Adam Prudhomme
Editor
A pair of runs in the first inning proved to be just enough as the NDSS Golden Hawks baseball team edged the Frontenac Falcons 2-1 in the KASSAA championship game on Thursday at Kingston’s Megaffin Park.
Brandon Barker got NDSS’ rally going with a single and was cashed by a double from Gavin Brooks. Jack Madden drove in Brooks with a double of his own to give the Hawks the early 2-0 advantage. That was all the Hawks would get, but ultimately all they would need.
Ethan Sutcliffe drew the start for Napanee and was lights out over four innings, allowing three hits and a walk while striking our four with no runs allowed.
NDSS turned to Madden to close out the game and he was just as impressive, striking out six with just a pair of hits and two walks allowed. The Falcons did get to him in the sixth, scratching out a run to make for a tense finish. He managed to keep his composure, ending the game with a swinging strike.
For Napanee the KASSAA title was a first in the 11-year history of the school’s baseball program, which was launched by current head coach Daryl Sheffield, who just so happens to be retiring on a winning note. Assistant coach Erin Pincivero, who was also instrumental in bringing the program to NDSS, is also retiring at the end of the school year. They’ll turn it over to coaches Chad Miller and Matt Campeau, who served as coaches this season to help with the transition.
In the regular season the Hawks went 5-1, finishing second in the standings.
In the quarterfinals they routed seven seed Sydenham 10-2 and then got by the holy Cross Crusaders 3-1 in Tuesday’s semifinals.