SCHENECTADY — Bethlehem, like so many Class AA baseball teams competing in the Suburban Council, believes it is a team capable of enjoying success when sectional play begins next month. Saturday morning, the Eagles bats reflected the rising temperatures as the offense produced a big performance for the second straight day.
Three runs in the second inning was pleasing, but a nine-run outburst in the fifth proved even better as Bethlehem produced a 12-2 victory over La Salle in the first of four Coaches vs. Cancer contests playing at Schenectady’s Central Park ‘A’ Diamond that was dubbed the Buck Ewing Diamond last year. The game was complete after five innings because of the 10-run mercy rule.
“I think we are starting to hit our stride a little bit,” said Bethlehem junior shortstop C.J. Franchini, who highlighted the fifth-inning onslaught with a three-run triple to make it 11-0. “We have faced a lot of good pitching. We’ve had some close games and some good fights. I feel like we are only going up from here.”
“It has been a good start so far, including today,” added Bethlehem senior third baseman Caden Bernardo, the Eagles’ 6-foot-5 leadoff man who delivered a hit and two walks batting in front of Franchini. “Top to bottom, everyone has done a great job so far. Everyone has stayed in the game and it is great to see our whole lineup be competitive. We have been going to work and doing what we can to win games.”
Bethlehem (3-3 overall, 2-2 Suburban Council) defeated Schenectady 12-0 Friday when Adam McGowen and Tim Bushart combined on a no-hitter with 11 strikeouts and the offense generated 11 hits. Saturday, the Eagles pounded out 10 hits.
The Cadets managed to score twice in the bottom of the fifth and could have extended the game with another run. Instead, Bethlehem ended things by turning a 5-4-3 double play to conclude the victory.
…
Read the full article here