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Softball: Hornets top Trojans 8-0

By Staff Writer
oakfield-alabama softball

 Oakfield-Alabama beat Alexander in softball on Saturday, 8-0.

The winning pitcher was Savannah Durham, who went all seven innings, scattering five hits while striking out eight and walking one.

Offense:

  • Allie Williams, 2-4,  2 RBIs
  • Emma Moeller, 1-3, 2 RBIs
  • Chloe Lamb, 1-1, triple
  • Tori Davis, 1-1,  RBI
  • Allison Harkness, 1-4, RBI
  • Piper Hyde, 1-3
  • Raine Denny, 1-4, double, 3 runs scored
  • Ysa Schrauger, 1-3
 
"I'm very proud of our team's defense today," said Coach Jeff Schlagenhauf. "We got a well-pitched game from Savannah, and we were solid defensively against a very good Alexander team. We got timely hits when we needed them."
 
Photos by Jordyn Tobolski
oakfield-alabama softball
oakfield-alabama softball
oakfield-alabama softball

Lacrosse: Batavia falls to Eastridge 14-3

By Staff Writer
On the move, Batavia driving out of thier zone towards Eastridges.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
On the move, Batavia driving out of thier zone towards Eastridges.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia lost to Eastridge in Lacrosse 14-3 on Thursday.

Batavia's goals were scored by Jon Smith, Gavynn Trippany, and Trey Rodriguez.

Face off wins:

  • Jeremiah Childs 11 of 12
  • Trey Rodriguez 5 of 8

Goalie saves:

  • Jimmy Rachow 9 saves, 7 allowed
  • Branden Flanagan 8 saves 7 allowed

Batavia's record is 1-4 

To view or purchase photos, click here.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
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 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene

Softball: Batavia beats Attica, 6-2

By Staff Writer

Batavia beat Attica in Softball on Friday, 6-2. 

The winning pitcher was Ariana Almekinder, who fanned seven.

Offense: 

  • Kyleigh Kabel, 3-4, 2 dDoubles 2 RBIs
  • Drew Stevens, RBI, double 3 walks
  • Also with hits Libby Grazioplene, Gabby Smith, and Hannah Carney

Baseball: Batavia stretches win streak to four games

By Staff Writer

Batavia beat Arcadia in baseball on Friday 9-2.

Brady Mazur got the win, going six innings, surrendering three hits and striking out three.

Batavia offense:

  • Carter Mullen, 2-4, double, RBI
  • Brady Carney, 1-1, 2 runs, RBI, 2 walks
  • Nolan Ball, 1-4, 2 runs, 2 RBIs
  • Aaden Calletto, 1-2, run scored, RBI
  • Lakoda Mruczek, 1-3, run scored, RBI
  • Brady Mazur, 1-2, 2 walks, 2 runs scored
  • Bronx Buchholz, 1-3, run scored, walk
  • Brock Bigsby, 1-4, RBI

"Brady had very good command today, only walking one batter," said Coach Michael Sputore. "His ability to challenge hitters and get ahead was key. The defense played a very clean game today behind him.  Offensively, we had some big hits, and they made three double plays to get Arcadia out of some jams. Batavia opened it up, putting up five runs in the 6th, sending 11 hitters to the plate, producing five hits that inning. We're really playing really well and on a four-game win streak. Batavia is now 5-3 overall and 2-0 in league play."

Batavia plays Pittsford Sutherland on Monday in a league matchup.

Author who wrote well regarded book about baseball in Batavia stops by Eli Fish for book signing

By Howard B. Owens
will bardenwerper book signing homestand eli fish
Dedicated Muckdogs fan Cathy Preston gets her copy of "Homestand" signed by author Will Bardenwerper at Eli Fish on Friday.
Photo by Howard Owens.

Will Bardenwerper's book about baseball in Batavia and America has been getting national attention and is currently ranked #17 on Amazon's list of best-selling baseball books.

 The book, "Homestand: Small Town Baseball and the Fight for the Soul of America," is resonating with readers and reviewers.

That may signal, Bardenwerper said, that people are looking for small-town values of community.

"I think it speaks to the fact that maybe there is a real hunger for these kinds of places where people can come together for an affordable price and have a good time and kind of put some of the division that we find in our society behind us for a few hours and just have fun," Bardenwerper told The Batavian during a book signing at Eli Fish Brewing Co. on Saturday evening.

There have been several book reviews of Homestand published, including in major publications such as the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal.

