Sports

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.

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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.

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." 

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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.

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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

Press Release:

The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce their next five signings for the 2025 season.

Some new faces join the Muckdogs as well as some local western NY talent. 1B – Connor Gibbs, LHP -Evin Hollandsworth, OF & Lockport Native – Brayden Hy, INF – Jackson Inman & INF – Grady Lacourciere join the Dogs this summer at Dwyer Stadium.

Connor Gibbs is a 6’3 first baseman from Helena, AL, currently playing at Bevill State Community College. A consistent presence at the plate, Connor delivered an impressive .316 batting average last season across 48 games and 155 at-bats.

Evin Hollandsworth is a 6’2 freshman pitcher at Saddleback College from Dana Point, CA. Before committing to baseball full-time, Evin was a standout dual-sport athlete while attending Dona Hill High School, excelling in both football and baseball. 

Brayden Hy is a 5’9 freshman outfielder from Lockport, currently playing at Canisius University. Before joining the Golden Griffins, he was a standout player at Royalton Hartland High School, where he posted an impressive .417 batting average, recorded 108 hits, including 9 home runs, and 94 RBIs.

Jackson Inman is a 6’1 freshman infielder from Damascus, MD, making a strong impact in his debut collegiate season. He is currently hitting .346 on the season while adding power with three home runs with 25 RBIs.

Grady Lacourciere is a 6’2 freshman infielder from Lyme, CT, attending Hofstra University where he has started pitching. Bringing an impressive high school resume to the collegiate level, a standout athlete at Lyme-Old Lyme High School, he played four years of baseball and two years of football, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.

Opening Day is Saturday May 31 at 6:30 p.m. vs the Elmira Pioneers with free post-game fireworks. If you are someone you know has interest in sponsoring the Muckdogs, season ticket information, hosting a group event or picnic please contact General Manager Marc Witt (mwitt.canusa@gmail.com). The Muckdogs full schedule is available online at www.canusamuckdogs.com.

Submitted photos.

Oakfield-Alabama is starting off the 2025 baseball season strong, picking up a 9-0 win over Lyndonville on Monday.

The Hornets had eight total hits.

David Schnaufer went 6 1/3 innings, giving up only three hits and walking none while striking out 10, to pick up the win. He was also 1-3 at the plate with a sacrifice fly, two runs scored, three RBIs, and two stolen bases.

Jack Cianfrini got the final two outs, both on strikeouts. He was also 1-4 at the plat with a run scored and a stolen base.

Offensive stats:

• Avery Watterson, 1-3, triple, 3 Runs, 1 stolen base
• Hunter Tobolski, 1-4, 1 RBI, 1 stolen base
• Jackson Gilbert, 1-3, 1 run, 2 RBIs, 1 Sac Fly
• Levi Kabel, 1-4, 1 run
• Ryan Schnaufer, 1-4, 1 run
• Wesley Durham, 1-3, 1 RBI, 1 walk
• Dom West, 0-3, 1 walk

Batavia defeated Brockport in Flag Football on Monday night, 52-12.

Quarterback Jaimin Macdonald was 14-24 passing for 81 yards, with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Macdonald added four carries for 33 yards and a rushing TD.  

Nicole Doeringer scored three total touchdowns, two through the air and one on the ground.  Kylee Brennan scored two touchdowns, one running and one receiving.  Kaylynn Peyman added a 45-yard rushing touchdown.

Defensively, Nicole Doeringer led the Lady Devils with seven flag pulls, five for loss.  Haiden Brooks recorded four flag pulls.  Alyssa Turner returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown.  Kylee Brennan and Kaylynn Peyman also grabbed interceptions.

The Lady Devils improve to 1-2 and travel to Greece Olympia/Odyssey on Thursday.

Press release:

Byron-Bergen set the tone early with nine first-inning runs, dominating Holley 18-4 in Holley on Friday.

Lily Stalica started on the mound for the Bees, delivering a strong performance. She allowed three earned runs, struck out seven batters, and walked three.

At the plate, Stalica went 3-3 with a double, four RBIs, three runs, and a stolen base. Natalie Prinzi was 2-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, four runs, and a steal. Ava Gray went 1-for-1 with a triple, three walks, and two stolen bases. Jill Weaver, Janessa Amesbury, and Lauren Gartz each had a hit, with Amesbury and Gartz driving in 2 RBIs each, while Weaver contributed three RBIs.

