Little League World Series Residency Program Informational Session Recap

Brian McClintock and Kevin Fountain, representatives from Little League International, visited Newhouse to discuss an exciting summer residency program. This unique, six-week event-based communications experience is exclusively designed for Hampton University, Penn State, and Syracuse University students. The application window for individual/student placements opens on February 28 and will close at 5 p.m. ET on Monday, March 31, 2025.

“The Little League is super proud to work with Syracuse University as well as Penn State and Hampton University to bring the Little League World Series and all of our Little League tournaments to life. This experience provides students with an immersive sports event experience. It’s unmatched and really gives them that practical work experience, while also supporting dreams of kids from around the world and bringing that to life,” said Brian McClintock.

Running from July 18 to August 24, 2025, the program offers both remote and on-site roles, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in video production, media relations, and in-game entertainment.

The first phase (July to mid-August) involves remote video highlight support, including tracking multiple games, organizing media assets, and working with partners like the MLB Network/ESPN. 

The second phase (mid-August to August 24) takes place on-site in Williamsport, PA, where students will assist with in-game entertainment, scoreboard operations, sponsorship activations, public relations, and multimedia storytelling. Select students may also have opportunities at the Little League Softball World Series in Greenville, NC. 

This is a paid opportunity where housing and some meals will be provided upon arrival at the site. While travel expenses to and from Williamsport and/or Greenville are the student’s responsibility and won’t be covered by Little League International, transportation from any airport within a reasonable driving distance of Williamsport will be provided. 

Residents will receive notifications in May regarding their selection for the program. 

Students Interested in applying should visit LittleLeague.org/WSResidency to learn more!

Amsterdam Downs Blue Sox

Times are hard for the Utica Blue Sox. After losing 10-4 to the Watertown Rapids, the Sox were looking to rebound as they returned home to face off against the Amsterdam Mohawks.

Instead, the Blue Sox would fall 8-3.

Mohawks Set the Tone Early

In the top of the first, the Mohawks would immediately threaten against Blue Sox starter Giovanni Canales. With the bases loaded and two men out, center fielder Michael O’Brien would connect for a single to left fielder Damien Witty, where the Mohawks would take the early 1-0 lead. 

Witty would make an incredible throw to get the trail runner out at the plate and limit the damage.

The Mohawks would tack on another run in the top of the second inning. With runners on second and third and one man out, shortstop Rob Rispoli would beat out an infield hit, doubling the lead 2-0.

Nelson Dominates the Blue Sox

Drew Nelson would come out to play for Amsterdam, as he would keep the Blue Sox hitless through the first three innings of play. The Sox would show patience in the early at bats, as they managed to work four walks.

The Blue Sox would attempt to respond in the bottom of the second, as they would work back-to-back walks to set up runners on first and second and, with one man out, Griffen would work out of trouble, striking out second baseman Gabe Cavazzoni and extra hitter Trace Hartman to end the inning.

An Exclamation Point

The Mohawks would blow the game wide open in the top of the fourth. Charlie Collins would replace Canales in the previous inning and would work into trouble. With runners on the corners and nobody out, designated hitter Liam Wilson would connect for an RBI single to increase the lead further. 

Two batters later, Rispoli would squeeze a bunt past Collins to put the Mohawks ahead, going up even more. In the next at bat, left fielder Javier Williams would connect for an RBI double. Two batters later, catcher Jackson Natili would connect for a two-run single to put the exclamation point in a six-run inning, give the Mohawks a lead of 7-0. 

After walking the next hitter, manager Doug Delett would remove Collins from the game for Kris Giangreco. He would get first baseman Cade Ladehoff to pop out to stop the bleeding.

Blue Sox Response

It wasn’t until the bottom of the fourth where the Blue Sox would attempt to respond. Manny Santos would replace Griffin, and the Blue Sox would work another walk, and get their first hit of the game thanks to third baseman Omar Carreras.

With runners on first and third and one out, Santos threw a wild pitch allowing the Sox to get on the board. After striking out Cavazzoni, Hartman would connect for an RBI single to cut the deficit further, down 7-2.

“The ball comes off his bat,” Delett would comment on Hartman after the game. “He’s got a swing that the ball comes off his bat, and he fights.”

In the next inning, Mohawks manager Kevin Griffin would remove Santos from the game in favor of Peter Aikens, and he would also run into trouble. With the bases loaded and one man out, center fielder Mike Benedetto would fly to O’Brien, who would make an incredible throw to get the catcher Sean Marlow out at home, ending the threat and the Sox momentum.

The Rest of the Game

Throughout the rest of the game, pitching would hold both to only one run. Giangreco would pitch two and a third inning of shut out baseball, allowing one walk and striking out two.

“He’s a bulldog,” Delett would comment after the game. “He’s not afraid.”

In the top of the seventh, Nick Hios would replace Giangreco, and would get into trouble. With runners on the corners and one out, O’Brian would hit a ground ball that Cavazzoni would boot, allowing a run to score, increasing the Mohawks lead 8-2.

Unfortunately for the Blue Sox, Brenden Kline would replace Aikens in the bottom of the sixth inning, and pitch four run innings of three hit ball, only allowing one run, which came with two outs in the ninth. With a runner on second base, Sox shortstop Johnny Brucato would connect for a RBI double, cutting the Mohawks lead to 8-3.

