By Cody Marshall-Sultan of Sports

GALWAY–For the first time since 2008, the varsity baseball team at Galway High School will be going to Sectionals. The Golden Eagles clinched a berth in the postseason after a 6-2 win over St. Johnsville on Wednesday. Kyle Collins was given the start on the mound and tossed a great game for the Golden Eagles. Although runs didn’t come often, they came in bunches when they did.

Although the game was played in Galway, St. Johnsville was the home team because it was originally schedule to be played in St. Johnsville at Soldiers and Sailors Field. However, the rain took its toll, making the field out west unplayable. With Sectionals coming up, the Saints agreed to keep the game on, but move it to Galway, rather than have to try to find time to make it up.

The first inning saw the Golden Eagles jump out to an early 2-0 lead. Shane Marshall led off with a walk and later came around to score when Kyle Collins reached on an error by the Saints’ third baseman. Then, Collins would come around to score as well when Nick Manna singled to add to the early lead. In the bottom half, Collins and the Galway defense worked a 1-2-3 inning, including a strikeout for Collins.

The second inning was where the fireworks came for the Golden Eagles. With Frank Schwab on second, Shane Marshall hammered a 1-1 pitch over the right field wall, putting the Golden Eagles up 4-0. The home run was the first of the season for the Golden Eagles. Galway would go on to put two more runs on the board when Adam Berlin singled and came home to score when Kyle Collins doubled and advanced to 3rd on an error by the left fielder. Then, Nick Manna hit a deep drive to left that scored Collins, but the inning ended when Manna was thrown out at second.

Scoring would be halted until the 6th inning when James Looman placed a ball over the left field fence, scoring him and Campione, putting the Saints within 6-2. However, the scoring ended there for both teams.

In the top of the 7th, Nick Manna reached via a walk with one out and then, with a 2-2 count, Cody Marshall lifted what looked like another home run to left. However, the home plate umpire ruled that it was a foul ball. Marshall expressed a few words, but to no avail. Marshall would later ground out to third. In the bottom half, Kyle Collins managed to work through the leadoff hit by pitch to pick up the win and put the Golden Eagles into Sectional play.

In the game, the Golden Eagles nearly turned two double plays, while almost picking up two home runs. Regardless, the Golden Eagles will be heading to the Class C Sectionals for the first time since 2008 when the Golden Eagles were upset by #10 Mechanicville in a thriller. If Galway manages to win out, they could put themselves in a position to play their first round game at home. For standings, the win allows Galway to improve to 8-6 overall and 7-4 in the WAC. The Golden Eagles won’t have much time to celebrate as they are scheduled to play their senior game Thursday at 4:30pm. For all planning to attend, there will be a Senior Recognition Ceremony at 4:15pm to recognize the seven seniors on the team.