The book addresses the growing divide in America between the corporatist world of Major League Baseball and the grassroots game in places like Batavia, which lost its historic minor league team when MLB broke with tradition and consolidated its minor league affiliates. That decision turned out to make baseball in Batavia better with the arrival of Robbie and Nellie Nichols, owners of the revived Batavia Muckdogs of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.

If highlighting that dichotomy has ruffled any feathers in the executive suites at the MLB, Bardenwerper hasn't heard about it.

"I don't know to what extent it is or isn't on their radar," Bardenwerper said. "If it is, I'm guessing they just kind of would like it to go away."

If you missed Bardenwerper at Eli Fish, there is another book signing Saturday (today) in Medina at Author's Note Bookstore, as part of Independent Bookstore Day. Bardenwerper will be in store from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Other authors participating are Doogie Horner from 10:30 to noon and Mylisa Larsen from noon to 1:30 p.m. Author's Note is located at 519 Main St., Medina.

will bardenwerper book signing homestand eli fish
Photo by Howard Owens.
will bardenwerper book signing homestand eli fish
Will Bardenwerper
Photo by Howard Owens.
will bardenwerper book signing homestand eli fish
Photo by Howard Owens.
will bardenwerper book signing homestand eli fish
Will Bardenwerper and David Reilly, a columnist for The Batavian, hold each other's books.
Photo by Howard Owens.

 

Baseball: O-A beats Attica 12-2

By Staff Writer
oakfield-alabama baseball

Oakfield-Alabama beat Attica in baseball on Thursday, 12-2.

The Hornets are now 3-0 on the season.

Avery Watterson got the win, going 3 1/3 innings without surrendering a hit or giving up a run. He waked four and struck out five.

Stats:

  • Avery Watterson, 2-2, 3 walks, 3 runs, 5 stolen bases           
  • Hunter Tobolski, 1-2, 3 walks, 2 runs, 4 stolen bases  
  • Jack Cianfrini, 1-3, 1 RBI 2 runs 2 walks, 4 stolen bases (Reached on an error)
  • Ryan Schnaufer, 1-4, 2B 1 RBI 3 runs, 3 stolen bases (Reached on 2 errors)
  • David Schnaufer, 0-5, 1 RBI 2 stolen bases (Reached on a FC)
  • Jackson Gilbert, 1-4, RBI, eun, walk, 2 stolen bases
  • Jake Gehlert, 0-4, RBI
  • Levi Kabel, 0-4, RBI

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski.

oakfield-alabama baseball
oakfield-alabama baseball
oakfield-alabama baseball
oakfield-alabama baseball
oakfield-alabama baseball

Tennis: Batavia tennis loses to Rush-Henrietta 5-2

By Steve Ognibene
In the air: Aiden Reimer finishes a backhand smash with Will Fulton to win at first doubles.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
In the air: Aiden Reimer finishes a backhand smash with Will Fulton to win at first doubles.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia tennis lost to Rush-Henrietta 5-2 on Thursday. 

Winning for Batavia were Talyn Kennedy at 2nd singles, along with Aiden Reimer and Will Fulton at first doubles.  

Batavia drops to 6-3 on the season.  

To view or purchase photos, click here.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
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Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Softball: Alexander beats Elba, 13-5

By Press Release

Press release:

Ella Felski drove in five runs on two hits to help lead the Alexander Trojans past Elba 13-5 on Thursday. Felski tripled in the fifth inning, scoring two runs, and singled in the seventh inning, scoring two.

Alexander changed the game in the top of the third, scoring five runs on four hits to take the lead 5-3. The biggest blow in the inning was a single by Paige Morton that drove in two. 

Morton earned the win on the bump for Alexander. The hurler allowed 10 hits and five runs (two earned) over seven innings, striking out two and walking one. Smith took the loss for Elba. The pitcher went seven innings, surrendering 13 runs (eight earned) on 18 hits, striking out five and walking two.

Alexander piled up 18 hits in the game. Lillian Szymkowiak, Melissa Sawyer, and Melanie Bump each collected three hits for Alexander. Morgan Boyce, Emily Pietrzykowski, and Morton each collected multiple hits for the Trojans.

Elba High School amassed 10 hits in the game. Jaco and Ball were a force together in the lineup, as they each collected two hits for Elba while hitting back-to-back. Marks, Ball, Totten, and Camelo each drove in one run for Elba.

The Trojans welcome Oakfield-Alabama on Friday for their next game at 5 p.m.

