bender went 2-2 with a walk in game 2, as a thunderstorm cut the nightcap to 5 innings, with the ValleyCats gaining a split with a 14-5 laugher. Aaron Whitley (Niskayuna) played only in game 2, and went 1-3 with a 3 run homer. The teams meet again tonight at 6:30. 

If you're a commuter, plan on finding alternate transportation, as the CDTA #85 line will be on Sunday schedule today, with the last bus heading north at 8:30 pm.

Max Mandler hit 2 homers in the nightcap, including a grand slam, to lead the 'Cats.

Well, let's say this for NYRA. They got through opening day without having to cancel the card due to heat. However, there was a spill involving 4 horses that sent jockey Javier Castellano to the hospital. Local star Dylan Davis was involved in the spill, and scratched from his mounts for the rest of the day. Paco Lopez, who was also involved in the spill, came back to lead Harper's Corner to victory in the featured Schuylerville Stakes.

Defending riding champ Irad Ortiz, Jr., Katherine Davis, and Kendrick Carmouche are among 5 jockeys serving out suspensions for careless riding to start the season. Ortiz's brother, Jose, has the early lead after winning 3 races on Friday. Veteran John Velasquez has 2.

11 races again today, with first post at 12:35 pm.

News & notes

 For the 2nd straight night, rain cut short a game between the Tri-City ValleyCats & Ottawa Titans.

This time, however, the 'Cats gained the measure of the Titans, 11-3, in 6 innings on Wednesday. David Glancy homered for the 'Cats, who close the series tonight.

Today, the Knickerbacker Aquatic Center opens in Lansingburgh with grand opening ceremonies starting at 10 am. The new venue boasts an Olympic level pool, among other amenities.

Now, the onus is on Lansingburgh High to add swimming & diving to the athletic curriculum, ASAP. By the way, the center will be managed by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area. With the current heat wave, they should see plenty of early business.

When George Regan was relieved of his duties as event organizer of the Turkey Trot last year, there were some questions as to the abruptness of the decision.

Now, we have answers, and they're not good.

File photo courtesy Albany Times-Union.

Regan turned himself in to Troy police on charges of fraud as it relates to past races, and radio reports include last year's race, which led to the change in organizers a few weeks before the race. Regan has also previously coordinated the Freihofer's (now Delightful) Run For Women.

Just when you think you know someone......!

Maybe Ana Gold needs a break.

The Ballston Spa native was 0-3 Wednesday as the Carolina Blaze fell to the Oklahoma City Spark, 9-3. The Blaze begin a series at Utah tomorrow (9 pm, ESPN2). Gold's batting average fell below .200 with the oh-fer.

News & notes

 Tommy Kahnle's time in Boston may be over.

Kahnle was designated for assignment by the Red Sox after an 8-1 loss to Washington Tuesday night. Kahnle, through Tuesday, as a plump 8.00 ERA in 8 games.

Fellow Shaker grad Jeff Hoffman has yet to see the mound vs. the Mets as Toronto closes out their series with New York today (3 pm, SNY). Maybe today will be the day?

Rain forced an abrupt end to the Tri-City ValleyCats' game at Ottawa on Tuesday after 8 innings. Former Blue Jay Eric Pardinho was perfect through 8 innings before the rains came. The Titans, understandably, won by a count of 4-0.

Weather permitting, the series continues tonight.

The current heat wave may put a damper on opening weekend at Saratoga when the summer meet starts Friday. Temperatures are expected to climb into the 90's all weekend, and that could force postponing the races until the temperatures drop to more comfortable levels. It's not the first time this has happened, and probably won't be the last.

Speaking of Saratoga, trainer Cherie DeVaux is pointing Kentucky Derby & Belmont Stakes winner Golden Tempo toward the Travers in late August, and bypassing the Jim Dandy due to a recent illness.

Games to watch:

AUSL: Carolina @ Oklahoma City (ESPN2, tonight at 7).

MLB: Mets @ Atlanta (WTEN, Friday at 7).

AUSL: Carolina @ Utah (ESPN2, Friday at 9).

A quick reminder that TNA takes over the Broadview Center at UAlbany tonight & tomorrow to tape episodes of Impact & Xplosion. Current ticket prices start around $20, way cheaper than WWE has been of late.