The Amsterdam Rams varsity baseball team pounded out 18 hits including Kolbie Glionna’s second career home run to back another shutout performance by starting pitcher Julian Gallup and relievers Brett Flint and Tony Isabel, defeating Catholic Central 15-0 Monday afternoon at Shuttleworth Park.
“The last time we hit the ball right at them,” said AHS head coach Brian Spagnola on his team’s loss to the Crusaders in Troy last week. “Today we just crushed the ball.”
Amsterdam put up eight runs in the first off Crusaders lefty Luke Hansen. The first eight Rams hitters reached base as AHS batted around in the order. Andrew Rouse and Julian Gallup singled, Eric Robertshaw walked leading up to Jonardy Anil’s two run double. After Kolbie Glionna’s single, Brady McGillin drilled an RBI double to center field. Ben Rhodes RBI single and run scoring ground outs by Bryan Stanavich and Rouse completed the big inning. But Amsterdam wasn’t done and plated more in the second.
Anik walked to lead off the second followed by Glionna’ second hit and chased Luke Hansen. Reliever Jeremy Glazer didn’t fare much better as McGillin and Stanavich clubbed run scoring singles. The Rams led 11-0 after two but didn’t stop their offensive barrage. Kolbie Glionna once again displayed some power. The senior second baseman connected for another towering home run over the left field wall in the third.
“As soon as it left his bat you knew it was gone,” said Spagnola of Glionna’s two run blast. “He’s been one of the most consistent players on the team.”
After than, AHS led 13-0. That was more than enough for Julian Gallup who was throwing strikes at the Crusaders and getting outstanding defense behind him.
Gallup scattered six hits and struck out five during his five innings of work. Catholic Central’s best scoring chance came in the third inning when designated hitter Bob Martino led off with a double to center field. Martino reached third on a ground out by Zach Fratiani and attempted to score on a wild pitch but Gallup covered the plate and took a throw from catcher Robertshaw to get Martino at home. Gallup picked off Liam Kelly at first an inning later after he had led off with a single.
“He wasn’t as sharp as last time but certainly as effective,” said Spagnola on his hurlers effort. “Julian’s velocity is getting better. He’s playing confident.”
Gallup benefited from some outstanding defense behind him including a fifth inning double play turned by the Rams middle infielders. Martino had his second hit of the game when a ground ball up the middle off the bat of Fratiani looked certain to reach center field. AHS shortstop Andrew Rouse fielded the ball behind the bag and flipped it behind his back to Glionna who fired to Ben Rhodes at first. The play had everyone thinking “highlight reel.”
“That’s phenomenal defense,” said Spagnola. “That’s a top ten on ESPN easy.”
“I’m just as surprised,” said Glionna. “Pudge (Rouse) has incredible range. He tossed the ball behind his back and I caught it and turned the double play.”
“That was amazing,” commented AHS first baseman Ben Rhodes.
Glionna led the Rams with a pair of singles and the home run. McGillin had three hits and three RBI’s. AHS plated two more runs in the sixth. Anthony Noce’s two run single plated Brian Cranker and Kyle Sherlock for the final victory. Brett Flint pitched a scoreless sixth inning and Tony Isabel completed the shutout retiring the side in order in the seventh.
“We needed to make sure we got them in awe,” said Spagnola. “Putting up eight early took the wind out of their sails.’
Amsterdam will be at home on Wednesday to face Schenectady. The game time for Senior Night is set for 6:30pm at Shuttleworth Park.
(Photos by Scott Mulford)