Two pitches later, Kline would get left fielder Todd Abraham to pop out to Rispoli to end the game.

Manager’s Quote of the Day

This loss marks the fourth in the last five games, but Delett is confident that the team will turn things around.

“We’ve just gotta get up tomorrow morning and go to work again,” he said. 

What’s Next

The Blue Sox will be traveling to Albany on Monday, June 17 as they face off against the Doubledays. The first pitch is at 4:30.

Blue Sox Get Drowned by the Rapids

Things are looking very shaky for the Utica Blue Sox. After tying the Glenn Falls Dragons in one of the most controversial games of the season, the Sox looked to put that game behind them as they traveled to face off against the Watertown Rapids.

Instead, the Sox would lose in their most lopsided affair thus far 10-4.

The Walls Begin to Leak

The Rapids would immediately threaten in the bottom of the first against Blue Sox starter Tom Roefaro. With the bases loaded and nobody out, first baseman Ryan Kramer would connect for a two-run single past the second baseman Partridge to give them an early lead.

During the next at bat, the Rapids would attempt a double steal, but Partridge would make a heads up play to get the runner out at home, but the Rapids would still have a runner on second and with two outs now. Left fielder Jake Blozy would connect for an RBI single to cap off a strong first inning for the Rapids leading 3-0.

Rapids Capitalize

Roefaro would seemingly rebound in the bottom of the second, getting two quick outs before allowing an infield hit to extra hitter Domonick Morabito. During the next at bat to shortstop Jeph Hadson-Taylor, Morabito would successfully steal second base. 

On the very next pitch, Taylor would hit a routine groundball to third baseman Max French, who would throw wide of first baseman Matt Williams, allowing the runner to score, increasing the Rapids lead to 4-0.

The Exclamation Point

Roefaro would continue to struggle in the bottom of the third inning, as the Rapids did not let up on their assault. With runners on first and third and two men out, third baseman Chazz Cook would connect for a two run double to increase the lead further.

Three pitches later, designated hitter Mason Collins would put the exclamation point on the game for the Rapids, connecting for a two-run homerun to leftfield to put the game out of reach for the Blue Sox, leading 8-0.

Anthony Dominates for the Rapids

Unfortunately for the Sox, Rapids starter Devin Anthony would have his best outing of the season. Throughout the first five innings, the Sox would have four baserunners, but three of them would be erased either on a pickoff throw or on double playballs.

It would not be until the top of the fourth, where the Blue Sox would get their first runner in scoring position of the game. After Partridge would work a walk with two men out, he advanced to second on a pass ball.  Anthony would get center fielder Damien Witty to fly out to end the inning.

Odd Occurrence, and More Runs

The Rapids would add on to their lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Adien Murry had relieved Roefaro the inning prior and would pitch a solid frame. During which time, a Semi-Pro Football game was about to begin in an adjacent field, and all play was stopped to pay respect to the national anthem.

With the bases loaded and one man out, Murray would walk Rapids catcher Dom Martinez, which would force in a run, further punishing the Sox 9-0.

Blue Sox Try to Swim Upstream

It wouldn’t be until the top of the sixth inning that the Blue Sox would finally get to Anthony. With two men on and nobody out, French would connect for a two-run double to left field to put the Sox on the board.

Max French Connecting for a Two-Run Double. Timothy Charvat, 2024.

This would also be the final batter faced by Anthony, as Rapids Manager Matthew Petrosi would remove him from the game for Brendan Karadenes. After getting one out, Karadenes would balk, allowing French to move to third base. On the very next pitch, shortstop Wyatt Hunt would groundout to second base allowing the run to score, cutting the deficit down to 9-3.

The Rapids would immediately respond in the bottom half of the frame. With a runner on second and two men out, second baseman Tyler Jacobson would connect for an RBI single to kill any momentum the Sox had, as they now led 10-3.

The Rest of the Game

Throughout the next two innings, Karadenes would only allow one baserunner as the Sox would struggle to get a runner into scoring position. On the flip side, Marcus Botelho would replace Murray in the bottom of the seventh and would pitch two scoreless innings, holding the Rapids to a single and an error by right fielder Jayden Ohmer during this stretch.

In the top of the nineth, Bryson Huwar would replace Karadenes, and the Sox would get one more run. With a runner on second and two men out Witty would connect for an RBI double just out of reach of right fielder Dylan Wanat to cut the deficit down to 10-4.

On the very next pitch, Huwar would get Williams to fly out to end the game.

Notable Performances/Stats

After starting the season 4-1, the Blue Sox have lost four out of the last six official Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL) games.

Tyler Jacobson would collect three hits for the Rapids, increasing his batting average to .395, which ranks seventh in the PGCBL.

Damien Witty collected two hits of his own, increasing his average to .379, ranking fifteenth in the league.

What’s Next

The Blue Sox return home on Sunday June 16 as they face off against the Amsterdam Mohawks. The first pitch is at 5:15 p.m.

Blue Sox Dragons Game Ends in Controversy

The road has been rocky for the Utica Blue Sox this past week. After edging out the Albany Empire 2-1, the Sox returned to Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL) action as they faced off against the Glen Falls Dragons.

What would follow is one of the most controversial games of the season, as the game ended in a 6-6 tie after ten innings.

