Middleburgh really tried to put speed on the ball because the Bulldogs were hitting everything. The game score says it all. Photo by Robert Duso.
Middleburgh winds up walking more players trying to keep them from hitting. Seen here #7 Simon O'Neal takes a ball. Pitching harder only makes for less control.
Low throw to first base still gets the runner out. Aiden Carr #6 had his work cut out for him but he still made the play.
Pitcher tried to pick off the runner at first but a low throw hindered Aiden Carr #6 from making the play this time.
Wild pitch hits Alex Hertzler #17 putting yet another player on base.
Devin Covey #8 crosses the plate as Middleburgh walks players with bases loaded.
Shortstop Matt Gunzinger #3 catches the shallow hit to left field.
With a shallow hit and Middleburgh under it Simonm O'Neal #7 the runner at 2nd base holds up on the run.
COBLESKILL — The Cobleskill-Richmondville Bulldogs unleashed a relentless offensive attack on Monday, defeating the Middleburgh Knights 19-2 in a five-inning contest Monday. The Bulldogs’ bats accounted for 13 hits in the dominant performance.
Senior designated hitter Elijah Barr led the way for Cobleskill-Richmondville, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Senior center fielder Simon O'Neil and senior shortstop Matt Gunzinger also fueled the scoring effort, each driving in two runs. Sophomore Devin Covey provided additional power with two doubles, an RBI, and three runs scored, while freshman Ty Gunzinger contributed a triple and two RBIs.
The Bulldogs established control immediately, building a 10-2 lead by the end of the first inning and continuing to add runs throughout the shortened game. Junior Fred Sperbeck earned the win on the mound, striking out three batters over three innings of work. Devin Covey provided strong relief, tossing two hitless innings with four strikeouts to close out the victory.
Middleburgh struggled to keep pace despite a double and an RBI from C. Mattice. S. DeLaet and A. Myre each recorded a hit and scored a run for the Knights, but the team was unable to overcome the Bulldogs' early offensive barrage.
Several other Bulldogs contributed to the multi-run victory. Senior Aiden Carr reached base four times with a hit and two walks, driving in two runs. Junior Landon Huslander drove in a run and scored twice, while junior Alex Hertzler recorded a hit, an RBI, and two runs scored while handling the catching duties. Senior Aiden Joslin also had a productive day, finishing with a hit, an RBI, and three runs scored.
The Bulldogs showcased disciplined plate appearances throughout the afternoon, drawing seven walks and benefitting from five hit-by-pitches to keep the pressure on the Middleburgh defense
