Herkimer sweeps Genesee, advances to Region III Final Four as the # 1 seed

Little Falls, NY - The Herkimer Generals started their playoff run in impressive fashion, scoring 26 runs in two games and sweeping the Genesee Cougars by scores of 15-4 and 11-1 in a Region III Sub-Regional Series on Saturday afternoon at Vets Park in Little Falls. The Generals, ranked # 2 in the latest NJCAA Division III National Poll, advance to the Region III Final Four that will be hosted by Herkimer College and played at Vets Park from Friday-Sunday May 17th-19th

After falling behind 2-0 in the first inning of Game 1, Herkimer exploded for 7 in the bottom of the first to take a lead they would never relinquish. Brian Forbes (Rocky Point, NY) started the Generals scoring with a massive 3-run home run and Vito Castronovo (Utica, NY) followed later in the inning with a blast that hit the last row of bleachers in center field. Joe Novenche (Clifton Park, NY) then took over the offensive load, connecting on a Grand Slam in the 4th to give Herkimer an 11-4 lead and then closing out the game with a 3 run blast in the 5th that ended the game for the Generals. For the game, Novenche went 3-4 with 8 RBI's to go along with his 2 HR's. Ben Wager (Johnstown, NY) shook off a slow start and got the win for the Generals, going 5 innings and striking out 7.

Cole Miller (Elmhurst, IL) took the ball in Game 2 and went 5 innings while only giving up 3 hits and 1 run while striking out 4. The Generals offense did the rest by scoring 11 runs to close out the series. Brandon Kruzinski (Schenectady, NY) went 3 for 4 and scored 3 runs from the leadoff spot. Forbes went 2 for 4 and added another long home run while Brendyn Stillman (Waverly, NY) also added on long blast that cleared the centerfield bleachers in the 4th inning. Matt Parkinson (Whitesboro, NY), Cedric Rose (Pittsfield, MA) and Cam Collett (Saratoga, NY) each collected 2 hits in the game and Collett's 2 run double in the 5th ended the game and sent the Generals to the Final Four.

The Generals now have earned the # 1 seed and will open the Final Four on Friday with a game against the # 4 seed from Erie Community College. Game time is at 2:00 PM. Game 2 on Friday will pit the # 2 seeded Niagara CCC Thunderwolves against the # 3 seeded Finger Lakes Lakers at 5:00 PM. The double elimination tourney will continue through the weekend with the Championship Game scheduled for Sunday afternoon. All games will take place at Vets Park in Little Falls.