Lakers Sweep Cannoneers for 7th Straight Win
CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. - Lakers baseball hosted the Cannoneers from Jefferson Community College for a Mid-State Athletic Conference matchup at the FLCC Multi-use Turf Facility on March 21st. The Lakers struggled early in game one, but a tying run in the 7th inning would give the Lakers another shot in extra innings where the team would deliver the game-winning run by Danny Melendez (Victor, N.Y./ Victor) off the bat of Matthew Rodriguez (Lackawanna, N.Y./ Lackawanna). In game two, the Lakers put their offensive firepower on display in a 23-1 mercy rule finish in the 5th inning.
Game 1 vs. Jefferson
In the first game of the doubleheader, the Lakers managed to secure a 7-6 win over the Cannoneers in extra innings. Despite a strong start from the Cannoneers, the Lakers would rally back and secure the win in the eighth inning.
The Laker's offense was led by Tyler Cerame (Hilton, N.Y./ Hilton) and Kenny Murphy (Webster, N.Y./ Webster Schroeder), who both had one hit. Matthew DiSanti (Farmingdale, N.Y./ Farmingdale), DJ Stoianovich (Fairport, N.Y./ Fairport), Alex Ahlstrom (Dunkirk, N.Y./ Dunkirk), Matthew Rodriguez, and Brendan McCrosson (Mahopac, N.Y./ Mahopac) also contributed with one RBI each. Rodriguez hit a triple, while Murphy, Lucas Sulimowicz (Rochester, N.Y./ Greece Athena), and Jorge Oropeza III (Rochester, N.Y./ Greece Athena) each hit a double.
On the mound, Jake Conklin (Fairport, N.Y./ Fairport) and Jeremy Hernandez (Weston, F.L./ Cypress Bay) combined to strike out 13 batters while allowing six runs on nine hits. Despite a rocky start, the Lakers managed to stay in the game and ultimately secure the win in extra innings.
Game 2 vs. Jefferson
In the second game of their doubleheader, the Lakers won in convincing fashion, picking up the win in a 23-1, 5-inning mercy rule finish. The Laker's explosive offense was on full display, with 23 runs scored on 14 hits and 20 RBIs. The Cannoneers struggled on defense, giving up 8 walks and committing several errors.
For the Lakers, shortstop Tyler Cerame scored 3 runs and had 2 walks, Vaughn Victor (Ft. Lauderdale, F.L./ Stranahan) scored 1 run and drove one in himself, Kenny Murphy had 2 hits, Danny Melendez had 2 hits for 4 RBI, Matthew DiSanti had 1 RBI, sophomore Nolan Phelan (St. Catharines, ON., Canada / Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School) drove in a 1 RBI double and designated hitter DJ Stoianovich had 4 RBI and a double.
Designated hitter Collin Clark (Pittsford, N.Y./ Pittsford Mendon) had 1 hit in 2 at-bats, Alex Wootton (Palmyra, N.Y./ Palmyra-Macedon) had 2 RBI, a double, and a walk, left fielder Alex Ahlstrom had 3 RBI and 2 doubles; the first 2 double game since 2021, also against the Cannoneers, Ryan Mettler (Middleport, N.Y./ Royalton Hartland) had 1 RBI and Jorge Oropeza III had 2 RBI and a sac fly.
At the mound, starting pitcher Bruno Cergol (Rabun Gap, G.A./ Rabun Gap) earned the win with 4 innings pitched, only allowing 1 hit and 1 earned run. Reliever Dan Caverly (Farmington, N.Y./ Victor) pitched 1 scoreless inning with 2 strikeouts.
The Lakers dominated the game from the start, with a 4-run first inning and a 12-run second inning to secure the dominant finish. The game marked the Laker's 3rd most runs scored in a game to date.
Capping off their final game in strong fashion, the Lakers will look to ride their momentum into this Saturday, March 25th on the road at SUNY Broome Community College for the Hornets season opener. The first pitch of the doubleheader matchup with the Hornets is scheduled for 12 PM. The Lakers will return home the following day, March 26th to continue their season series with the Hornets with the first game of their doubleheader scheduled for 12 PM.