On one glorious evening last week, Jake Sparks recorded a series of accomplishments in one baseball game players only dream about. Even after the Hoosick Falls senior star looked at what he had done in a 20-2 victory over Waterford, Sparks could not quite comprehend what he had produced.
Sparks went 6-for-6 at the plate and hit for the cycle, including a trio of home runs, and drove in a state-record 14 runs. In addition to his exploits at the plate, the Marshall-bound standout tossed a complete game in which he allowed three hits and struck out 15.
“It didn’t really hit me right away,” Sparks said. “When everyone started texting me, calling me and reposting (what I did), then I started to realize I did something.”
For his efforts, Sparks has been selected as the Times Union’s Boys’ Athlete of the Week for May 8-14.
Sparks knocked in more runs in one game than most players do in a season. Hoosick Falls coach Mike Lilac Jr. and Sparks both agreed Waterford coach Mike Robbins deserved credit for continuing to pitch to the senior star.
“I’ve known him since I have been playing varsity and talk to him at basketball games. I like him, and the fact that he didn’t intentionally walk me was pretty cool. I got intentionally walked my first at-bat of the season. I give (Robbins) props for not doing that.”
Sparks hit a grand slam, three-run home run and two-run home run in addition to delivering a triple, double and single. The lefty-swinging standout knocked in five runs with his three hits that weren’t home runs.
The offensive output alone is staggering. Most players never hit three home runs in a game or hit for the cycle. Driving in 14 runs is incredible. When adding in that Sparks pitched seven innings and struck out 15, that makes his outing truly one to remember.
“I couldn’t really…
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