Early Pitching Dominance

Throughout the first two innings, both starters would show off their talents to one of the biggest crowds of the season. Sox starter Ryan King would hold the Dragons to one hit, and another baserunner reaching on an error by third baseman Omar Carreras during this time frame, while striking out three.

But not to be outdone, Dragons starter Anthony Lombardi would not allow a hit throughout his first two innings of work, allowing one walk in the first but faced the minimum batters thanks to a double play.

Blue Sox Strike First

After the Blue Sox would struggle to hit off Lombardi, the bats would come to life in the bottom of the third. With runners on second and third and two men out, second baseman Benny Partridge would strike out, but would beat out a throw by Dragons catcher Kyle McNeff to give the Sox the early lead.

In the next at bat, extra hitter Daimen Witty would connect for an RBI single to left field, increasing the Sox lead 2-0.

Pitching Continues to Shine

The pitching would continue to shine throughout the game, as King would pitch one more inning, ending his night with three innings pitched, allowing the lone hit, and striking out four total. Giovanni Canales would take over in the top of the fourth inning, and would pitch two solid innings of relief, allowing one walk and striking out one.

Unfortunately for the Blue Sox, Lombardi would bounce back in a big way retiring the next six Blue Sox batters he faced. Sox threatened in the bottom of the fifth, as with runners on second and third and two out, Lombardi would get Patridge to line out to the third baseman Shane Wetherinaton to end the inning and end his with five innings pitched, allowing the two runs (neither of them earned), three hits, one walk and striking out three.

Dragons Break Free

It wasn’t until the top of the sixth that the Dragons would respond. Daury Rodrigez would replace Canales and would immediately give up two straight hits to put runners on first and second with one man out. With first baseman Jack Griffin at the plate, the Dragons would successfully initiate a double steal, and would also score their first run of the game after catcher Sean Marlou threw the ball past Partridge. 

After Griffin would single to put runners on the corners, left fielder Stephen Katch would ground the ball to Patridge to begin a double play, that shortstop Gabe Cavazzoni would throw past the first baseman Matt Williams allowing the Dragons to tie the game at two, and putting the go-ahead runner in scoring position.

In the next at bat, right fielder Odilio Cespedes would connect for a single to right field that Kevin Denty would boot allowing the Dragons to take the lead 3-2.

Blue Sox Fights Back

The Blue Sox would immediately respond in the bottom of the sixth. Logan Jamrosz would replace Lombardi, and the Blue Sox would immediately pounce, as Witty would lead off the inning with a double to left field and would score on two wild pitches to tie the game at three. After walking the next two batters, Dragons manager would remove Jamrosz from the game for George Creighton.

Three batters later, the Sox had the bases loaded and two out, Creighton would get Denty to fly out to centerfielder Nick Massarini to end the inning, and keep the game tied at three.

Back and Fourth

The Dragons would also respond in the top of the seventh. With two men on and two out, shortstop Cody Meier would connect for an RBI single off Rodriguez, giving the Dragons the lead. They would take on another run on the same play after Denty would throw the ball past Carreras to increase the Dragons lead to 5-3.

In the top of the eighth, Cole Moore would replace Rodiguez, and would pitch two innings of scoreless relief, allowing no base runners and striking out two.

In the bottom half of the frame, Blue Sox threatened as with two on and two out Dragons manager removed Jamrosz, who had kept the Sox in check over two and two thirds innings of relief, in favor of Orlando Leon. Marlou would connect for an RBI single that Cespedes would throw the ball wide of third base allowing the game to be tied five all.

After Leon would retire the Blue Sox in order, the game would go into overtime for the first time this season for the Blue Sox.

Drama and Controversy

In extra innings, PGCBL rules dictate that in the tenth inning, each team would start with a courtesy runner. In addition, no matter the score, the game will end after the bottom of the tenth.

Charlie Collins would replace Moore in the top of the frame and would immediately get into trouble. With the bases loaded and one out, Dragons Ryan Jackson, who would pinch hit for Griffin, connected for a sacrifice fly to go up 6-5.

In the bottom of the inning Anderson Cowles, and with Williams at the plate, Witty would steal third base on a bunt attempt to put the tying run ninety feet away. Two pitches later, Williams would connect for a sacrifice fly to tie the game up at six.

In the next at bat, one of the most controversial calls would take place. Center fielder Norris McClure would connect for a homerun that seemingly ended the game. During the celebrations, the umpires would determine that McClure did not touch third base and would deem him out, sending the remaining fans into a chorus of boos.

The Sox would get one more chance, as Carreras would get hit by a pitch, and would steal second to put the winning run in scoring position. Colwes would get left fielder Nick OConnor to pop out to shortstop to end the game in a tie at six.

What’s Next

The Blue Sox go back on the road Saturday, June 15, as they face off against the Watertown Rapids. The first pitch is at 6:00 p.m.

Blue Sox Contain the Stallions

Things were not looking good for the Blue Sox. After losing 9-3 against the Oneonta Outlaws, the Sox returned to their home ballpark to compete in a rematch against the Saugerties Stallions.

And in dramatic fashion, the Blue Sox would get their revenge against the Stallions in a nail biting 5-4 victory.

