The Class AAA state baseball playoffs are set to culminate in a single showdown between Saratoga Springs and Colonie after the two squads split the first two games of their championship series. The defending champions from Saratoga Springs fell 14-6 in the opener before rallying to an 11-3 victory in the second contest, setting the stage for a decisive third game.
Pitching Matchups and Offensive Highlights
Coach Andy Cuthbertson of Saratoga Springs hinted that junior pitcher Shea Crotty is likely to take the mound for the final, while Colonie’s skipper Michael Morrissey admitted uncertainty about who will start for the Wolfpack. The pitching duel was highlighted by Brendan Kantscheidt, who tossed six and two‑thirds innings of four‑hit shutout ball, striking out ten batters.
Saratoga Springs compiled 13 hits in the second game, with Raul Rodriguez and Owen Fear each delivering three knocks, underscoring the team’s offensive firepower as they prepare for the Monday night clash at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium.
The winner will advance to meet the Section 3 champion at 6 p.m. Saturday at Onondaga Community College, adding another layer of excitement to an already electric atmosphere.
The upcoming game promises a clash of arms and bats, with both coaching staffs weighing their options. Saratoga Springs’ pitching staff has been bolstered by Kantscheidt’s recent shutout performance, while Colonie’s staff remains a mystery until game day.
Fans and players alike are eager to see whether the defending champions can reclaim their crown or if Colonie will rewrite the narrative. The stakes are high, the atmosphere electric, and the outcome will reverberate through the local baseball community.