JEFERSONVILLE, NY — While the country at large was waiting breathlessly to catch a glimpse of the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, the Sullivan West Bulldogs (1-0) squared off against the Yellowjackets of Eldred (0-1) in a non-conference varsity baseball game at Lion’s Field. It marked the season opener for both teams.

In the first frame, Mason Tice crossed the plate for Eldred, while Sullivan West’s Evan Ebert singled to first, stole second, advanced to third and then scored on passed balls.

In the third inning, Josh Warming scored for the Yellowjackets, putting Eldred up 2-1.

The sixth frame witnessed Jake Card score for Eldred and Adam Ernst for the Bulldogs. Ernst made it home on a dropped third strike, advancing to second on another dropped strike, and scoring on a hit by Alec Hubert past the hot corner.

In the seventh, Bulldog Austin Nystrom singled, purloined second, advanced to third and scored on passed balls, tying the game 3-3.

As the game went into extra innings, Jacob Hubert was nicked by a pitch, stole second, advanced to third and legged it home on past balls for the winning run.

On the mound for the Bulldogs were Brandon Haas and Haden Nicosia, both of whom pitched four frames. For the Yellowjackets it was starter Josh Warming, whose coach said, “His fast ball was electric.” This was followed by Mason Tice, “who did a good job as well.”

Eldred takes on the field with two seniors: Josh Warming and Dalen Espie. Sullivan West is senior-rich, with seven upperclassmen: Caden Allen, Jacob Hubert, Haden Nicosia, Austin Nystrom, Nick Perez, William Roycroft and Allyn Walter.

Dylan Newman, first-year coach of the Eldred hardballers, said, “It was a tough game, a close game, with pitching done very well on both sides.” 

Goals for the season?

“Make the playoffs. Every year it’s like that. And get the ninth and 10th graders developed,” replied Coach Newman.

Ty Ebert is returning for his second season at the helm of Sullivan West’s varsity baseball team. He agreed with his counterpart on the other side of the field of play that the Bulldogs’ primary goal at the start of the year was making the playoffs, and hopefully going on from there.