Bulldogs sweep double-header against Jackets

TED WADDELL
Posted 5/31/17

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — It was a game of “Double Bubble, Double Trouble,” as the home team Bulldogs of Sullivan West pulled off a clean sweep double-header non-league varsity baseball …

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Bulldogs sweep double-header against Jackets

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LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — It was a game of “Double Bubble, Double Trouble,” as the home team Bulldogs of Sullivan West pulled off a clean sweep double-header non-league varsity baseball game against the visiting Eldred Yellow Jackets (6-9 overall, 6-4 league) on Tuesday, May 16.

In the first game, the Dawgs edged the opposition 4-2, while in the nightcap Eldred got pounded 8-3 on a day that Sullivan West’s coach called a “perfect day for baseball”—a comment overheard as he headed out to rake the mound in the wake of the double-headed victory.

Perfect weather and a spirited performance by both teams, closed out at the end by Eldred’s coach congratulating Brandon Dailey for his second game win and more, in an outing that was truly Dailey’s day.

“It was a close game throughout… both teams were battling,” said Eldred coach Joshua Santoro of the opening salvo.

In the first game, Patrick Kinney took to the mound for the Yellow Jackets, while Bryce Reimer snagged the win for Sullivan West, sending a baker’s dozen back to their seats

Along the way, a rumor was heard that two Eldred players were Eagle Scouts, and indeed, unlike most rumors, it was true.

Asked to equate the game of baseball with the high ideals of Scouting, they took turns in stepping up to the plate.

“You have to be smart, really focus,” said Garrett Kolvenbach, a 17-year-old senior.

Posed with the same query, 18-year-old 12th grader Max Smyth responded, “In Eagle Scouts you have to lead the younger Scouts… it’s the same in baseball: being a senior you have to lead the younger guys and show them what to do.”

And now for game #2.

Brandon Dailey went the distance on the mound, striking out nine while yielding two hits.

He got the game off to a grand start with a two RBI double in the bottom of the first, and then posted a solo RBI double later in the game.

Eldred’s starter Noah Curreri whiffed six; he was relived late in the game by Kolvenbach.

The Bulldogs Collin Hauschild went three or four, while John McCormack doubled with an RBI.

“For us, Noah Curreri almost put one over the center of the fence for two runs… then it kind of fell apart,” said Santoro.

His take on Dailey’s performance on the mound for Sullivan West?

“I love that kid, he’s awesome… always a pleasure to play against… and he hit a couple of big ones through the gap,” said Santoro.

Brandon “Boo Boo” Dailey, the Dawgs 17-year-old junior pitcher, summed up the game.

“Eldred is really stepping up… put up a fight today. We had some defense behind us and some hits to get it done.”

What was the home team catcher’s take on the game?

“We had them at the start, and then they tied it up three-three,” said 16-year old Collin Hauschild.

“We battled back and got the runs we needed… we overcame a lot of things, and Brandon pitched a great game. We got the win.”

Bill Kirk, coach of the Bulldogs (11-5 overall, 3-0 league) was asked to sum up the second game.

“Eldred… what a fine ball club they have. Very solid defense especially up the middle… they make the plays.

So what about a couple of highlights?

“Brandon Dailey,” said Kirk. “He did an amazing job… he pitched a great game and helped himself at the plate.”

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