Over their last two games, the Saugerties High School varsity baseball team has outscored its opponents 30 runs to zero. That impressive tally includes their most recent result, an 8-0 drubbing of non-league Gloversville at Cantine Field in the Hope Rocks Hardball Invitational on Saturday, May 4.
“We played a real complete game today and it was nice to see us doing a lot of things right,” said Saugerties coach Michael Pugliese. “But this isn’t about the game as much as the day and message our community sent with raising awareness for mental health and addiction. It was truly an honor to be part of that event today. Hope Rocks and the town of Saugerties put on a great event for the teams and absolutely raised awareness for two very important topics. I told the guys after how proud I am of our community and their impact today.”
The Sawyers scored early and often in the home tourney win, plating two runs in the first and three in the second. Saugerties scored two in the fifth inning and added one in the sixth for good measure.
Dan Miller earned the win on the mound, tossing three innings of two-hit, three-strikeout ball. The Sawyers were led at the plate by Ty Gallagher (double, two singles, RBI), Zach Belfance (three singles, two RBI), Randy Dodig (three singles, RBI) and Graeme Knisell (double, RBI).
Three days earlier, Saugerties hosted league opponent Highland, cruising to a crushing 22-0 victory on the strength of a spot start by Belfance, who struck out four and walked one over two innings of work.
“This week for us has all about our team grit and how we respond to things out of control,” said Pugliese. “Our guys swung the bat real well in RBI situations …. Our pitchers pitched with a lead and kept our defense in it.”
Knisell (three singles, 4 RBI), Ethan Conrad (three singles, RBI) and Gallagher (triple, RBI) made significant contributions in the blowout win. Saugerties scored eight runs in the opening frame, and added seven each in the third and fourth innings.
With just three games remaining on their regular season slate and the playoffs already a lock, the Sawyers are 10-4 overall, 5-2 in league play. They headed to Red Hook this Wednesday, and will return home to host Rondout Valley Friday night under the Cantine lights. They’ll close out the season with a visit from non-league opponent Washingtonville on Friday, May 17.
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