Halfmoon Mariners moving on to Mid-Atlantic regional

The Halfmoon Mariners 18-and-under team defeated the Columbia County Cardinals 4-3 on Friday July 24 to win the Eastern New York State Senior Babe Ruth 16-18 Championship.

The Mariners fought back from a 3-0 deficit thanks to three RBI from Bobby Culkin of Clifton Park, including a walkoff RBI double in the bottom of the 7th.

Cooper McGowan of Ballston Spa pitched a complete game for the win. McGowan earned two wins and a save as the Mariners went 4-0 in the tournament.

Brian Scholl of Clifton Park and Brian Guilder of Ballston Spa also notched wins on the mound for the Mariners.

Sam Mason and catcher Mike Hipwell of Mechanicville bolstered a strong defensive showing by the Mariners. Hipwell threw out two runners from behind the plate in one inning.

L to R: Coach Jeff Kaier, Mike Hipwell, Tyler Chewens, Keenan Shannon, Bryce Shrake, Sam Mason, Bobby Culkin, Brian Scholl, Brian Guilder, Joe Szepessy, Brendan Shannon, Cooper McGowan and Andrew Remington (missing: Chris Bonaparte).

The Mariners move on to the Mid-Atlantic Regional in Chester Pennsylvania, July 30 - Aug. 3.

The Mariners qualified for the Senior Babe Ruth Tournament based on their finish in the ENY 18-and-under Connie Mack Wood Bat League.