SARATOGA FIGHTS BACK TO FORCE GAME 3
MECHANICVILLE, N.Y. » Saratoga 8- to 10 year old team knew that Sunday’s game was a win or go home scenario in the District 11/12 championship series. Saratoga was in the same situation last year and was hoping for a change of fortune after losing game one to Mechanicville.
“We had men on base in the first few innings and we just couldn’t get the big hit to hit them in,” Saratoga coach Chris Covell said. “I kept telling the kids to stick to it, keep doing what we are doing and that big hit is going to come, it ended up scoring four runs in the fifth inning. The kids just stayed with their plan and it worked.”
Saratoga delivered different results this time, fighting back from a 4-1 deficit to take the 10-5 win after move the best of three series to a third game, which plays Monday night.
Mechanicville took the early lead, getting three runs off Colin Mack in the first inning. Mack walked the first two batters, bringing up Scott Lynch. Lynch delivered a two run triple and then scored on a Chris Couser sac fly.
Saratoga got one back in their half of the first with Andrew Stallmer and Thomas McNamara both hit doubles with Stallmer scoring on McNamara’s double.
McNamara said he wasn’t trying to do anything special throughout the game.
“I was just trying to get my friends in for runs, just to try and get back on top,” McNamara said. “(While at the plate) I am thinking just hit the ball hard. I really don’t care if I get out; I just want to hit it hard.”
Covell said he knew his team could bring it back and get the win.
“I kept telling the kids that if we could get men on base, we are going to get that big hit, so just go up there and stick to our plan,” Covell said. “They were hitting the ball hard, they were making contact and we knew if they kept doing that the ball would find some grass and that is what happened.”
Mechanicville put another on the board in the third with Anthony D’Aloia scoring on a single from Rece Dyer. D’Aloia reached on a fielder’s choice, advance to second on a past balled and then scored on Dyer’s single making it 4-1.
The score would stay 4-1 until the fourth inning, when Saratoga managed to fight out runs and get the lead.
Stallmer took over pitching in the fourth and shutdown the Mechanicville offense, while Saratoga’s came alive.
Covell said Stallmer was huge for the team in the win.
“When Stallmer came in, it was bases loaded and it was a 4-1 score, so for Stallmer to come in and shut them down was a real big momentum turn,” Covell said. “Our guys came in and we put up five runs. Stallmer was really big for us and changed the momentum right there.”
Christian Mello entered the game as a pinch hitter and doubled to start the inning. Mello advanced to third on a passed ball, with Macklin Harris batting, and scored on another passed ball from D’Aloia, who took over pitching in the inning. Harris reached base on a walk and stole second. Stallmer also walked and he scored along with Harris scored after McNamara walked. Harris scored on a passed ball, Harris advanced to third and the ball was thrown into left field allowing him to score. McNamara advanced to third because of the ball being thrown around by the Mechanicville infield. Nate More walked and scored with McNamara scored with Luke Delnicki getting out at first and the ball being thrown around by Mechanicville and giving the team the 6-4 lead.
Covell said the team has been practicing all week for moments like this.
“We have been practicing all week,” Covell said. “The kids have really committing to nothing but little league baseball, practicing every day. To see these kids practice and come out here and deliver on what we have been practicing is such a good feeling as a coach.”
Mechanicville got a run back with D’Aloia. D’Aloia walked and scored on Logan Starks single, bringing the score to 6-5.
Saratoga tacked on more runs in the bottom of the fifth, pushing them to the win. Harris got on base on a Mechanicville error and moved up to second on a passed ball. Harris singled to score Mack and then scored on a passed ball. Saratoga scored two more runs on passed balls and pushed their lead to 10-5.
McNamara said it is great to not get swept for two straight years.
“I was on that team last year and we lost to Mechanicville in two games, so it just feels good to get into the championship game. I am just trying to get as many hits as I can (In the championship game) and try to do my best.
Stallmer got three straight outs to end the game and require a game three.
Covell said making the winner take all game three is huge for his team.
“We go back up to Saratoga and do it under the lights at our home field,” Covell said. “I think there is going to be a good turnout and that is all we hope for. We knew if we could come out and get a win here today; the momentum was going to be on our side. I know we are really excited for a championship game, get outside this district and move on to the regionals.”