Perkins shines, NCCS falls one run short in sub-regional

PLATTSBURGH | Northeastern Clinton's season ended one run short June 4 as No. 3 Taconic Hills held off a late rally for a 2-1 victory in a NYSPHSAA Class B baseball sub-regional at Plattsburgh High. The Cougars brought the tying run to second base in the bottom of the seventh inning, but Taconic Hills pitcher Maky Kirby escaped the threat by inducing a game-ending flyout. "This was an unbelievably tense and competitive playoff baseball game," Northeastern Clinton head coach Jeff Norton said. "Both pitchers were excellent all game, pitching into and out of trouble at times." The result spoiled a strong performance from Northeastern Clinton senior Jacob Perkins, who matched Kirby throughout a tense pitchers' duel. Perkins worked all seven innings, allowing eight hits and one earned run while striking out eight and walking two. "Jacob Perkins, as he has done all year, gave us a great performance on the mound and a chance to win," Norton said. "The season he has put together for us both on and off the field as a leader is immeasurable." Taconic Hills scored its only runs in the first and second innings, capitalizing on a pair of early Northeastern Clinton errors. Those runs proved enough support for Kirby, who threw a complete game, surrendering four hits and one earned run while striking out eight and walking four. No. 11 Northeastern Clinton answered in the fourth inning, trimming the deficit to 2-1, but could not push across the tying run against Kirby and a Taconic Hills defense that finished the game without an error. "Taconic Hills made a few key defensive plays in important moments, and the big difference was them being able to string together a few more hits to take advantage of a couple of small early miscues by our defense," Norton said. "In big games against good teams, any mistake made can come back to hurt you." The Cougars had one of their best scoring opportunities in the second inning when they put two runners on with no outs but were unable to bring either home. "That was an important moment, as we had a great opportunity to get at least one run, if not two, right back after Taconic Hills scored," Norton said. Taconic Hills finished with eight hits, led by Kirby and Aidan Buchinsky, who each collected three singles. Northeastern Clinton was limited to four hits. The loss marked the final game for seniors Robert McIntyre, Jordan Wells, Otis Reed and Perkins. "We will miss this senior class," Norton said. "All of those guys have been on varsity for somewhere between three and five years. Not only have they provided quality play on the field, but the leadership, accountability and work ethic that they bring each day to practice has been hugely valuable to our success this year." Norton said the senior class helped lay the foundation for the program's resurgence after several difficult seasons. "This roster as a whole has had some years that have been very difficult, with early exits from the playoffs, poor regular-season records and being on the end of some lopsided scores," Norton said. "Even though many of these players had to be moved up early as underclassmen and take their lumps, they have never quit on this team or program. "I consider myself grateful to coach these young men, and also am very lucky to have an excellent group of coaches throughout the program. The players and parents have been dedicated to our goal of development and building. This season, we got to experience the fruits of that labor, and hopefully it will continue in seasons moving forward. "I believe this season, and especially this game, will result in a group of hungry players ready to take the next step in future years." — Taconic Hills 2, Northeastern Clinton 1 Taconic Hills 110 000 0 — 2 8 0 Northeastern Clinton 000 100 0 — 1 4 2 Kirby and Alvarez. J. Perkins and G. Lafountain. WP- Kirby. LP- J. Perkins.

Signup for our newsletter

Perkins shines, NCCS falls one run short in sub-regional

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS