Hamilton, Oriskany out in the cold

Almost every way the Hamilton and Oriskany softball teams could commit an error on Wednesday, the Emerald Knights and Redskins found a way. The teams combined for 12 errors and eight unearned runs in a Center State Conference Division III game.

"It's too many for two good teams," Hamilton coach Bill Dowsland said.

Oriskany is the defending Section III Class D champions and Hamilton has had some very good years in the recent past, including an appearance in the state finals in 2004. The teams met in the Class D-1 final last year, won by Oriskany 4-3.

I expected a compelling game, but Mother Nature had other plans. On a cold and windy afternoon - though it was nice when the sun was out - the teams were nowhere near post-season form. Three of those involved said the poor play was due to the weather, which was an interesting admission from someone in sports.

"I think that is the biggest thing," Oriskany coach Eric Enos said.

Oriskany was sweating in the fifth inning. Hamilton, which trailed 8-2 at the end of the fourth, rallied for five runs to make it 8-6 before Redskins pitcher Kayla Dunning got Jenna Whyatt to fly out to center.

"Thank you, Lord," said the left-handed Dunning. "I was relieved to be out of that inning."

There was one good defensive play in the game. In the top of the sixth, Oriskany first baseman Liz Horan made a nice shoestring catch on a pop-up by Nicole Beers for the first out.