By Kameron Towle
[email protected]
WINDSOR, Vt. – Both the Yellows Jackets varsity baseball and softball teams walked away with double-digit wins over Mill River on Wednesday evening, with baseball winning 21-6 and softball 17-7.
And for many to wear the yellow and green, it was their last regular season home game, as the Windsor seniors were honored for their commitment to their respective programs.
Softball will graduate seven seniors, and baseball will graduate six.
Softball seniors who were honored on Wednesday were Angel Sutton, Ava Sutton, Brooke McKeen, Jasmine Frazer, Kacie Charest, Kristin Clark, and Madison Putnam.
“This group of seven seniors are a very special group,” said Windsor softball head coach Heather Stearns. “They have all played together on varsity for three years… some even started as freshman. Each one of them is hard-working and willing to learn and improve. Our program will definitely miss each and every one of them. But their work is not done here at Windsor High… we’ve got some more wins coming our way with their leadership.”
On Wednesday, the Jacks put together 17 hits, with four of them coming off that bat of McKeen and another four from Hannah Wood. Also, Frazer went 3-for-5 in her senior game.
Freshman Peyton Richardson pitched all seven innings for the Jacks, allowing 9 hits and 6 walks while fanning 7 batters.
The win for the Windsor girls comes over the same team they lost to this year 13-4 on the road.
“We played a much better game this time,” said Stearns as her team moves to 5-10 on the year. “I’m happy to see us peaking at this time of our season.”
The girls last regular season game is Friday at Bellows Falls.
Over on the MacLeay-Royce Baseball Field, the boys took care of business, picking up 12 hits, 14 walks, and 16 RBIs to score their 21 runs.
The senior boys honored on the day were Ryland Richardson, Robert Slocum, Justin Smith, Daniel Cardillo, Josh Gaudette, and Gavin Harriman.
“This group of seniors are a close group of good friends,” said Windsor baseball coach Jamie Richardson. “They have been a part of two championships and a lot of victories.”
A couple lifelong friends, Ryland Richardson and Robert Slocum, have now played their last regular season home game in Windsor. Both of their fathers have been coaching the two for quite some time.
“It was an emotional day for coach Slocum and I,” said coach Richardson. “We have coached Ryland and Robert since tee-ball and today was their senior day. Hard to believe it’s here already but boy we have some great memories.”
Ryland got cleared for the game Wednesday, joining his teammates on senior day after recovering from an ongoing knee issue that’s been lingering since basketball season. He saw some time at first base although he’d normally be at shortstop.
The senior leading the way for the Jacks’ offense on Wednesday was Gaudette. He went 4-for-4 with 3 RBIs and 3 runs scored.
“Today Josh Gaudette led the way at the plate, but we really hit it hard up and down the lineup,” said coach Richardson.
Slocum had a hit and 4 RBIs, Smith had a hit and 3 runs scored, Will Heim was 2-for-2 with an RBI and 2 runs, Ethan Belvin was 2-for-4 with 4 RBIs and 2 runs, Cardillo had 3 walks and 2 runs, and Jordan Place and Dylan Hodgdon each had a hit and an RBI.
“Freshman Ethan Belvin had a big day at the plate,” said coach Richardson. “He is finding his groove at the right time.”
The big inning for the Jacks came in the third, as they plated 11 runs.
Yellow Jackets baseball improves to 5-8 and will travel to Bellows Falls on Friday.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.