The Plainedge baseball team entered the state Class A final with a sense of destiny after a season that saw them capture both the Nassau and Long Island championships for the first time since 2012, finishing the year with a stellar 28‑1 record.
A Final to Remember
Averill Park emerged victorious with a 5‑0 shutout, a result that underscored the opponent’s poise under pressure and the narrow margin that separates triumph from heartbreak in high school sports.
Fred Bornn, the Averill Park ace, delivered a complete‑game three‑hit performance, striking out five while walking three, a display that left Plainedge’s lineup silent for most of the contest.
Jeg Sansone sparked the scoring with a run‑scoring single in the fourth inning, followed by an RBI hit in the fifth that capped a two‑run burst.
Taylor Nitsch, the Plainedge pitcher, matched the effort with ten strikeouts over six innings, allowing just five hits, three walks and one earned run before the defense finally gave way.
Coach’s Pride and Team Reflections
Coach Colin Fratrik praised his players for the memories they forged together, noting that being a state runner‑up is a source of pride that will linger long after the final out.
The team’s journey also included a dominant 7‑0 semifinal victory over Marlboro Central at Binghamton University, a game that showcased their depth and resilience.
Beyond the scoreboard, the players and staff highlighted the camaraderie that defined the season, a sentiment echoed by teammates George Brooks, Dom Santivasci and AJ Calapai, who all contributed to the historic run.