Gabe Solodky’s walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh inning capped off a wild affair at Herlihy Park in Whately.
Solodky sent host Frontier into the winner’s circle for the first time this summer thanks to a 13-12 victory over Brattleboro in a Pioneer Valley Youth Baseball League Sandy Koufax contest on Saturday.
Brattleboro held the lead until a big fifth inning from Frontier put the hosts ahead, 9-6.
After a scoreless sixth, Brattleboro scored six times in the top of the seventh to regain control with a 12-9 advantage.
Down to its last chance, Frontier got to work. With two outs, Kyle Begos drew a walk, Brayden McDonough reached on an error and Owen Babb was hit by a pitch. Thomas Unkles and Tyler Cusson walked, and singles from Davey Mazur and Solodky enabled the home team to push across four runs for the 13-12 win.
Babb went long for Frontier in his big diamond debut, recording 10 strikeouts. Begos had two strikeouts and Mazur got a key out in the seventh inning.
Offensively, Mazur had three hits, including a double, while Begos and Solodky had two hits apiece. McDonough drove in three runs and Mazur registered two RBIs, while Babb, Cusson, Sam Whitney and Unkles all scored twice.
FC Babe Ruth clinics
The Franklin County Babe Ruth Baseball League, in its 51st year, will hold a series of Saturday practice clinics at the Babe Ruth complex at Abercrombie Field in East Greenfield. Coaches from the league as well as from local schools are expected to run the sessions, targeted toward players ages 12 to 15. Emphasis will be on infield and outfield play, as well as hitting mechanics.
Steve Wall, instructor for the Hampshire/Franklin Baseball Umpires Association, will lead a question and answer session on the new National Federation High School playing rules for both players and coaches on the program’s final Saturday.
The practice clinics will take place on consecutive Saturdays beginning July 25 and ending Aug. 15, between 10 a.m. and noon. All state and local Health Dept. safety guidelines will be strictly followed.
The fee per each session in $10, total fee for all 4 sessions is $35. Registration will be at the field. A limited number of scholarships are available. Questions can be directed to Tina Crocker (413-896-8576) or Joe Mignault (413-774-3876).
Edge Hill tourney
Bill Buck won a match of cards to snag low gross honors at Edge Hill Golf Course’s Stroke Play Tournament over the weekend.
Buck shot 75, as did Dave Cote, who settled for second after the match of cards.
Mark Vandale scored the low net of 72, followed by Mike Earl (76).
CCG 200 Club Scramble
Tom Herzig, Matt Matroni, John Missale, Sue Plante, Donna Woodcock and Lana O’Connor combined for a low gross of 53 to take first at the Country Club of Greenfield’s 200-Club Scramble over the weekend.
Teresa Varner, Jack Varner, Kelly Varner, Pat Varner and Brian Barton shot 55 to finish second, followed in third place by Mike Archer, Liz Archer, Roy Emerson, TC Emerson, Jason Kelton and Karin McDonald at 56.
CCG Friday Night Mixer
Liz Dolby and Anthony Wonsecki’s 37 was two shots clear of the rest of the field in CCG’s Friday Night Mixer, as the duo posted a score of 37.
Five teams tied for second at 39: Diane Carme/Marty Kendrick, Raye Young/Rich Young, Jenna Deszynski/Christopher Deszynski, Chris Varilly/Angie Varilly and Mike Archer/Kathy Nicoll.
Roy and TC Emerson notched the low net (31), followed by Karen and Michael Duclos at 33. Mike Covey and Wendy Kendrick tied for third with Al and Irene Woods at 34.
Miscellany
Montague Parks & Recreation
The Montague Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registration for several summer programs.
Baseball clinic
For kids ages 8-12, this will take place July 27-30 (July 31 rain date) beginning at 6 p.m. each evening at Unity Park Ballfield No. 1. Fee for Montague residents is $50, non-residents will cost $55.
Develop your hitting and fielding skills, and let’s build back what you may have lost these last few months. Equipment cannot be shared, so we ask that all players bring their own bats, gloves, and helmets. Registration deadline: Wednesday, July 22.
Soccer clinic
For kids ages 9-12, this will run Aug. 10-14 (Aug. 15 rain date) beginning at 6 p.m. each evening at Highland Park in Millers Falls. The fee is $50 for Montague residents and $55 for non-residents.
The start of soccer season is right around the corner, so what better time to work on your skills. Learn from a current coach and player who will give you the tools to kick off the season on a high note. Registration deadline: Wednesday, August 5.
Esports with Mission Control
MPRD is getting into the E-gaming industry, where players can join our Esports Rec Leagues created and hosted by Montague Parks & Rec. Currently, we have nine different game leagues within our platform, and will be adding even more by the end of the summer. Applicable consoles include Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch and PC. Leagues include many of today’s most popular sports and role playing computer games. Leagues are currently only $10, and you can join multiple leagues throughout the year. Call us now for more information.
All in-person programs will be following activity specific guidelines relative to Covid-19, as established by the State of Massachusetts. Additional program information can be found at www.montague-ma.gov, on Facebook, or simply call 863-3216.