Junior pitcher Skylar Gallagher took the loss for Holley. She allowed four earned runs and struck out 1 in her one inning of work. Alexis Lujan relieved her, striking out three while allowing three earned runs over four innings.

Serenity-Ann Rath led the Hawks' offense, going 2-2 with two runs scored. Desiree McCormack went 2-3, while Gallagher added Holley's only other hit.

Byron-Bergen head coach Steve Ball praised his team, saying, "I'm proud of the girls for coming out strong and taking control of the game early. Last year, we often let teams back into games, but today, the girls played a complete game and earned a comfortable win. It's a step in the right direction, and I hope we can build on this momentum. Lily (Stalica) has been outstanding in our first three games, both on the mound and at the plate, reaching base 11 times in 12 plate appearances. Credit to Coach Ostrom and Holley—after a tough first inning, she really rallied her girls, and they played much more competitively the rest of the game."

The Bees will next play on Tuesday at Attica.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce their next five signings of the 2025 season. OF – Luke Daddona, INF -Justin Espinal, INF – Blake Ewing, C – Cooper Fesh, and Former 2022 West Division Champion Muckdog & Media Native SS – Bryan Fry join the Dogs this summer at Dwyer stadium. 

Luke Daddona is a 5’11 redshirt freshman outfielder from Middlebury, Connecticut. In high school, Luke was a standout dual-sport athlete, serving as captain for both the baseball and football teams. As a senior, he played a key role in helping the Crusaders secure the Naugatuck Valley League title.

Justin Espinal is a 6’3 senior infielder at Thomas Jefferson University and returning for his third season with the Batavia Muckdogs. Last season with the Muckdogs, Espinal batted .253 over 26 games, providing steady defense and a solid presence at the plate.

Blake Ewing is a 6’2 freshman infielder from Columbus, Ohio attending Point Park University. A left-handed hitter and right-handed thrower, brings a strong presence to the field. He recorded his first collegiate career RBI on March 15 versus Davis & Elkins College.

Cooper Fesh is a 6’1 sophomore catcher at Keystone College, hailing from Bethal, Connecticut. A dependable presence behind the plate, he finished last season with an impressive .319 batting average while recording 214 putouts.

Bryan Fry is a 6’1 senior shortstop from Medina, currently attending SUNY Brockport. A transfer from the University of Toledo, he has continued to develop his game at the collegiate level. In 2022 he played for the Batavia Muckdogs, where he appeared in 41 games and posted an impressive .345 batting average.

Opening Day is Saturday May 31 at 6:30 p.m. vs the Elmira Pioneers with free post-game fireworks. If you are someone you know has interest in sponsoring the Muckdogs, season ticket information, hosting a group event or picnic please contact General Manager Marc Witt (mwitt.canusa@gmail.com). The Muckdogs full schedule is available online at www.canusamuckdogs.com.

Submitted photos.

Press release:

Emily Pietrzykowski was dominant in the circle, as the starting pitcher rang up 14 strikeouts in Alexander’s 12-1 victory over Byron-Bergen on Monday. 

Pietrzykowski surrendered five hits and one run over seven innings while walking three.

At the plate for Alexander, Pietrzykowski went 2-for-3 with a towering home run to left, 2 RBIs, 2 runs, a walk and a stolen bag.  Ava Yax went 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs, and a run scored. Faith Goodenbury went 1-for-2 with 2 walks, 2 runs, 1 RBI and 1 steal. While Melissa Sawyer and Lilly Szymkowiak matched each other both going 1 for 3 with 2 runs scored and a walk each, Sawyer also added an RBI on the day.

For Byron-Bergen, Lily Stalica took the loss on the mound. The hurler went six and two-thirds innings, surrendering four runs (three earned) on seven hits, striking out six and walking two. Lauren Gartz started in the circle for Byron-Bergen.

Stalica led Byron-Bergen with one run batted in. The outfielder went 1-for-2 on the day. Kendall Chase, Stalica, Ava Gray, Rylee Burch, and Gartz each collected one hit for Byron-Bergen. Gartz stole two bases.

"It was a cold day for softball, that’s for sure," said Coach John Goodenbury. "Hats off to both Athletic Directors for finding a way to get this one in today. The weather is making it difficult to play games this year. For her first outing of the season and cold temps, Emily had great command today and pitched a fantastic game.  The defense didn’t commit a single error, and our bats had a lot of life today.  Steve is also doing a great job at Byron Bergen, and his plauyers are fighters."

