Cole Hedden pitches Niskayuna baseball past Shenendehowa

Niskayuna

After its previous opponent pounded out seven runs in the opening inning Thursday, Niskayuna looked to rebound Monday with a more stable and consistent performance against Shenendehowa. Senior pitcher Cole Hedden delivered such an outing.

Hedden gave up only one hit and first baseman Chris Erickson provided the only run the Silver Warriors would require with a solo home run in the second inning as Niskayuna bounced back with a 3-0 victory over the Plainsmen in Suburban Council action.

"This is a confidence-booster. We definitely needed this," Erickson said.

"They are a great hitting team and were undefeated coming into this," Hedden said of Shenendehowa.

Hedden struck out seven in improving to 5-0 this season. The right-hander fired 18 first-pitch strikes among the 25 batters he faced.

After dropping a 13-8 verdict against Ballston Spa on Thursday, Niskayuna (8-1 overall, 7-1 league) had its scheduled game against Shen (8-1, 8-1) at Bruno Stadium postponed both Friday and Saturday. The delay gave Niskayuna coach Chris Bianchi the chance to use Hedden on the mound. Friday, junior Sam Morra was slated to start.

Hedden certainly made the most of his opportunity to pitch against Shen. The only hit he allowed came when Thomas Krill led off the second with single that just scooted past second baseman Jacob Hand.

"Can't say enough. Lots of strikes, filled up the strike zone and threw all three pitches for strikes against a really good team," Bianchi said. "He certainly was electric today."

"We're young offensively and are going to have days like this," Shenendehowa coach Greg Christodulu said. "We hit the ball fairly well, but at people. It is a matter of our guys growing and learning from this game. ... Hats off to (Hedden). He pitched well and made pitches when...