The Kingston‑Saugerties American Legion Senior baseball team has earned a place in the District 9 Championship after a dramatic turnaround in the tournament.
Their journey began with a narrow 1‑0 loss to the Rockland Pirates, but the squad refused to fold, rebounding with an 8‑4 victory over the Newburgh Nuclears on Sunday.
A day later they posted a 6‑4 win over the Pirates at Cantine Field, with Preston Provenzano earning the win after striking out ten batters while walking only two.
Offensive sparks came from Johnny McKenna, who launched a solo homer to cut the deficit, and Jackson Huber, whose two‑run single put the team ahead 5‑4. Landon VanGaasbeck then drew a bases‑loaded walk to extend the lead to 6‑4.
Will Cummings sealed the effort with two innings of scoreless relief and added a two‑run homer in the bottom of the second that helped the locals jump out to a 2‑0 lead.
A Championship Opportunity Looms
The winners will meet the Orange County Outlaws from Chester at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, in a battle that could send the victor to the New York State American Legion Championship slated for July 25‑29 in Rochester.
Local fans and post members have rallied behind the squad, echoing the spirit of the Kingston Post No. 150 and Lamouree‑Hackett Post No. 72, both of which have long supported youth baseball in the region.
A victory would not only bring pride to the community but also showcase the talent emerging from the Hudson Valley, a region historically rich in baseball heritage.