Next up for the lady Trojans is a game at Barker next Tuesday.

Photos by Makenna Boyce

Will Bardenwerper, a resident of Pennsylvannia and Iraq War veteran, spent most of the summer of 2022 in Batavia, following the season of the hometown team, the Muckdogs, its second season in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League.

Until 2021, Batavia was proudly one of the founding cities of the New York-Penn League. It was the minors. But it was professional. And many fans were initially disappointed to lose their team when MLB eliminated 42 minor league teams after the 2020 season

Then, Robbie and Nellie Nichols rode into town with a plan to revive baseball in Batavia.

Bardenwerper was here on a research project, so he could tell the story of small-town baseball through the eyes of its fans, players, and owners.

The result, a new book, Homestand: Small Town Baseball and the Fight for the Soul of America

The book explores the cultural and social significance of small-town baseball, using Batavia as a lens to examine broader themes about community, corporate greed, and America’s shifting values.

Bardenwerper weaves his life as a former Army Ranger who came home to a more divided America with his observations of baseball and the folks around the ballpark where they find a communal experience.

The book also critiques MLB’s increasing corporatization and detachment from its roots. Bardenwerper highlights how private equity firms and data analytics have prioritized profits over tradition, eroding the fabric of minor league baseball. 

Local names, besides the Nichols, in the book include Bill Kauffman, Bestey Higgins, Ginny Wagner, and Ross Fanara.

Jeremy Beer observes in Front Porch Republic:

The strength of Homestand lies in Bardenwerper’s portraits of such people, portraits that amount to a revealing exhibition of what 2020s small-town America really looks like. It’s scruffier than it was in its heyday, rougher around the edges, more hardscrabble, but still leavened by numerous intelligent, fascinating, and large-hearted residents. In all that it is much like the baseball now featured at Batavia’s Dwyer Stadium, which in its new, independent version is in many respects a throwback to the minor-league baseball of the 1940s.

As Kauffman tells Bardenwerper, perhaps being cut loose from MLB will turn out to be a blessing. With local ownership, local staff, and at least a few locally sourced players, the Muckdogs and the dozens of other independent minor- and summer-league teams dotting the American landscape can now shape their own futures in a way they never could have as cogs in the giant affiliated-baseball wheel. Perhaps the same can be said of their host towns. Corporate perfidy notwithstanding, communities no less than individuals have more control of their destines than they imagine—if only they will decline to cooperate in their own destruction.

The Batavian emailed Bardenwerper a few questions.  Below is our Q&A.

What about Batavia and the Muckdogs surprised you?
I was perhaps the most surprised by the ages of the Muckdogs fans on most nights. There was everyone from 80-something grandparents and great-grandparents to toddlers and everyone in between. I thought this was pretty neat and something that is definitely not nearly as common at major professional sports events. I was also struck by just how kind and welcoming everyone was.

What are some of your favorite memories from that summer you spent watching the Muckdogs and hanging around Batavia?
Watching the beautiful sunsets over the left field fence while enjoying a cold Eli Fish beer and talking to the friends I made is my favorite memory.

Why do you think the collegiate league Muckdogs are drawing as well as or better than the professional Muckdogs did?
I think this is due to Robbie and Nellie’s hard work as owners determined to make the ballpark experience a fun one for people of all ages every night, and their work to really get the community involved by reaching out to local schools and other groups to make them a part of the game by having things like Little Leaguers playing catch with the players before the games, run the bases, perform the national anthem, and things like that.

You’re very critical of major league baseball in this book. Why?
For a lot of reasons, but of most relevance to this book was their decision to snuff out baseball in 42 cities that had supported it for over a century in many cases, all to save about $700,000 per team they cut, while at the same time paying individual MLB players nearly a billion dollars.

Were baseball people reluctant to go on the record criticizing MLB and the elimination of 42 minor league teams?
Yes, many of them all seemed afraid of suffering professional repercussions if they were perceived as being critical of MLB and the commissioner.

What kind of feedback are you getting from the people you wrote about in this book?
The feedback has been almost uniformly positive, which is really gratifying.

This book is as much about community as it is baseball. That makes it unique in the long and rich history of baseball books, doesn’t it?
I think so. About 80% of the book takes place off the field, in the bleachers and elsewhere in Batavia, and so while there is baseball in it, it is about more than baseball.

The Xtreme International Ice Racing Series visited the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena on Saturday evening.

Photos by Howard Owens.