Wallkill and Cornwall Central are an even 5-5 against one another since May of 2016, but likely not for long. The Panthers will take on the Dragons at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Wallkill is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.9 runs per game this season.
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 blew past the Vikings 9-2. The Panthers haven't had any issues with the Vikings recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive win against them.
Mason Franklin
| 05/28/25 vs Valley Central | 13 |
| 05/14/25 @ Red Hook | 7 |
| 04/30/25 vs Marlboro Central | 7 |
| 04/22/25 vs Beacon | 6 |
| 04/16/24 @ Our Lady of Lourdes | 5 |
Mason Franklin made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck 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. Wallkill is undefeated when Franklin posts two or more stolen bases, but 7-9 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 nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in seven consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, the team relied heavily on Mike Daley, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI. He has become a key player for Wallkill: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 7-9 otherwise. Collin DeAngelo also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Wallkill always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .543. They are a perfect 6-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, it's playoff time, and Cornwall Central had no trouble coming through when it counted. They won by a run and slipped past Roosevelt 1-0. The victory was familiar territory for the Dragons, who have now won eight contests in a row.
Cornwall Central pushed their record up to 13-6 with the win, which was their seventh straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.9 runs on average over those games. As for Wallkill, their record now sits at 11-9.
Wallkill skirted past Cornwall Central 5-4 in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Panthers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
