PLATTSBURGH — Plattsburgh High has built plenty of confidence during its 14-game winning streak, but the Hornets are trying to remember the streak could end at any time.
Plattsburgh will look to push it to 15 today when it faces Potsdam in an NYSPHSAA Class B baseball regional semifinal today at Chip Cummings Field.
The Hornets (14-3) dropped the first three games of the season and haven't been beaten since.
"I think they would like to see themselves in Binghamton (for the final four), but we've said all along throughout this streak, if we have an average day and the team we're playing has their best day, we're capable of being beat," coach Jim Manchester said. "So we're always trying to keep our egos in check and know that the game that's most important is the one we're playing today."
Today's winner advances to the regional final against Saratoga Catholic.
Potsdam (15-5) reached regional play by trouncing Salmon River, 28-1, in the Section X semifinals and defeating Ogdensburg 10-1 in the final. The Sandstoners' winning streak is at six games, and they've given up five total runs in that span.
Brothers John and Will Coleman have been key for Potsdam in the playoffs. They combined on a three-hitter in the championship game. John hit for the cycle and finished 7-for-7 in the semifinal, and Will went 3-for-3 in the final.
The Hornets will look to tighten up their defense in order to slow down the Sandstoners.
"We've made plays when we needed to, but we also haven't been as consistent as I'd like at this point," Manchester said. "We've still had some errors creep up on us and put our pitchers in difficult spots."
Anthony Porcelli has been the Hornets' top pitcher this season; he posted a 1.13 ERA during the Champlain Valley Athletic Conference season. Manchester said Plattsburgh may rest Porcelli Monday and "pitch by committee," using Will Love, Jake Richards and Rob Knowles.
Offensively, Brian Latulipe has been one of Plattsburgh's best hitters, averaging .447 in conference play. C.J. Worley batted .406 with a team-best 19 hits.
"We hope to be consistent with the bats. We've swung the bats pretty well of late, but we know we're going to see better pitching the deeper we get," Manchester said. "We hope to get quality at-bats and when we do get on, do the right things to get them over and get them in."
Email Courtney Lewis at: clewis@pressrepublican.com
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