By Cody Marshall-Sultan of Sports

DELANSON–After beating Broadalbin-Perth on Friday, the Galway varsity baseball team was looking to build on their winning streak. With no non-league games left, Galway begins its road to Sectionals, needing 7 league wins to clinch a spot. However, Monday’s contest was a sign of just how hard that is going to be.

In nearly 90 degree heat, Nick Manna was given the start on the hill. The heat and unfamiliar mound seemed to be taking an early toll on Manna as he left many of his first few pitches up. However, Manna was able to battle back and prevent too much damage out of the gate as Duanesburg managed to bring across just one run in the bottom of the first. That 1-0 lead would hold for Duanesburg until the top of the 6th. After a lead off single by Kyle Collins, who then advanced to second on a stolen base and took third on the throw going into the outfield, Nick Manna grounded out to short, keeping Collins at third with one away. Not wanting to squander another opportunity, Galway coach Toby Youngblood gave senior Cody Marshall the suicide squeeze sign. The pitch from Sean McGarry was coming for Marshall’s head, but he managed a perfect bunt, scoring Collins and beating it out for a single to tie the game a 1-1.

After holding Duanesburg in the bottom half of the 6th, Galway looked to take the lead in the final inning. Paul Wojcik struck out swinging to begin the inning. From there, Tyler Bailey worked a walk to bring up the top of the Galway order. Shane Marshall was then struck out by Duanesburg’s reliever Jason Cramer for the second out. With Adam Berlin up, Bailey advanced to second on a wild pitch. With a 2-0 count, Berlin grounded one to second that looked like it would be out number three. However, Duanesburg second baseman Mitch Hulbert couldn’t field it cleanly, allowing the ball to deflect into shallow right field. Bailey was sent home on the play and scored when the throw home was wide of the plate.

With a 2-1 lead heading into the bottom of the inning, the Golden Eagles were 3 outs away from their second win of the season. Adam Berlin, who had replaced Manna in the 6th, was called on to close out the game. After two walks to begin the inning, Duanesburg managed a single to center field to load the bases with nobody out. The next batter for the Eagles hit a chopper right back to Berlin on the mound. The Golden Eagles quickly turned a 1-2-3 double play to record the first 2 outs of the inning. However, the play was extended when Evan Ceroalo threw the ball to the plate, possibly thinking that a player who was already out was trying to score. The ball went to the backstop and Duanesburg sent another runner home. With no one covering the plate, the run scored easily to tie the game. The next batter, Cody Largeteau, chopped a ball down the first base line and reached without the throw, allowing Henry Holmes to score and seal the win for the Eagles.

Adam Berlin (0-2) was charged with the loss after pitching 1.2 innings, allowing 2 hits and 2 runs, and striking out 1. Nick Manna received a no decision after pitching 5 innings, allowing 1 hit, and 1 run. Cody Marshall went 2-for-3 and recorded the lone RBI on the day. Kyle Collins also recorded a 2 hit day for the Golden Eagles as he went 2-for-4. Tyler Bailey, Shane Marshall, and Adam Berlin also recorded hits on the afternoon for the Golden Eagles.

The loss drops Galway to 1-4 (0-2 WAC) on the season. The Golden Eagles will look to bounce back on Wednesday when they take on WAC North rival Mayfield (1-3), who beat the Golden Eagles 8-7 in the season opener. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30pm at Galway.