One squad has only given up five runs in its past seven games. The other sports a record of 19-1 in its past 20 games. Both squads lie two games away from a program-first state title. Pittsford Mendon and Rye clash Friday in the NYS Class A semifinals in Binghamton. Here’s the breakdown:
Class A
PITTSFORD MENDON VIKINGS (18-6/Monroe County Division III)
vs.
RYE GARNETS (23-4/Section I League 2D)
Friday, Mirabito Stadium, 1:00 p.m.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM STEVEN TWARDZIK.
How they got here: After a first round bye, Pittsford Mendon cruised to a 12-2 victory over Batavia in the Section V quarterfinals and followed that up with a 12-1 win against East in the semifinals. In the final, the Vikings picked up a 7-1 win over Eastridge. In the Far West Regional, Pittsford Mendon sneaked out a walkoff 1-0 win over Amherst (VI) in a game that went nine innings. Rye won the Section I title after beating Hendrick Hudson, Pearl River, Nanuet, and Walter Panas (twice in three games). In the state quarterfinals, the Garnets defeated La Salle (II) 6-2.
Tempo and trends: Pittsford Mendon has won their past seven games and scores 6.1 runs per game while allowing 2.9 runs per game. The Vikings have only given up five runs in their past seven games. Rye has won 19 of its past 20 games and scores 7.8 runs per game on offense while allowing 2.7 runs per game on defense.
Players to watch for Pittsford Mendon: Jack Albanese Sr..275 BA, 6 RBI, 20 R, 5 2B; Cameron Barbulean Sr. .426 BA 24 RBI, 8 2B, 1 HR/ 1.50 ERA, 6-2 record, 51.1 IP ; Colden Forney Sr. .375 BA, 21 RBI, 22 R, 7 2B, 1 3B; Jackson Forney So. .259 BA, 16 RBI, 4 2B/3.26 ERA, 4-2 record, 19.1 ERA; Samuel Harrigan Fr. .388 BA, 21 RBI, 11 R; Noah Sansone So. .426 BA, 14 RBI, 29 R, 8 2B; Reece Totedo So. .277 BA, 13 RBI
Players to watch for Rye: Peter Davies (no-hitter to clinch sectional final); Jack Sheridan; Luke Ontaneda; Charlie Rupp; Jamie Morris; Lucas London
Coaches: Shawn Caveny (Pittsford Mendon) Michael Bruno (Rye)
History 101: This is the second time that Pittsford Mendon has taken part in the state semifinals and is looking to book a trip to a program-first state championship game. A win would advance Rye to its second championship game in program history and first since 2014.
What’s at stake: A spot in the NYS Class A championship game on Saturday against the winner of Sayville (XI) and Maine-Endwell (IV).
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