Baseball Recap: Wallkill Extends Home Winning Streak to Four

Panthers

Margin (Wins)

04/24/25 @ Saugerties	15
05/13/25 @ Spackenkill	12
05/07/25 vs Our Lady of Lourdes	11
05/20/25 vs Valley Central	10
05/28/25 vs Valley Central	7

Wallkill had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the seven-run drubbing they dealt Valley Central on Wednesday. The Panthers put the hurt on the Vikings with a sharp 9-2 victory. The result was nothing new for the Panthers, who have now won six games by seven runs or more so far this season.

Mason Franklin made a splash no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 13 batters over five innings while giving up just two earned runs off five hits. Those 13 strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases and two runs. He has become a key player for Wallkill: the team is 6-1 when he posts at least two runs, but 5-8 otherwise.

In other pitching news, Bryce Buchalter looked comfortable as he tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in seven consecutive appearances.

Back at the plate, Mike Daley was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. Wallkill is undefeated when Daley posts two or more runs, but 7-9 otherwise. Collin DeAngelo also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.

Wallkill was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .467. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.

Wallkill's win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 11-9. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.3 runs on average over those games. As for Valley Central, their loss dropped their record down to 10-10.

Coming up, Wallkill will venture away from home to take on Cornwall Central at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. The Dragons will roll in looking for their eighth straight win, something the Panthers surely won't give up without a fight. Valley Central does not have any more games scheduled as of now.