By Cody Marshall-Sultan of Sports

SCHENECTADY–After going 3-1 last week, the Galway varsity baseball team was looking to win their only game this week and reach a three-game winning streak for the second time this season. With a win, the Golden Eagles would finish 3-3 against WAC South opponents, but none sweeter than beating Mekeel Christian Academy in the Battle of Route 147. The Golden Eagles entered the game two wins away from being Sectional bound for the first time since 2008.

Cody Marshall was given the start on the mound for the Golden Eagles, while Shawn King was on the hill for the Lions. These two players aren’t strangers to each other, as they were teammates last summer on the Galway Dukes summer league team. Both pitchers had rough outings. Marshall was pulled after just 2.1 innings of work after giving up eight runs. King, who came out of the game with his team ahead 9-7, lasted just 4+ innings.

The scoring began in the top of the first when Cody Marshall continued his streak of games with multiple RBIs, as he had a 2-RBI single that put the Golden Eagles up 2-0 early. On the year, Marshall now has 18 RBIs to go along with 18 hits in 12 games. However, the Golden Eagles would surrender three runs in the bottom half, off timely hitting and an error in right field. In the second, Galway got the runs back, taking a 6-3 lead that would once again be squandered when Mekeel tied the game at 6-6 in the bottom half.

The Lions managed to hold the Golden Eagles scoreless in the top of the third, marking the only inning in which Galway wouldn’t put a run across. Then, Marshall was pulled after Mekeel loaded the bases with 1 out in the 3rd. Nick Manna came in and allowed 2 runs to score, both charged to Marshall, before getting out of the inning with Mekeel leading 8-6. Galway would get one run back in the 4th, but Mekeel answered with one of their own to make it 9-7 after four innings of play. From there, Galway exploded offensively and went on lockdown on defense. In the final three innings, Galway outscored the Lions 12-0 to take the game 19-9. The biggest blow came off the bat of Shane Marshall in the 5th when his bases loaded triple put Galway up 10-9. From there, Galway used walks, timely hitting, and the spacious outfield to build on their lead.

Kyle Collins drove in 5 runs on the day, while Nick Manna drove in three, and Cody Marshall drove in two. Shane Marshall was 3-for-5 on the day with four runs, while Evan Ceroalo was 4-for-5 with four runs as well. Adam Berlin also scored four times on the day. The rough outing didn’t hurt Cody Marshall at all as he didn’t factor in the decision. Nick Manna was credited with the win on the mound (1-1).

This game was not without its fair share of hits. Both team combined for 35 hits, with Galway having 18. The win puts Galway at 7-5 overall and 6-3 in the WAC. The Golden Eagles are now one win away from becoming the first baseball team to make Sectionals since 2008. Meanwhile, Mekeel Christian dropped to 4-3 in the WAC and 6-5 overall. Currently, the Golden Eagles would be looking at an 11 seed in the Sectional playoffs, but can move up if Greenwich, Hoosick Falls, Middleburgh, Berne-Knox-Westerlo, or Schoharie lose at all this week.