Columbia and Bethlehem Central are an even 5-5 against one another since May of 2018, but likely not for long. The Blue Devils are taking a road trip to face off against the Eagles at 4:15 p.m. on Monday. Columbia will aim to continue their three-game streak of scoring more runs each contest than the last.
While Columbia didn't have the best season last year (they finished 9-12), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They blew past Mamaroneck 13-4 on Saturday. With that victory, the Blue Devils brought their scoring average up to 6.9 runs per game.
Matthew Burek made a big impact no matter where he played. He tossed six innings while giving up three earned runs off five hits. Burek was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with three RBI, one run, and one double.
Ascher Melino
| 04/18/26 vs Mamaroneck | 3 |
| 04/16/26 @ Ichabod Crane | 2 |
| 04/06/26 @ Red Hook | 2 |
| 05/03/25 @ Wallkill | 2 |
| 04/10/26 vs Colonie Central | 1 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Ascher Melino, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three runs, three RBI, and one double. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. Jackson Stilson was another key player, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs, one double, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, the third road game was the charm for Bethlehem Central, as they earned their first away win of the season. They were the clear victors by a 13-3 margin over La Salle Institute on Friday. The victory was some much needed relief for the Eagles as it spelled an end to their four-game losing streak.
Tate Kindlon looked comfortable as he pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
At the plate, Scott Hutton was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs, four RBI, and one triple. That triple marked the first that he has hit this season. Another player making a difference was Daniel Leach, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two RBI, one run, and one double.
Bethlehem Central was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .382. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as La Salle Institute only posted a batting average of .120.
Columbia's record now sits at 5-2. As for Bethlehem Central, they picked up their first road win, bumping their record up to 3-4-1.
Columbia skirted past Bethlehem Central 5-3 when the teams last played back in May of 2025. Will the Blue Devils repeat their success, or do the Eagles have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