Starters Come Through Early
Throughout the first two innings, both starting pitchers would work in and out of trouble to keep the game scoreless.

In the top of the first inning, Sox starter Aiden Aggarwal, with runners on the corners and two men out, Sox Catcher Brendan Buecker would throw out third baseman Ryan Recio attempting to steal second base to quickly the threat.

After only needing five pitches to get through his half of the first inning, Stallions starter Marciano Neglia would find his trouble in the bottom of the second. With runners on second and third and two out, Neglia would get Blue Sox extra hitter Max French to fly out to left field to end the inning.

An Eventful Third Inning
The Stallions would be the first to score in the top of the third inning. After getting the first two batters out, Aggerwal would walk the next two batters to set up runners on the corners as shortstop Fritz Genther came to the plate.

During the at bat, Aggerwal threw a wild pitch allowing center fielder Tyler Bak to score, giving the Stallions the lead.

The Blue Sox would immediately respond in their half of the third, as with one on and no outs, right fielder Jayden Ohmar connected for a RBI triple to left center field to tie the game up at one. During the next at bat, Ohmar would score on a wild pitch to give the Sox the lead 2-1.

Stallions Keep it Tense
For the next two innings, the Blue Sox would find themselves in uneasy situations. After pitching three innings of one run ball, Andrew George would relieve Aggarwal in the top of the fourth inning and he would face trouble in trouble in two innings of work.

He would face runners on second and third and one man out in the fourth inning but would get extra hitter Justin Ford to ground out to second baseman Benny Partridge and strike out Stallions second baseman Rich Rodriguez to end the frame. In the fifth inning, George would face the bases loaded and two men out before Recio to flyout to right field, ending the threat.

After Marcus Botelho took over for George in the top of the sixth inning, the Stallions would begin to fight back. With runners on first and second and nobody out, he would get Ford to ground into a double play. During the next at bat, Botelho would throw a wild pitch, allowing a run to score to cut the lead down 3-2.

Stallions Take the Lead
The Stallions would come to life in the eighth inning, as Giovanni Canales would replace Botelho after two innings of his own and would walk the first two batters he faced. After a sacrifice bunt by Ford moved the runners into scoring position, Rodriguez would connect for a sacrifice fly to tie the score at three.

The next batter, designated hitter Josh Blackmore would connect for a two out single to left field to give the Stallions their first lead of the game 4-3.

Blue Sox Come Up Clutch
The Blue Sox bats had been quiet since the third inning, and after Ben Keefe replaced Neglia in the bottom of the fifth, the basepaths were eerily silent for the Sox.

That all changed in the bottom of the eighth inning, as Michael Cunningham would replace Keith and would walk the first two batters he faced. This would set up a sacrifice bunt attempt by designated hitter Wyatt Hunt that Recio would throw over the first baseman Mac McIntire’s head allowing both runners to score to give the Blue Sox the lead 5-4.

One Last Gast for the Stallions
The Stallions would not go down without a fight, as Gavin Enright replaces Canales in the top of the ninth inning and would hit Bak to start the inning. After a strikeout of right fielder Evan Dieter, Bak would steal second base and advance to third after a throwing error by Buecker, putting the tying run ninety feet away.

Enright would come up clutch, striking out Genther and getting Recio to ground out to second base to end the game.

Notable Stats
The Stallions have not lost two straight games after starting the season 7-0. They have been outscored 15-4 during this stretch.

This marks the first time the Blue Sox have won after trailing in the seventh inning or later this season.

What’s Next
The Blue Sox are back on the road on Wednesday, June 12, as they face off against the Amsterdam Mohawks. The first pitch is at 6:35 p.m.

Outlaws Outgun the Blue Sox

The Blue Sox were looking to get back on track Monday Night. After losing a nailbiter 5-4 against the Saugerties Stallions, the Sox traveled to Oneonta to face off against the Outlaws.

Instead of rebounding, the Sox would fall to the Outlaws 9-3.

First Shot Taken
The Blue Sox would be the first to strike in the top of the second inning, as with the bases loaded and nobody out, right fielder Kevin Denty would connect for a bloop single off Outlaws starter Brian Dengler to give the Sox an early lead. In the next at bat, catcher Luke Shahin would connect for a sacrifice fly to extend the lead 2-0.

Later in the inning, with the bases loaded and two out, Outlaws manager Keaton Mark would remove Dengler after an inning and two-thirds in favor of Chris Ubner. He would get center fielder Damien Witty to fly out to end the inning.

Back and Forth
The Outlaws would respond in the bottom of the third inning, as with the bases loaded and one man out, shortstop Brendan Connolly would connect for a two run double off Blue Sox starter Tom Roefaro to tie the game up at two. Two batters later, Roefaro would get out of the inning getting a pickoff at third base to end the threat.

The Blue Sox would immediately respond in the top of the fourth inning, as designated hitter Trace Hartman would lead off with a booming double to left field. After advancing to third base on a groundout by third baseman Max French, Denty would connect for a sacrifice fly to right field to put the Sox back up front 3-2.

Roefaro Quality Performance
Despite the shaky third inning, Roefaro would pitch well over three and two thirds innings, working out of multiple jams throughout his outing. However, manager Doug Delett would take him out of the game with one on and two outs in favor of Nick Hios.

