Henderson pitches Saratoga to big win
CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. >> Heading into the contest on a three-game losing streak and fighting for fourth place heading into the playoffs, Saratoga Springs baseball needed a strong performance against Shenendehowa Friday.
Alex Henderson gave the Blue Streaks what they needed.
Henderson pitched a three-hitter with six strikeouts to lead Saratoga to a 2-0 win over rival Shenendehowa in the Suburban Council finale for both teams.
“He really was efficient,” Andrew Cuthbertson said of Henderson. “He was able to get ahead with strikes, he was able to throw his curveballs for strikes and throwing that curveball for balls as well. I think that his plan of attack, keeping batters off balance, made him so successful and the kids played flawless defense behind him.”
Making only his second start of the season, Henderson allowed no runs on three hits with six strikeouts and two walks. Henderson allowed only one runner to reach third base in the game.
The Blue Streaks managed their two runs in the fourth and fifth innings.
Brian Hart led off the fourth with a walk then stole second. He advanced to third after a dropped third strike with Brad Hiplsey batting. Ryan Seales knocked Hart in with a single for what turned out to be the winning run.
Saraotga pushed a second run across on after a Shen error. Lewi Clarke drew a walk and moved to second on a groundout by Devin McArthur. Jake Fauler’s bunt was fielded cleanly, but an error at third allowed Clarke to score the second run of the game.
A key inning for Henderson’s game was the sixth. Henderson got three outs with three pitches, which came with an extra reward.
“I have something with the boys that if they can get three outs with three pitches they get a steak dinner on me,” Cuthbertson said. “It has been about seven years since I have had to reward that and he will be getting that one day after practice.”
Henderson sailed thru the game up until the seventh inning.
Brendan Spulnick walked to start the inning and Saratoga Springs almost had two double plays, but was unable to turn either. Kurt Forsell moved to third on a Kyle Doug-
las ground out but was stranded there after Mike Spulnick flied out to right field.
“Saratoga took advantage of our inability to execute,” Shen coach Greg Christodulu said. “Unfortunately we didn’t have many competitive at bats and we weren’t as competitive pitchingwise, but the error hurt us, the inability to take the runner down. We had the perfect play called for the pick off and we couldn’t execute the rundown and when you don’t execute in this league it is going to come back to haunt you.”
Henderson said he was surprised to get the start against Shenendehowa today and happy to get the win.
“I haven’t pitched that much this year, but it is always great when you beat Shen,” Henderson said. “(The win) is huge for morale and we were on a threegame losing streak, so everyone was kind of down and morale was kind of sinking. We started off really well and then just gradually started to go downhill. This win is huge especially against Shen.”
Cuthbertson said the key for his team was practicing not just on the field, but in their minds.
“We talked a lot yesterday about mental toughness and having a plan, a place and what you are going to do in a tough situation and if somebody makes an error how are you going to fight back,” Cuthbertson said. “We just put the guys in a mindset to be successful and having a plan when things aren’t going right and when things are going right.”
Coming into the contest, Saratoga had lost consecutive games to CBA, Niskayuna and Shaker.
“This huge, getting the win right at the end of the season against Shen,” Cuthbertson said. “We are battling for a seed in sectionals, so this is a nice step in the right direction and we will see where the playoffs take us.”