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
McQuaid baseball
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
A Mental Game: Tyler Griggs has his mind in the right spot just in time
By BILLY HEYEN In fourth grade, Tyler Griggs had a decision to make. He was playing both lacrosse and baseball, shuttling from one to the other. It was time to pick one summer sport. One day, Griggs had his last at bat before he had to leave and go to lacrosse practice. The lefty batter hit the first home run of his life. Looking back now, Griggs looked at that swing as … [Read more...] about A Mental Game: Tyler Griggs has his mind in the right spot just in time
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