He would get Outlaws first baseman Chase Armstrong to strike out, ending the inning.

Outlaws Come to Life
After the Outlaw bats were kept quiet through the first five innings, they came alive in the bottom of the sixth inning. The inning would begin with Hios hitting Connolly on the first pitch and would advance to second on a wild pitch.

This would set up Jacoby Dale to connect for an RBI single to center field to tie the game up at three. Two batters later, with runners on the corners, Hios would get designated hitter Colton Harrison to strike out and catch Dale trying to advance home on a pass ball to complete an unusual double play.
The next batter left fielder Brody Raleigh would ground the ball to Blue Sox shortstop Gabe Cavazzoni, that would go under his glove allowing right fielder Jake Hopko to score on the error to give the Outlaws their first lead of the game.

Three batters later, with the bases loaded and two men out, Outlaws catcher Jeremy Taggart would connect for a two-run single to increase their lead further. During the next at bat, Hios would attempt a pickoff throw to first, but would instead throw the ball low allowing another run to score, capping off a five-run inning by the Outlaws to lead 7-3.

Outlaws Add Salt to the Wound
Ubner would keep the Blue Sox bats at bay, as he would pitch five innings of one run ball, striking out seven. But the Sox threatened in the top of the seventh inning, as with the bases loaded and two men out Ubner would be removed from the game to a standing ovation from the Oneonta crowd for Clay Cox.

He would get first baseman Matthew Williams to strikeout looking to end the threat.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, Aiden Murray would come in for the Blue Sox, but would also get into trouble. With the bases loaded and two men out, Raleigh would ground the ball to Sox third baseman Max French, who would throw the ball pass Williams allowing the Outlaws to score two to put the game out of reach 9-3.

The Blue Sox would make one more comeback attempt in the ninth inning, as they would put two men on and two out against Cox. Unfortunately, the Outlaws reliver would get Witty to fly out to end the game.

Notable Stats
The Outlaws have beaten the Blue Sox for the first time since June 3, 2023, and now improve to 6-2, the third best record in the PGCBL.
Matthew Williams returned to the lineup for the first time since getting beaned on the helmet on June 3 against the Booneville Lumberjacks. He would go hitless in four at bats.

What’s Next
The Sox will be looking to get back on track on , June 11, as they host the Stallions for a chance at returning the favor. The first pitch is at 6:45.

Blue Sox Fall to Early Stampede by Stallions

The Blue Sox have been riding the wave of momentum this past week. After taking care of the Watertown Rapids 11-8, the Sox had won four in a row, as they return to Donovann Stadium to face off against the undefeated Saugerties Stallions.

Despite putting up an earnest effort, the Blue Sox would lose a nailbiter 5-4.

Stallions Stampede Early
The Stallions would set the tone on the second pitch of the game, when shortstop Fritz Genther would connect for a leadoff triple off Blue Sox starter Ryan King. Two batters later, designated hitter Bayram Holt would crush and RB double to left field to give Saugerties an early lead.

In the next at bat, first baseman Ryan Recio would connect for an RBI double of his own to give the Stallions a 2-0 lead.

Pitching Comes Up Clutch
Blue Sox would threaten in their half of the first inning as centerfield Mike Benedetto would connect for a one out single off Stallions starter Vince Fusco, and then first baseman Norris McClure would reach on a throwing error by Saugerties second baseman Mario Trivella.

Fusco would shut down the Sox rally right in their tracks, as he would get catcher Brendan Buecker to ground into an inning ending double play, stunning the Utica crowd.

The Stampede Continues
After striking out three batters in the top of the second, King would continue to labor in the third inning as Genther would lead off the inning with a walk. Two batters later, Holt would connect for his second RBI double of the game to increase the lead for the Stallions.

Two batters later, now with runners on the corners, King would get leftfielder Anthony Marcano to ground out to Sox shortstop Johnny Brucato, but would allow Holt to score, making it a 4-0 Stallions lead.

King would be removed in the top of the fourth inning for Charlie Collins, ending his night with four runs allowed, and six strikeouts over three innings of work. Collins would retire the first two batters he faced before allowing a single to third baseman Rich Rodiguez and would later steal second base during catcher Zack Andersons at bat.

Two pitches later, Anderson would ground out to Sox third baseman Omar Carreras, but would throw it past McClure allowing the run to score, increasing the Stallions lead 5-0.

Blue Sox Fight Back
It wasn’t until the bottom of the fifth inning, where the Blue Sox would get to Fusco, as with two outs, right fielder Jayden Ohmar would connect for a single to center field and would later advance to second on a pass ball in the next at bat.

This would set up designated hitter Damien Witty to hit the next pitch for an RBI single to right field to put the Sox on the board and forcing Stallions manager Collin Martin to pull Fusco for Sean Duke.

During the next at bat, Anderson would throw out Witty attempting to steal second base, ending the inning.

Blue Sox Continue to Claw
The Blue Sox would do whatever it could to hand the Stallions their first loss of the season, as in the top of the sixth inning, as left fielder Todd Abraham would rob Marcano of a hit to start off the inning. After right fielder Jean Micheal Cuello would reach base, Collins would pick him off attempting to steal second base, before striking out extra hitter Nate Manley to end the inning.

