Sato's Three Home Runs Propel Baseball to Sweep Over Columbia-Greene

Game 1: Herkimer 15, Columbia-Greene 5
The Herkimer Generals Baseball Team continued its winning ways Thursday, kicking off their home doubleheader with a 15-5 victory over Columbia-Greene Community College.

After falling behind briefly in the top of the first, Herkimer answered right back with six runs in the bottom half. A dropped third strike and a Columbia-Greene error helped open the door before Jacob Severson and Shiryu Sato each crushed solo home runs in the second to extend the lead.

The Generals kept the pressure on with a steady attack, adding runs in the third and erupting for six more in the fifth inning. Obiel Sanchez and Jaden Madrid delivered RBI doubles, and Mike Schleider drove in a run to break the game wide open.

Brendan Rusnack earned the win on the mound, striking out two in a quick one-inning start. Jace VanValkenburg added a scoreless frame in relief.

Madrid led the way offensively, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs and three stolen bases. Severson also posted a multi-hit game, while the Generals flashed their speed with three stolen bases overall.

Chris Echols and Austin Blessing paced Columbia-Greene with two hits apiece.

Game 2: Herkimer 15, Columbia-Greene 3
Shiryu Sato put on a show in Game 2, belting two home runs and driving in five runs to lead Herkimer to a 15-3 win and secure the doubleheader sweep.

The Generals wasted no time jumping on Columbia-Greene pitching. Sato started the scoring with an RBI single, and Marvin Hill followed with a three-run blast to left field. Herkimer poured it on early, drawing seven walks in the opening inning and scoring six times.

Sato wasn't finished — he added a solo homer to left in the third and a three-run shot to center in the fourth, capping off a monster day at the plate. The Generals added steady runs throughout the game, getting key hits from Zowen Collins, Dylan Wolfson, and Madrid along the way.

Evan Staroba earned the win on the mound, striking out two in a hitless inning of work. Herkimer's bullpen was lights-out, with Jacob Rentz, Justin Peralta, and Caleb Martinek each tossing scoreless frames to finish the job.

Sato and Hill each collected three hits, while the team as a whole drew 14 walks and swiped seven bases. Madrid and Sanchez each stole multiple bases, helping Herkimer dominate on the basepaths.

Sterling Veras led Columbia-Greene offensively, going 2-for-2 out of the nine-spot.