Legion

By JOHN LIKANJE HONEOYE FALLS, N.Y. - The Rayson Miller baseball team was brimming with determination to go back to Utica for the New York State (NYS) tournament. When Owen VanNewkirk crossed the plate and the umpire called the game due to mercy rule, Tom Sapienza's squad ran out of the dugout and celebrated on the field in jubilant fashion. "We're chasing a gold ring, … [Read more...] about Twice as nice: Rayson Miller sweeps James Cooke to repeat as district champs

  By JOHN LIKANJE VICTOR, N.Y. - After two consecutive days of rain, Rayson Miller was itching to play baseball. With the sun shining down on the Victor High School diamond and not a cloud in sight, the players energized each other and walked out of the dugout for Game 1 of the district final. "We were all just sitting home, wishing to play baseball, so once the … [Read more...] about Ray of sunshine: Haefner, Rayson Miller light up James Cooke in Game 1

By PAUL GOTHAM VICTOR, N.Y. -- Hayden Smith worked out of a fifth-inning jam, and Rayson Miller downed Greece Post 7-3 to advance to the American Legion District 7 Championship Series. Staked to a 6-0 lead, Smith wiggled out of a bases-loaded no-out situation in the fifth. "I was just focused on getting an out at that point," the 6-foot right-hander said. "My team … [Read more...] about Rayson Miller advances to American Legion District 7 Championship Series

By JOHN LIKANJE VICTOR, N.Y. - James Cooke starter Owen Delforte (Monroe Community College) was locked in a 1-0 pitching duel with Irondequoit Post ace, Jackson DeJohn (Irondequoit), for five innings. Delforte had only given up two hits - both of which came in the fourth. DeJohn had fanned 11 batters and pitched out of multiple jams. It was only natural that when Delforte … [Read more...] about Comeback season: James Cooke rallies again to sweep Irondequoit Post

By JOHN LIKANJE VICTOR, N.Y. - Aidan Schlarbaum (Victor) singled up the middle and drove in Jarrod Signorelli as James Cooke defeated Irondequoit Post, 11-10, in 12 innings in Game 1 of a best-of-three series. Signorelli drew a walk to lead off the frame and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Brennan Prather. Brendan Popielec, who tied the game with a two-run … [Read more...] about Schlarbaum, James Cooke pull out Game 1 marathon over Irondequoit Post