In their half of the inning, the Sox would continue to chip away at the deficit, as with a runner on second and two out, second baseman Wyatt Hunt would connect for an RBI single to cut the lead down further. Later in the inning, Abraham would walk with the bases loaded to bring the Sox closer, now down 5-3.

The Blue Sox would make things tense in the bottom of the seventh inning. Ohmar would connect for a leadoff single and would steal second and third during the next at bat, which would result in Witty working a walk. Now with two on and nobody out, Benedetto would ground into a double play, but allowed Ohmar to score to make it a one run game, 5-4.

Pitching Comes Up Big
Both teams would turn to new pitchers in the eighth inning as Cole Moore would come in for the Blue Sox, and Andrew Speranza for the Stallions. Moore would continue to work, left behind by Collins, as he would pitch two scoreless innings, which capped off six innings of one run ball by the Blue Sox bullpen to keep the team in the game.

Unfortunately for the Sox, Speranza would match Moore for two scoreless innings, ending the night by striking out Ohmar to keep their undefeated record.

Notable Performance/Stats
Stallions pitchers have allowed fifteen runs during the season so far, the fewest among any PGCBL team.

Abraham has now reached safely in all four games played this season for the Blue Sox, hitting .385 and three RBIs driven in during this stretch.

What’s Next
The Blue Sox will begin a stretch of eight straight games on Monday, June 10 as they travel to Oneonta to face off against the Outlaws. The first pitch is at 7:00 p.m.

Blue Sox Schools the Academy

Positive momentum was running high in the city of Utica, New York. After chopping the Booneville Lumberjack 13-5, the Blue Sox returned home to face off in an exhibition matchup against the All-Stars Academy from Latham, New York. And in a 9-4 final, the Blue Sox taught the Academy a lesson on how to play on their level.

Academy Impresses Early
Both Sox’s starter Aiden Aggarwal and Academy’s starter Davin Tuckey would be put to the test. As each team had a runner in scoring position with two out in their sides of the first inning, they rose to the occasion and made the pitches that mattered to get out of trouble.

The Academy was the team to make the other blink. With two on and one out in the top of the second, extra hitter Teddy Gialanella would connect on an RBI single to put the Academy up 1-0.

Blue Sox Response
It wasn’t until the bottom of the third where the Blue Sox would respond. With the bases loaded and two out, centerfielder Norris McClure would connect for a two-run single to give the Sox a 2-0.

In the next at bat, first baseman Trace Hartman would crush a ball to left-center field to cap out a four-run inning, and to extend the Sox lead by three.

The Academy Fights Back
In the top of the fourth inning, the Academy would respond immediately. As with a runner on second base and nobody out, second baseman Alexander Halwick would connect for an RBI double off new Blue Sox pitcher Aiden Murray to cut the deficit down to 4-2.

Later in the inning, right fielder Joseph Carrothers would come to bat with runners on first and third and one out. He would connect for an infield single to make it a one run game. Murray would then walk two straight batters to bring in the tying run.

He would then get catcher Bryan Carrothers to ground into an inning double play to keep the game tied at 4.

Momentum Killers
The Blue Sox hottest hitter would strike in the bottom of the fifth inning, as with two on and one out, Hartman would connect for a two-run single to give the Sox the lead back up 6-4. Two batters later, third baseman Max French would connect for his own RBI single to cap off a three-run inning and increase the lead 7-4.

The schooling would continue for the Academy as with two on and nobody out in the bottom of the sixth, designated hitter Omar Carreras would connect for an RBI single to increase the lead further. In the very next at bat, extra hitter Johnny Brucato would ground into a fielder’s choice to put the game out of reach 9-4.

Blue Sox Pitching Dominates
The Academy would be unable to score another run for the rest of the game, as Marcus Botelho would enter the game for the Blue Sox in the top of the fifth. He would blank all hitters he faced over three innings of shutout baseball. After the seventh inning, there was confusion over the finish of the game, and as a result, would play one more inning.

Giovanni Canales would make his second appearance for the season and retired the side in order to end the game.

Notable Performances/Stats
While exhibition results do not count towards the season stats, Hartman’s four RBI performance would be a season high for the Blue Sox player thus far.

Blue Sox starters have made the most of their innings over the last three games, where they have gone eight innings, allowing three runs (one earned) and striking out eleven batters.

What’s Next
The Blue Sox will be back at home on June 5 to face off against the Watertown Rapids. The first pitch is at 10:30 am.

Utica Blue Sox Out Chop ‘Jacks

Tensions were running high in Booneville, New York. After beating out the Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs 8-3 on Saturday, the Utica Blue Sox next target were the winless Booneville Lumberjacks. And the Blue Sox took care of business in a 13-5 victory that featured confrontations and ejections.

Lumberjacks Strike First
The game started off slow as both Utica’s Tom Roefaro and Booneville’s Bruno Cergol pitch solidly though the first three innings. Each pitcher needed only nine pitches to breeze through the first inning.

The first run of the game came in the bottom of the second, where with one out Roefaro walked Lumberjacks extra hitter Allen Hernandez. The next batter, second baseman Royce Fraizer, grounded the ball to Blue Sox shortstop Johnny Brucato, which was thrown low to first baseman Matthew Williams, which allowed Henandez to score all the way from first.

