Generals sweep Lazers, impress in harsh conditions

Herkimer, NY – The Generals' outstanding softball season continued with a doubleheader sweep of the Onondaga CC Lazers on Tuesday afternoon. The Herkimer Nine defeated the visitors 16-3 and 8-0 and did it with a hard, game-changing wind blowing in from right-center field. Both games were shortened to five innings by the run rule. The Generals have now won 22 games in a row.

The driving wind was a factor all afternoon, and the Generals handled it very well. The batters drove line drives, and the defense was excellent. The outfielders deserve special credit for catching every catchable ball in the harsh, pounding wind.

Center fielder Stephanie Siriano was the first outfielder to come up big. She made a long run in toward second base to catch a shallow, sinking fly in the first inning of Game One.

The next Lazer hit a routine fly to left that became very non-routine with the high wind buffeting it. Left fielder Courtney Gumprecht ran it down and made a diving, rolling catch of the pesky fly ball. Later in the game, Gumprecht had to run almost to the infield to make a catch. She also had to run back to the fence twice to make challenging catches. The Game Two left fielder, Savannah Sergio, made a dandy catch after running hard to her right.

Photo: Center fielder Steph Siriano runs a long way to make the catch; second baseman Jess Patterelli is at the ready

Herkimer's infielders were also up to the task. The wind was pushing the ball to the left side, so third baseman Ashlet Sterritt was busies than usual. She handled business well and had an impressive day at the hot corner.

In short, Onondaga has a good, solid team, but the Generals outplayed them offensively and defensively.

Game One

Toni Secreti got the ball, and she went all five inngs for her ninth victory of the season. Secreti surrendered just one earned run and four hits.

OCC pitcher Briana Beaulieu was throwing heat, but leadoff hitter Jessica Patterelli led things off with a searing line drive. Unfortunately, Patterelli's laser was right at a Lazer, but it was a sign of what was to come from the Generals' offense.

The Generals' big inning was the third, when they scored seven runs on six hits. Eleven Generals batted in that frame. The biggest blows were a double to left by Alyssa Balfe and a triple to the fence by Siriano.

Photo: Rebekah Kitchen stroking one of her three Game One hits

For the game, Herkimer was led by Rebekah Kitchen (3-3, 2 RBI) , Sammy Smaldone (2-3, 4 RBI) and Steph Siriano (2-3, 3B, 2 RBI). Delaney Buckely also went two-for-four (2B, 2 RBI), while Courtney Gumprecht also had a multi-hit game (2-2, 2B, RBI). Jess Patterelli and Alyssa Balfe both added doubles while Tina Karaqi (1-4, 2 RBI) and Ashley Sterritt (1-4) each contributed a base hit.

OCC 003 00 3-4-2

Herkimer 147 4- 16-15-2

WP- Secreti 9-1, LP Beaulieu

2B- Herk- Patterelli, Gumprecht, Balfe, Buckley; OCC- Brissenden

3B- Siriano

Herkimer 23-1, 19-0, 7-0

Game Two

Head Coach PJ Anadio sent Jess Patterelli into the circle for Game Two, and she was sharp once again. Patterelli won her fifth game in her fifth try as she silenced the Lazers' bats, pitching her second shutout of the season. Patterelli went five innings, giving up only two hits while striking out four.

Photo: Courtney Gumprecht making a tricky catch

The Generals' attack was led by Steph Siriano, who went three-for-three with a triple and four runs batted in, and Ashley Sterritt who also went three-for-three and had two 2 RBI's. Delaney Buckley added an RBI base hit while Savannah Sergio and Tina Karaqi added singles.

Herkimer's very busy week continues on Wednesday afternoon. They will travel to SUNY Delhi for a 3:00 p.m. start. The team will be at home hosting North Country CC on Thursday afternoon.

Nick Scribe, website writer

OCC 000 00 0-2-4

Herkimer 215 0- 8-9-2

WP- Patterelli 5-0, LP- Hayten

3B- Siriano

Herkimer 24-1, 20-0, 7-0