Stats:

  • Melissa Sawyer, 3-for-5, 2 runs, RBI
  • Melanie Bump, 3-for-5, 3 runs
  • Lilly Szymkowiak, 3-for-5, 3 runs
  • Emily Pietrzykowski, 2-for-5, Double, Triple, run, RBI
  • Ella Felski, 2-for-5, Triple, 3 runs, 5 RBIs, SB
  • Morgan Boyce, 2-for-3, RBI
  • Paige Morton, 2-for-5, 4 RBIs SB

Pitching:  Paige Mortin allowed 10 hits and five runs (two earned) over seven innings, striking out two and walking one.

"We needed this one, after facing big schools in Myrtle Beach and then coming out flat yesterday against Kendall, we just wanted to move in the right direction today, and the girls did that," said Coach John Goodenbury. "Felski and Morton had 9 RBIs between the two of them, and when girls can deliver with runners in scoring position, that’s huge. Paige Morton pitched great; she tossed a complete game win for her first-ever varsity start.  The defense played very well behind her.  We know we are in for a challenge against Oakfield tomorrow, and we will show up ready for a true test. We still try to get things going this year."

Softball: Notre Dame beats Byron-Bergen 15-10

By Staff Writer
notre dame softball

Notre Dame beat Byron-Bergen in softball 15-10 at GCC on Thursday.

The winning pitcher was Amelia Sorochty, who struck out eight. 

Leading the hitting for the Irish were Anna Panepinto, Sofia Falleti, Gianna Falleti and Mia Treleavan, each going 2-4. S. Falleti, G. Falleti, and Treleaven contributed a double each. 

The Irish travel to the Mudville Tournament on Saturday for a doubleheader.

notre dame softball
notre dame softball
notre dame softball
notre dame softball
notre dame softball
notre dame softball

Baseball: Elba beat Alexander 5-3.

By Press Release

Press release from Coach Andrew Boyce: 

Freshman Ryan Marsceill came in relief after our starter walked three straight in the bottom of the first and spun a gem in his first varsity appearance on the mound! Went six innings, surrendered five hits, an earned run, a walk, and eight strikeouts. 

Freshman Alex Rascoe came in the 7th to get the save, giving up one hit, and fanning a pair, in his first varsity appearance on the mound.

B. Porey, 2-4, 2 runs, two hits
Nick Scott, 3-3, 1 double
B. Jachimowicz, 1-1, one walk, 2 RBI, perfectly executed suicide squeeze to get us on the board in the second inning

I am so proud of my boys going 5-0 for our best start in school history! The boys are buzzing and rallying for four unanswered tonight!! They are refusing to lose, and it's a fun team to watch right now!!! Ryan has ice in his veins. The things I've seen this young man do on a basketball court, it was a matter of time before he brought that swagger to the diamond!!! I'm so proud of him and the rest of the guys for getting the win against a very well-coached team tonight. Much respect for Cole Watterson and his ball club!  Keep stacking days, one game at a time. Love ya, boys!

Softball: O-A beats Attica 9-1

By Staff Writer

Oakfield-Alabama beat Attica in softball on Thursday, 9-1.

Allison Harkness got the win, going 7 innings, giving up 3 hits, striking out 4. She was 1-3 at the plate.

  • Emma Moeller, 2-3,  4 RBIs
  • Savannah Durham, 1-2,  RBI
  • Raine Denny, 1-3,  Double, RBI
  • Chloe Lamb, 1-3,  Double, RBI
  • Rylee Denny, 1-3
  • Ysa Schrauger, 1-3
  • Jesssica Sosnowski, 2 runs scored

"Great win for our team today," said Coach Jeff Schlagenhauf. "Hailey Mills is an excellent young pitcher for Attica. Our kids stayed patient at the plate and were able to string some hits together to push some runs across. Allison Harkness did a great job on the mound in her first Varsity start."

Tennis: Byron-Bergen beats Attica, 4-1

By Staff Writer
byron bergen tennis

Byron-Bergen beat Attica in tennis on Thursday, 4-1.

The Bees are now 1-1, and Attica is 0-2.

  • 1st singles Riley Shallenberger(BB) defeated Jace Anetrini (AT) 6-2, 6-1
  • 2nd  singles Julie Pawlak (AT) defeated Erron Kimble (BB) 6-4, 6-3
  • 3rd singles Justin Gabehart (BB) defeated Colton Spink (AT) 6-1, 6-2
  • 1st doubles Sara Bishop, Addy Cummings (BB) defeated Lauryn Wescott, Brynne Wolcott (AT) 6-1, 6-4
  • 2nd doubles Noah Clare, Craig DiQuattro (BB) defeated Octavia Farney, Makayla Kurtowicz(AT) 6-2, 7-5
Photos by Jennifer DiQuattro.
byron bergen tennis
byron bergen tennis
byron bergen tennis
byron bergen tennis

Tennis: Lancers beat Dragons 3-2

By Press Release

Press release:

The Elba Lancers won their match against the Pembroke Dragons with a score of 3-2.  