The Lumberjacks would add to their lead in the bottom of the third inning. With two on and two out, designated hitter Joseph DiMasse would reach on an infield hit, which allowed leftfielder Wei-Chan Wang to score on a hustle play to second base to lead 2-0.

Blue Sox Bats Explode
It wasn’t until the top of the fourth that the Blue Sox bats came to life, as after Williams started the rally with a walk, second baseman Nick OConnor would connect for a two-run home run off Cergol to tie the game at two.

Three batters later, the bases were loaded and nobody out, Cergol threw a wild pitch to designated hitter Todd Abraham, which allowed centerfielder Mike Benedetto to score, giving the Sox the lead. After a strike out of third baseman Omar Carreras, Cergol threw another wild pitch to Brucato which increased the lead to 4-2.

This led to Brucato walking, which forced Lumberjacks manager Brian Fajardo to make a pitching change to Oliver Quinn. After Quinn got extra hitter Gabe Cavazzoni to strike out swinging, he would hit two straight Blue Sox with the bases loaded to cap off a six-run inning, and twelve batters coming to plate. The second of which hit Williams in the helmet. He would later be removed from the game for Trace Hartman.

Lumberjacks Fight Back
The Lumberjacks would respond in the bottom half of the inning, as after Nick Hios replaced Roefaro, catcher Jose Valdez would lead off the inning with a double that was just out of reach of Benedetto. This would be followed by two RBI doubles by Hernandez and right fielder Jax Miller to bring the deficit down 6-4.

The Blue Sox would end the inning on a head up play by Carreras on a ground ball by Nathan Vazquez to tag out Miller before throwing to first on the Blue Sox first double play of the season.

Momentum Killer
After two quick outs in the top of the sixth, right fielder Jayden Ohmer would walk and later steal second base. This would set up Hartman to connect for this second two run homer of the season to increase the Blue Sox lead 8-4. Two batters later, Benedetto would connect for an RBI single, which ended the night for Quinn.

Cade McWilliams would come in for the Lumberjacks and would immediately give up another RBI single to catcher Brendan Buecker. This would cap off a four-run inning to increase the Blue Sox lead 10-4.

The Acevado Show
The Lumberjacks would get one more scoring opportunity in the bottom of the eighth inning, as centerfielder Ethan Acevado would single off Blue Sox pitcher Charlie Collins. Two batters later, Acevado would steal second on a pickoff attempt, and third base two pitched afterward.

He would later score on a groundout by DiMasse to Buecker to cut the lead to 10-5.

Boiling Tension
After the hit by pitch to Williams, the teams began to verbally spar with one another, and it would come to a head in the ninth inning. After McWilliams got Benedetto to ground out, they began to trade barbs with each other, which got the Lumberjacks Manager Fajardo to try and talk with the umpires over the jabs. He would be thrown out of the game after the umpires refused to talk to the Blue Sox.

Three batters later, the Blue Sox had two runners on and two outs, which set up Carreras to drive in an RBI single to increase the Blue Sox lead. Brucato would follow with a two-run single to put the game out of reach 13-5.

This would set up Blue Sox manager Doug Delett to bring in Cole More to close out the game by striking out the side.

Notable Performances/Stats
Lumberjacks shortstop Carter Storti would make a play of the year highlight in the second inning, robbing OConner of a hit.

Utica Blue Sox Bounce Back

Tension was in the air in Little Falls, New York last night. After losing in heartbreaking fashion to long-time rivals Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs in their home opener 8-7, the Utica Blue Sox were looking to return the favor for their first road game of the season.

And in an 8-3 victory over their rival, the Blue Sox proved that they will be a team to watch in the 2024 Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL).

Setting The Tone Early
The tone was set in the very first inning. Extra hitter Benny Partridge would lead off the game with a single. He would steal his first base of the season, and after second baseman Wyatt Hunt walked, designated hitter Matthew Williams would drive in the first run of the game for the Sox on an RBI single to begin the scoring for the second straight game.

Two batters later, after a pass ball by Diamond Dawgs starter Austin Barnao to increase the lead to 2-0, third baseman Max French would connect for his first home run of the season, a two-run bomb over the leftfield wall, to increase the lead to 4-0.

In the next at bat, leftfielder Nick OConnor would connect for a triple with still one out in the inning. Seven pitches later, first baseman Trace Hartman would connect for the second two run homer of the inning.

This would cap off a six-run inning, with all ten batters coming to the plate for the Blue Sox to take a commanding 6-0 lead.
King Dazzles in Debut

Starting pitcher Ryan King would have the best pitching performance of the season for the Blue Sox thus far. After letting two of the first three batters reach base, King would strike out first baseman Jason Campo and second baseman Justin Hurd swinging to end the threat.

He would also strikeout the side in the second inning, which ended King’s night with two innings pitched, and five straight strikeouts.

Dawgs Fight Back
It wasn’t until the bottom of the third where the Diamond Dawgs would show signs of life. After Ryan Carrol replaced King, the Dawgs would catch a break with a single by centerfielder Brody Rasmussen, and advancing to second after a fielder error by OConnor.

This would allow Dawgs left fielder Bryce Phillips to double down the left field line to bring Rasmussen home to cut the lead down to five.
The lead would later be cut down to 6-2 two into the fourth inning, with Hurd for the Diamond Dawgs first home run of the season.

