By BILLY HEYEN In the 2019 state semifinal, Tyler Griggs stole second base and distracted the defense long enough for Ben Beauchamp to scamper home from third. It was the type of aggressive base-running maneuver that led the Knights to their first-ever state title. Now, both Griggs and Beauchamp will be hoping that their next move, transferring from a Division I program … [Read more...] about Ben Beauchamp, Tyler Griggs take Junior College detour to get back on track
Ben Beauchamp
‘Perfect timing for it’: Hunter Walsh no-hitter leads McQuaid to 1st state title
By BILLY HEYEN ENDICOTT, N.Y. — Hunter Walsh couldn’t throw on Monday or Tuesday. He’d thrown more than 100 pitches in three-straight postseason starts, and he was worried about his chances of throwing in the state final four. Apparently, Walsh didn’t need to worry about simply throwing. More pressing on Saturday was whether he’d allow a hit. He didn’t, and it was the McQuaid … [Read more...] about ‘Perfect timing for it’: Hunter Walsh no-hitter leads McQuaid to 1st state title
Calculated risks pay off as McQuaid holds on to advance to state final
By BILLY HEYEN VESTAL, N.Y. – There’s basically one way to get out of a runner on third, no outs situation, McQuaid catcher Ben Beauchamp said. With a one run lead in the top of the seventh Friday, that’s what Knights’ righty Ryan O’Mara faced. On a day when many wouldn’t have expected O’Mara to even start, what Beauchamp envisioned is what O’Mara did: strikeout, … [Read more...] about Calculated risks pay off as McQuaid holds on to advance to state final
Hunter Walsh’s four-year McQuaid career will culminate in one more start
By BILLY HEYEN McQuaid ace Hunter Walsh looked down at his right hand on May 28 and repeated, “It’s hot.” He was in the midst of a sectional quarterfinal gem, a “lights out” 14-strikeout performance. While that moment may have been limited to a singular game, it could’ve happened in any of Walsh’s outings before or after then. He’s been utterly dominant all season, he’s … [Read more...] about Hunter Walsh’s four-year McQuaid career will culminate in one more start
McQuaid advances to state final four with on-brand, 2-1 win over Frontier
By BILLY HEYEN LOCKPORT, N.Y. – McQuaid baseball is known for aggression on the base paths and timely bunting. The Knights don’t always have to use it during the regular season, when games aren’t necessarily as tight and the bats create plenty of cushion. But on Saturday, as the Far West Regional moved into the sixth inning of a serious pitchers’ duel, McQuaid’s style … [Read more...] about McQuaid advances to state final four with on-brand, 2-1 win over Frontier