The first singles match went to DJ Hale of Pembroke after a withdrawal from Elba.  

At second singles, Alexa Ocampo beat Angel Neureuter 6-4, 6-1 for the Lancers.  

At third singles, Clara Torrey also secured a win for the Lancers with a score of 6-1, 6-1 over Camden Schneider.  

At first doubles, Logan Manne and Tyler Koepf of Pembroke beat Grace Koch and Alex Mendoza 6-0, 6-1, but the Lancers secured the team victory at second doubles with Amy Garcia and Lucy Torrey.  They came out on top in a close match against Danielle Mast and Paul Tebor after winning a first-set tiebreaker 7-5, followed by a 6-4 second set.    

Softball: Mia Treleaven tosses one-hitter in Notre Dame's season opener

By Staff Writer
Notre Dame celebrate at the mound with thier first win of the season Wednesday afternoon in Elba 3-0.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Notre Dame celebrate at the mound with thier first win of the season Wednesday afternoon in Elba 3-0.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

Mia Treleaven tossed a one-hitter for Notre Dame on Wednesday as the Irish beat Elba 3-0.

Treleaven fanned nine Lancers and didn't walk any 

Brea Smith went all seven innings for the Lancers, giving up a single earned run on six hits.

Treleaven went 2-for-3 at the plate.

Elba turned three double plays in the game.

ND plays at home on Thursday against Byron-Bergen.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
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Top harness racing talent returns to Batavia Downs for New York Sire Stakes 'Night of Champions'

By Press Release
Remote video URL
Video from the Night of Champions at Batavia Downs in 2019.

Press Release:

The Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund is proud to announce that the 2025 New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) “Night of Champions” will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel in Batavia.

As the premier event of the NYSS season, the Night of Champions showcases the top two- and three-year-old Standardbreds bred, owned, and raced in New York State. With over $2.4 million in purse money awarded across the evening, the event represents the pinnacle of the harness racing calendar.

“We are excited to bring the Night of Champions back to Batavia Downs, where the event was last hosted in 2019,” said Ralph Scunziano, Executive Director of the Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund. “Batavia Downs has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to hosting world-class racing, and their upgraded clubhouse and facilities are sure to create another memorable experience for our horsemen, owners, and fans.”

Located between Buffalo and Rochester, Batavia Downs is centrally situated in Western New York’s agricultural hub, offering a unique opportunity to highlight both the sport of harness racing and the economic impact of equine breeding and training in the region. The half-mile track is well known for its quality surface and competitive racing.

The races will be streamed live on Batavia Downs’ YouTube page, and a live post-position draw will take place on Facebook ahead of the event. Pre-race commentary and on-site interviews with winning connections will also enhance the live broadcast experience.

“We are honored to have been selected to host this prestigious event here at Batavia Downs.  I appreciate the confidence that the Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund has in our team here and we will not let them down. Our track and facility will be ready to go, and we are prepared to celebrate the “Night of Champions” with all of the people that attend,” said Byron Brown, President and CEO of Western Regional Off Track Betting Corporation.

The 2025 Night of Champions will be the culmination of a 56-day NYSS season, beginning May 18 at Saratoga Raceway. Full schedules for the Sire Stakes, Excelsior Series, and County Fair Series are available at www.nysirestakes.com.

Softball: Batavia surrenders nine runs in fifth to Mercy, leading to 16-8 loss

By Staff Writer
 Batavia jumped out to a three run inning in the fourth but could not hold on and takes a loss to Mercy 16-8, monday afternoon at John Kennedy Intermediate school field. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia jumped out to a three run inning in the fourth but could not hold on and takes a loss to Mercy 16-8 Monday afternoon at John Kennedy Intermediate School field.
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia went into the fifth inning in softball on Tuesday, leading 7-4, but surrendered nine runs to lose a lead they wouldn't regain.

Final score, 16-8.

Ariana Almekinder fanned five for Batavia.

Offense:

  • Ariana Almekinder, 3-4, double, RBI, 4 runs
  • Libby Grazioplene, 2-4, 2 triples, RBI
  • Drew Stevens, 2-4, 2 RBIs
  • Kyleigh Kabel, 2-4, RBI
  • Lyla Smith, 2-4, RBI double
  • Hannah Carney, RBI, double

"We had one of those innings that a very young team will have," said Coach Robert Kersch. "Need to learn from our mistakes and continue to grow." 

