Last week the SUNY Orange Colts played their first game in the NJCAA Region XV DII Tournament where they needed to win two games to advance to the next round. On Thursday May 9th the Colts played against Sullivan County in what was a hard fought seven inning showdown between two teams who knew they had a chance to make history. To start the game the Colts found themselves down in the scoring column after giving up a two-run homerun, they then added to their lead after scoring two runs in the third inning followed by a five run inning to give the Generals a 9-0 lead after just four innings of play.  The Colts were able to drive in just a single run throughout the game thanks to Kurtis Martin who singled on a fly ball, scoring Josh Martin from third base. Unfortunately they were unable to produce more runs and would lose their first of two games of the tournament. Despite being down in the scoring column the Colts found their success inside the batter's box as 8/9 batters that stepped up to the plate came away with a hit by the end of the game. Finishing with nine total hits as a team it was Kurtis Martin who led the team going two-for-four with two singles and scored the team's only run for the game. 

Gabe Alfonso took the loss for the Colts, the right handed pitcher threw for two innings, allowing just two runs on three hits while striking out just one batter and walking two. After some quick maneuvers on the mound Alfonso was able to prevent a runner from stealing second base and get the out with the help of Francisco Velez who threw down the tag before the runner could get a hand on the base. 

While the Colts played the Generals. The Vikings of Westchester played against the Hawks of Rockland where the winners of the two games would play each other and the losers of the games were scheduled to play on Friday May 10th. 

With Westchester falling to Rockland in Game 1 the Colts played against Westchester on Friday where the winner of the game would continue their chances and later play for the Region XV District Championship.

After a long hard fought game the SUNY Orange Colts fell to SUNY Westchester by a score of 7-2 ending the Colts 2024 season. In this game neither team was able to gain an early edge as both teams were scoreless through the first two innings. After a scoreless two innings in the 3rd,4th and 5th innings is where all the action and scoring happens. It was Francisco Velez who helped the Colts even the score at two runs a piece in the top of the 4th inning after he smashed a ball for a standing triple, scoring two runs. Soon after their success inside the batter's box the Vikings were able to quickly respond scoring two runs in back to back innings making the score 6-1 followed by a late eighth inning run score to make the score 7-2 and giving the Colts their second of two losses which would put an end to the Colts 2024 Season. Brian Saldana took the loss to the Colts, pitching six innings allowing six runs on nine hits while striking out two and walking three. Anthony Papagni started the game for the Colts as the right hander gave up one hit and one run over two innings of play. Papagni struck out one batter and walked one batter. The Colts would end their season with a 6-27 record on the year.

Postseason accolades and honors:

This team had a lot of ups and downs this year but even though they faced their troubles there were a few athletes who Coach Cabarcas could count on. Throughout most of the year Josh Martin would be the one to lead off and be the one to see the first few pitches of the game. Batting leadoff in almost every game while also playing one of the tougher positions on the field taking over the 2nd base spot Martin did not step down and was sensational all year, he led the team in On Base Percentage, SLG, Base on Balls, Runs scored, Fielding Percentage (Catcher and Pitcher not included) and is top 5 on the team in almost every category. Martin capped off his great year earning himself a spot on the NJCAA Division II Region XV All Region Second Team as one of the Infielders 

Derek Sherman was another middle infielder who had a fantastic year. Sherman batted in the middle of the lineup and offered a huge blow to opposing pitchers, he led the Colts in At Bats, Hits, Runs Batted in, Batting Average, Extra Base Hits, Doubles, Total Bases, Stolen Bases and was .001 away from tying teammate Josh Martin for the Highest SLG. Playing the shortstop position Sherman knew his role was as important as the next and would do everything he can to prevent a run. Sherman finished with a batting average of .352 going 38/108 with 11 doubles and 3 homeruns. 

There were many more notable athletes on the year and all have something to remember and be proud of. Francisco Velez had a great end of the year as he was named on this year's All-tournament team for the athletes who played the best all tournament according to the Coaches. Lastly Kurtis Martin was given the Sportsmanship award being the guy to bring the spark to every game and will do whatever it takes to lead his team to victory. Congratulations to the Colts baseball on their fantastic season.