Columbia hasn't had much luck against Shenendehowa recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Blue Devils will head out to take on the Plainsmen at 4:15 p.m.
Columbia fought the good fight in their extra-innings match against Saratoga Springs on Wednesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell 9-4 to the Blue Streaks.
Quinlan Finnigan was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: he tossed 5.1 innings while giving up four earned runs off four hits.
On the hitting side, Jackson Stilson was cooking despite his team's loss, going 1-for-4 with one home run, one stolen base, and two RBI.
Meanwhile, Shenendehowa won against Bethlehem Central on Tuesday with nine runs and they decided to stick to that run total again on Wednesday. The Plainsmen put the hurt on Averill Park with a sharp 9-2 win. Considering the Plainsmen have won four games by more than five runs this season, Wednesday's blowout was nothing new.
Zachary Milano looked comfortable as he struck out eight batters over 3.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
At the plate, Amaar Bhusri was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with three runs, three RBI, and two doubles. Those doubles marked the first that he has hit this season. Josh Soroka was another key player, going 1-for-2 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one double.
Shenendehowa has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 4-3-1 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.6 runs over those games. As for Columbia, they now have a losing record of 3-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Friday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Columbia has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Shenendehowa struggles in that department as they've been averaging 6.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Columbia suffered a grim 9-2 defeat to Shenendehowa in their previous matchup back in May of 2024. Can the Blue Devils avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
