STREAKS’ LEFTIES SHUT OUT LA SALLE
Leffler throws 6 scoreless, Cairns closes for Saratoga in opener
The lefties took the mound and Saratoga Springs left the field with a victory.
Keegan Leffler allowed five hits and no runs while striking out 11 in six innings and fellow southpaw Jack Cairns did not allow a hit in the seventh inning as the Blue Streaks cruised to a 5-0 victory over La Salle in a non-league opener for both teams.
The game started out favorably enough for the visitors.
Nick Hansen and Tim Carroll singled and Cory Listing drew a walk. However, Leffler struck out Jon Weber and induced a ground ball to get out of the inning.
Leffler got out of a bases loaded jam with two outs in the top of the sixth by striking out Noah Grandjean.
“We went down to Florida and that was a good way to start with some scrimmages,” Leffler said. “When I get ahead with the fastball, whatever I feel that day, that’s what I’m going to go to.”
Leffer drew two walks on offense while Peter Herman and Brian Hart both had two RBIs.
“I think the kids were pretty
well prepared with all the work we’ve been doing in the gym and our spring training trip,” Saratoga Springs coach Andy Cuthbertson said. “This was a game on our schedule I wanted to make sure we got in. It’s nice we got it in early. La Salle is one of the only double-A schools not in the Suburban Council. Towards the end of the year that could come into play when we’re into sectional seedings.”
Monday afternoon’s game at East Side Rec was one of the first opportunities for La Salle’s baseball team to get onto a diamond this spring.
That fact was noticeable at times in the Cadets play.
La Salle out-hit Saratoga 5-4, but also committed three errors and struck out 13 times.
“This is their first time seeing competitive pitching,” Cadets coach Jesse Braverman said. “Batting practice is not the same as that. The defense was a little rocky, we gave up a few bases on balls and we were behind a bit at the plate.”
Starter James Rubino went four innings and took the loss on the mound while Quentin Crudo finished the game with two innings of relief work.
Despite the up-anddown start, Braverman is optimistic about La Salle’s outlook this season.
“The two guys on the mound today are competitive pitchers,” he said of the two seniors. “They’re competitors. They give you a chance to win.”
The contest was an opportunity for the Cadets to gauge where they’re at before the Colonial Council season begins.
“Ravena has good arms, Shalmont, Voorheesville always has a competitive team,” Braverman said. “The Colonial Council is very underrated.
“I think the team has a chance to be a decent team. There’s talent. We were up against a strong team but that’s who they’re up against if they get past the regular season. It gives them a yardstick for what we have to do.”