TROY — The championship belt looked appropriate wrapped around the waist of Shenendehowa junior pitcher James Redick on Friday night. So did the game ball he was clutching in his left hand. Definitely a keepsake.
With his team in a must-win situation, Redick produced six outstanding innings while dealing with a balky back. The offense for the Plainsmen offered the right-hander ample support and the Section II Class AA title series is now even at one game apiece following a 10-2 victory over Saratoga Springs at Bruno Stadium.
For the first time in Section II history, a third game will decide the Class AA championship Sunday evening at Bruno Stadium. The winner also will take home the I-87 Cup.
“Today was a great confidence builder,” Shenendehowa coach Greg Christodulu said. “We had to find a way to beat Saratoga. We did tonight. We had a good equation and plan. We’ve got to come up with a plan for Sunday.”
Christodulu decided to forego using Redick in the first game Wednesday against Saratoga Springs junior Michael Mack when the Blue Streaks won 3-2.
“We had a strategy. This is a best-of-3 series. It was definitely the right move,” said Redick, who allowed six hits and struck out nine. “We needed a win. I’m so hyped. … I think it is great that we have a three-game series. It allows the best team to move on. It is great. I am so happy we are playing on Sunday.”
“Very resilient, great senior leadership and an outstanding effort by Mr. Redick tonight,” Christodulu said. “He had a little back issue, if you couldn’t tell. He just grinded away. He wanted the ball, we gave it to him and he did an outstanding job.”
The victory by Shenendehowa (18-6) snapped a four-game losing streak against Saratoga Springs (18-6) that began with a 2022 semifinal decision. Sunday, the teams collide again with two trophies and countless memories on…
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