Salem and Fort Ann are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2016, but likely not for long. The Generals will head out to take on the Cardinals at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.
Salem not only won on Friday, but they posted their biggest win since April 30, 2024 (when they won 14-1). Their pitchers stepped up to hand Warrensburg an 11-0 shutout. The Generals' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Stephen Yakubec and Cooper Petell made a big impact no matter where they played. On the mound, Yakubec tossed two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Petell pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has become a key player for Salem: the team is 2-1 when he allows at most one hit, but 1-2 otherwise. At bat, Yakubec got on base in three of his four plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and one double, while Petell got on base in both of his plate appearances with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. That's the most runs Yakubec has posted since back in May of 2024.
Drake Webster
| 04/25/25 @ Warrensburg | 5 |
| 04/16/25 vs Hoosick Falls | 3 |
| 04/29/24 vs Warrensburg | 3 |
| 04/10/25 @ Hadley Luzerne | 2 |
| 05/06/24 vs Hoosick Falls | 2 |
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Drake Webster, who went 2-for-3 with five RBI, one run, and one double. Those five RBI gave him a new career-high. James Beagle also deserves some recognition as he snagged his first stolen base of the season.
Meanwhile, Fort Ann hadn't done well against Lake George recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. The Cardinals blew past the Lakers 7-0. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest win the Cardinals have posted against the Lakers since May 28, 2021.
Not much got past Josh Dornan, who gave up just four hits and racked up 12 Ks to keep Lake George off the board.
On the hitting side, Sean Havens was excellent, getting on base in all three of his plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base. Another player making a difference was Hunter Wade, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one run and one RBI.
The victory got Salem back to even at 3-3. As for Fort Ann, they now have a winning record of 4-3.
Salem beat Fort Ann 4-0 when the teams last played back in May of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Generals since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
