SARATOGA SPRINGS — The baseball parking lot at Veterans Memorial Park in Saratoga Springs was overflowing as the 17-0 Saratoga Central Catholic Saints varsity baseball team faced the 15-0 Mechanicville Red Raiders on Monday, May 6. The matchup between two undefeated teams could only end one way: someone’s record was about to become blemished.
With the grandstands full, spectators plopped down camping chairs in nearly every available spot with a clear view of the diamond. The sun set slowly beyond the left field wall as the middle innings rolled on and Mechanicville took a 2-0 lead heading into the fourth inning.
The Saints struggled offensively, notching only three hits. Ryan Gillis pushed across the team’s lone run with an RBI in the bottom of the sixth. But the late spur wasn’t enough to overcome the Red Raiders’ four runs, two of which were the result of Saints fielding errors. Mechanicville took the W and ended the Saints’ undefeated streak.
After suffering their first loss of the season, Spa Catholic would have an opportunity for revenge at Mechanicville High School the following afternoon. But they again couldn’t overcome the Red Raiders, losing 5 to 2. Although the Saints limited their fielding errors this time, Mechanicville’s 10 hits were too many to overcome.
With a 17-2 record, the Saints went into their final game of the regular season against Christian Brothers Academy last Saturday night. The game turned into a nailbiter after Spa Catholic erupted with six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. But then a walk-off single by Jason Pescetti sealed the deal, giving the Saints an 8-7 victory.
In the end, only Mechanicville got the better of Spa Catholic, stealing two games away from a team with an otherwise perfect record. Saratoga finished the season 18-2 overall, and 12-2 in the Wasaren League. The Saints’ .857 winning percentage was second only to Mechanicville.