To view or purchase photos, click here.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
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 Photo by Steve Ognibene
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 Photo by Steve Ognibene
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 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia Baseball defeats Olympia-Odyssey 5-1

By Staff Writer
 Batavia beat Olympia/Odyssey monday afternoon at Dwyer Stadium by a score of 5-1.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia beat Olympia/Odyssey Monday afternoon at Dwyer Stadium by a score of 5-1.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

Starter Brady Carney went all seven innings for the complete game victory on Tuesday as Batavia beat Olympia-Odyssey, 5-1.

Carney fanned seven, walked two and only gave up one hit.

Batavia offense 

  • Carter Mullen, 3-4, triple, 3 RBIs, 2 runs scored
  • Maggio Buchholz, 3-4,  1 RBI
  • Nolan Ball, 2-3, 2 runs scored
  • Brock Bigsby, 1 hit, 1 RBI 
  • Jameson Motyka, 1 Hit

"We're really seeing the ball well at the plate the last couple of games, and it's starting to show, said Coach Michael Sputore. "Pitching has always kept us close and now the bats are starting to wake up."

Batavia Now 3-3 overall and 1-0 in league play.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
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 Photo by Steve Ognibene

Baseball: Two teams, three hits, and OA tops BB

By Staff Writer
baseball

It was a pitchers' duel between Oakfield-Alabama and Byron-Bergen on Tuesday, with the Hornets picking up the 2-0 win.

There were only three total hits in the game, two for OA and one for the Bees.  

The Hornets scored in the first and third innings.

David Schnaufer picked up the win, going all seven innings, walking two and striking out 13.

Dylan Utter took it on the chin for the Bees, going 6 1/3 innings. He K'd nine Hornets and gave up only one earned run.

Hornets offense:

  • Ryan Schnaufer, 1-3, stolen base
  • Avery Watterson, 0-2, walk, hit by pitch. 2 Runs, 3 SBs
  • Levi Kabel, 0-2, walk, stolen base
  • Dom West, 0-2, walk

Utter had the lone hit for Byron-Bergen. He also had a stolen base. 

Photos by Jordyn Tobolski

baseball
baseball
baseball

Softball: OA beats BB in five, 24-3

By Staff Writer

Oakfield-Alabama beat Byron-Bergen in  Softball on Wednesday in five innings, 24-3.

  • Piper Hyde, 3-4, homerun, 4 RBIs, 4 runs scored
  • Raine Denny, 3-4, 2B, 3B, 3 RBis
  • Allison Harkness, 3-4, 3B,  3 RBIs
  • Rylee Denny, 2-3, RBI, 3 runs scored
  • Savannah Durham,  runs scored, stolen base

Emma Moeller was the winning pitcher, going all five innings, giving up four hits and striking out five. One run was earned. She also went 1-3 with an RBi.  

"After not playing since April 3rd, I loved the way my team responded," said coach Jeff Schlagenhauf. "We got the bats going early. It was nice to get a game in. Emma did a great job on the mound and located her pitches well. Tori Davis and Raine Denny had great defensive plays in the field for us."

Baseball: Blue Devils score 28 runs in five innings

By Staff Writer

Batavia put 28 runs on the scoreboard in just five innings against Attica on Thursday. 

Attica didn't score.

Bronx Buchholz pitched three innings, giving up 1 hit and striking out seven for the win. Brady Mazur pitched two hittless innings, with five Ks.

Hitting:

  • Carter Muller, 4-5, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 4 Runs, 2 SB
  • Lakoda Mruczek, 4-5, 2B, 4 RBI, 3 Runs
  • Maggio Buchholz, 3-5, 3 Runs, 1 RBI
  • Jameson Motyka 3-5 3 Runs 3 RBI
  • Brady Mazur, 3-5,  3 Runs, 3 RBI
  • Brock Bigsby, 2-4, HR, 2B, 3 Runs, 4RBI
  • Bronx Buchholz, 2-5, 2 Runs, 2 RBI
  • Jonah Arroyo, 1BB, 2 Runs, 1 RBI
 
"Batavia started early today," said Coach Michael Sputore. Carter Mullen led off the game with a first-pitch home run deep over the right field wall. Brock Bigsby also mashed a 2-run home run to deep Center in the 4th inning. Batavia's offense pounded out 23 Hits and scored 28 runs. Today was a good day at the plate for us; our hitters put together some good at-bats and had a good approach. Bronx and Brady pounded the zone all day and looked very good from start to finish. Batavia is now 2-3. We start in-league play on Monday at home vs. Odyssey/Olympia."

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