Blue Sox Respond
The waves of momentum quickly turned to the side of the Blue Sox, as in the top of the fifth inning, OConnor would connect on an RBI single off relief pitcher Keegan Burke to increase the lead to 7-2.

In the sixth inning, Keegan would allow right fielder Damian Witty to reach on a single, and with one out, shortstop Gabe Cavazzoni would connect for another RBI single to put the game out of reach for the Diamond Dawgs 8-2.

Never Make it Easy
The Dawgs would not go down without a fight, however, as they would load the bases in the final three innings of play. Unfortunately, they would only collect one run for all the traffic on the bases, as shortstop Christion Tufano would collect an RBI single with one out in the eighth inning to cut the deficit down to 8-3.

Blue Sox pitching, however, would keep the Diamond Dawgs at bay, as Kris Giangreco would get the final five outs to seal the first win of the season for the Blue Sox.

Notable Performances/Stats
Despite a rocky outing by Barnao, the Dawgs relief combo of Burke, Gavin Miller, and Bryan Rios would pitch a combined eight innings, two runs allowed (one earned), and strike out ten batters to keep the team competitive.

Blue Sox pitchers would strike out a combined fourteen batters and leave fourteen baserunners stranded. Ten of those baserunners were across the final four innings of play.

The Blue Sox have now hit three home runs over the span of the course of the first two games, which is the most home runs to start a season for the team since being revived as the Sox in 2016.

What’s Next
The Blue Sox will be back on the road on Monday June 3, as they travel to Booneville to face the Lumberjacks. The first pitch is at 6:45 p.m.

Utica Blue Sox Off to a Rusty Start

The 2024 Perfect Game College Baseball League (PGCBL) season is off to a rocky start for the Utica Blue Sox organization. After a back-and-forth battle with longtime rivals Mohawk Valley Diamond Dawgs, the Blue Sox would fall 8-7 for their first opening day loss under manager Doug Delett.
Fast-Paced Action

The tone was set in the top of the first inning after Utica starter Andrew Goldan would walk two of the first three batters to come to the plate. After getting two out in the inning, Goldan would throw a wild pitch to Dimond Dawgs designated hitter Bryce Philips that would score shortstop Cristino Tufano to give the Diamond Dawgs a 1-0 lead.

The Blue Sox would not take long to respond. With second baseman Benny Partridge on first with one out in the bottom half of the inning, first baseman Matthew Williams would connect for a two-run homer over the leftfield wall to give the Blue Sox the lead 2-1.

Back and Forth
The lead would change three more times over the course of the next two innings, as Goldan and Diamond Dawgs starter Bo Buckley would labor though their outings.

After two innings, and three runs allowed, Goldan was removed in the third due to pitch count limitations and replaced by Aiden Murray, who would have control issues in his two innings of work. Murray hit the first two batters, and then he gave up two runs in the inning. Murray would bounce back and pitch the first scoreless inning for the Blue Sox.
Buckley, meanwhile, would pitch four innings, allowing four earned runs, but would also settle down after a rocky first two innings to retire six of the final eight batters he faced.

Blue Sox Big Inning
The game would start to pick up in the fifth inning for the Blue Sox. As they trailed the Diamond Dawgs 6-4, and after Buckley was pulled for Chad Yates, all four batter he faced would reach base, which forced the Diamond Dawgs manager Steve Luby to pull Yates for Jacob Lapham.
The inning culminated with right fielder Jayden Ohmar hitting a two-run single to left field to tie the game at six all. The Blue Sox would take the lead later in the inning after center fielder Mike Benedetto hit a sacrifice fly to score Partridge to take a one run lead.

The Back and Forth Continues
The lead would not last long, as the Diamond Dawgs would respond in the top of the sixth, as designated hitter Bryce Phelps would drive the in-centerfielder Brody Rasmussen to tie the game up at six.

Game Set
The game would be set in the eighth inning as fan-favorite Giovanni Canales, who was pitching his first game for the Blue Sox since July 26, 2021, would be pulled after allowing the first two batters to reach and replaced by Gavin Enright.

With two on and one out, and Phelps at the plate, Enright threw a wild pitch while that would score first baseman Jason Campo to take the lead 8-7.

Late Inning Comeback Attempt
The Blue Sox would attempt to make a comeback with Diamond Dawgs pitcher Jaden Fateman on the mound for the final two innings. He would walk three straight times with two outs in the eight. Unfortunately, Partridge would ground out to end the threat.

The Sox would get one final chance against Fateman, he would walk the first two batters in the ninth, which made things tense for both sides. The Sox would not be able to capitalize as Fateman would pitch out of trouble, finishing the game with getting designated hitter Kevin Denly to fly out to end the game.

Notable Performances
Blue Sox extra hitter Norris McClure would go three for four on the day in his season debut.

Left fielder Todd Aberham would also make a strong start to the season, as he hit a triple in the second inning, and would later score on a single by shortstop Johnny Brucato to retake the lead.

Diamond Dawgs relief pitcher Jacob Lapham would have the strongest outing for the night as he would pitch three shutout innings allowing two hits and striking out three.

What’s Next
The Blue Sox will travel to Little Falls on Saturday June 1 as they wrap up their brief two-game set with the Diamond Dogs. The first pitch is at 6:45pm.