By BILLY HEYEN UTICA, N.Y. — Jason Bocklage tossed his bat to the side, then his helmet. Colin Smith chucked his helmet behind him, as well. The Rockland Pirates, just 60 feet, six inches away, piled atop each other near the pitcher’s mound. Minutes later, Rayson Miller posed for pictures with a runner-up trophy, with not many smiling faces in the shot. When Rockland got … [Read more...] about Rayson Miller’s best season ever ends in state finals
Legion
Kevin Sheppard wins twice on same day to send Rayson Miller to state finals
By BILLY HEYEN UTICA, N.Y. — Before Rayson Miller’s game at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Kevin Sheppard was warming up to start on the mound. That wouldn’t have normally been unusual, as he’d already started four games this season for Rayson Miller before Tuesday. It was unusual on Tuesday, though. That’s because Sheppard started Rayson Miller’s game at 4 p.m. and threw five innings. … [Read more...] about Kevin Sheppard wins twice on same day to send Rayson Miller to state finals
Grady Smith rewards teammates’ faith with complete-game win for Rayson Miller
By BILLY HEYEN UTICA, N.Y. — Kevin Sheppard was slated to start for Rayson Miller on Monday. That is, until the Rayson Miller players agreed that Grady Smith should get the ball to save Sheppard for Tuesday. There was risk in the decision, because a Rayson Miller loss would mean its season ended without Sheppard getting the shot to start Tuesday. When Sapienza learned of … [Read more...] about Grady Smith rewards teammates’ faith with complete-game win for Rayson Miller
No-hitter knocks Rayson Miller into losers’ bracket at states
By BILLY HEYEN UTICA, N.Y. — It’s hard to win a baseball game with zero hits. It’s impossible to win a baseball game with zero runs. Unfortunately for Rayson Miller, Sunday night ended with a zero in both columns on the scoreboard. Rockland’s Colton Stemkowski had Rayson Miller’s number all night long. “You gotta give it to him, a no-hitter is pretty good,” said Rayson … [Read more...] about No-hitter knocks Rayson Miller into losers’ bracket at states
‘Magic’ continues for Rayson Miller in back-and-forth 8-7 win at states
By BILLY HEYEN UTICA, N.Y. — Rayson Miller’s Sam Cestra lifted his leg for the 1-2 pitch and fired. Fastball, right over the plate, and right past a swinging bat and into Jourdan Plaisted’s glove. Plaisted pumped his fist in sync with his battery-mate. Rayson Miller had looked in control for five innings. Then in the sixth, it looked like a blown chance. Then in the top … [Read more...] about ‘Magic’ continues for Rayson Miller in back-and-forth 8-7 win at states