NEWBURGH – What started out as a Yellowjackets’ swarm in the first and second innings of the Section IX Class D Championship game between the Eldred Yellowjackets and the Chapel Field Lions quickly shifted into the Lions taking control of the game at the top on the fourth inning. The Yellowjackets held a 2-0 win record over the Lions this season- defeating them 7-6 back on April 13, and 3-2 to clinch the regular season division title on May 18. 

The Yellowjackets (13-6) to end the season, had taken a 5 to nothing lead early on, the energy in the dugout palpable as they started the game charged and up for the task. It looked like the Yellowjackets would take the win easily, but it was still early, and there was plenty of game ahead.

The Lions’ fourth inning at the plate was the deciding factor. An eleven-run swing put them ahead of their opponents 11-5. The Lions kept the pressure on. After widening their lead by capitalizing on multiple bases-loaded situations, they went on to score five additional runs in the fifth and sixth innings. After the shift in momentum, the Yellowjackets were unable to recover despite a valiant late seventh-inning push. The Lions ended the Yellowjackets’ season with a 16-9 win.

Abigail Spanjer contributed 3 hits on offense in the Lions’ win, including a double, while bringing in an impressive 6 RBI. Eldred’s Giada Donato struck out seven batters on the mound, Emma Bisland went 3-for-4 and Sydney Furler went 3-for-3 at the plate. The Lions (6-7) advance to the NYSPHSAA Class D Regionals.