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
State final four
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
Victor’s state semifinal loss doesn’t wipe out ‘brotherhood’ of sectional champs
By BILLY HEYEN ENDICOTT, N.Y. — For all intents and purposes, Friday’s fourth inning ended Victor’s season. The Blue Devils gave up five runs and used four different pitchers to get three outs. They needed to make up those five runs with just nine outs left against a pitcher with what Victor first baseman Chris Varone called a “lively” fastball and good slider and … [Read more...] about Victor’s state semifinal loss doesn’t wipe out ‘brotherhood’ of sectional champs