In a tightly contested subregional matchup, the Horseheads baseball squad secured a decisive victory over Garden City, highlighted by a one‑hit performance from pitcher Cooper Ball. Ball struck out nine batters and walked three, while Dmitri Charlanow’s two‑run homer in the second inning gave the team an early 2‑0 edge.
Key Performances
The win follows a hard‑fought series against Vestal, where Horseheads rallied to win two games to one and punch their ticket to the state tournament. Coach Andy Scott praised the defensive instincts of Hunter Matkosky, whose key plays helped preserve the lead.
Beckett Doane added a double and scored two runs, underscoring the depth of the lineup. Charlanow finished 3‑for‑3 with a homer, two runs and three RBIs, while Ball’s 2‑for‑3 effort included a crucial two‑run single in the fifth.
Now the focus shifts to the regional final against Section 6 champion Hamburg. The prospect of back‑to‑back New York State Championships fuels the squad’s determination as they prepare to meet their next challenge.