Kendall romps in state Class C semifinal

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Nic Cole hurled Kendall to the state semifinal win this morning and also helped his own cause by banging out a first inning RBI double, which he celebrates at the right.

Taking charge with a huge first inning scoring barrage, Kendall went on to defeat Ticonderoga 12-2 in the semifinal round of the state Class C baseball tournament this morning at Mirabito Stadium in Binghamton.

Kendall, which became the first Orleans County baseball team to reach the state finals, will face the winner of this afternoon’s other semifinal between Saratoga Central Catholic (Section 2) and Tuckshoe (Section 1) in the championship game at 1 p.m. Saturday at Mirabito Stadium.

“It’s a great feeling. The kids have really worked hard for this,” said Kendall Coach Tige Noni whose Eagles improve to 24-2.

CJ D’Agostino lays down a bunt for a single to help ignite Kendall’s big first inning.

Kendall took control at the outset erupting for 6 runs in the decisive first inning on a two-run double by Andrew D’Agostino, an RBI double by winning pitcher Nic Cole, an RBI single by Andrew Cole, a balk and a wild pitch.

A leadoff single by Jonny Conte, a bunt single by CJ D’Agostino and a hit batter loaded the bases to get up the uprising.

“We really got the jump on them and everything got rolling,” said Noni.

Keeping the momentum, Kendall tacked on 3 runs in the second inning on a two-run double by Jacob Abrams and an RBI single by Sammy Conte. A triple by Vinnie D’Agostino set up the threat.

Jonny Conte later had a two-run single in the fourth frame to help close out the Eagles five inning run rule victory.

Jonny Conte, Andrew Cole, Nic Cole and Andrew D’Agostino each finished with a pair of hits.

On the mound, Nic Cole scattered 6 hits and struck out 6.

Note – The Kendall game finished about a half hour before the Medina game giving the Eagles the honor of becoming the county’s first team to reach the state baseball finals.

Andrew Cole bangs out a first inning RBI single.

Kendall’s CJ D’Agostino gets the out at first base to end Ticonderoga’s first inning.