​WATERTOWN — First-year Rapids head coach Kameron Hartenstein continues to admire the fight he’s seeing from his Watertown squad, even as the team has not found much luck in the win column. That resolve was on full display Thursday night, but Watertown’s late rally fell short as the Sherrill Silversmiths capped a 10-8 victory in a New York Collegiate Baseball League game played before 245 fans at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds.
The Silversmiths jumped out front, tallying nine runs across the first four innings, and Watertown’s comeback attempt came up just short in the end. With the loss, the Rapids dropped their second consecutive game and extended their winless streak to eight games, a stretch that includes two ties. The setback also deepens Watertown’s position in the East Division standings as they chase a playoff berth.
After the game, Hartenstein praised his team’s character. “It’s definitely the season we wanted,” he said. “But I can’t say enough about my guys. In summer baseball, it’s easy to slip into a mood where you mail it in during tough stretches. Yet I keep hearing another coach, the Rochester skipper, tell me, ‘man, you guys just keep showing up and you guys just keep playing hard.’ And to me, as the head coach, that makes me incredibly proud. It’s what I’ve asked for from day one.”
Watertown remains in the lower tier of the standings as Sherrill’s victory left the Silversmiths (12-17-1) eight games ahead of Watertown (7-20-3) for the final postseason spot in the East Division. The playoff race remains tight, with every game carrying extra significance for the Rapids.
“We have our ups and downs,” Watertown outfielder Scott LaMountain said. “But a lot of it comes down to showing up and grinding it out, pitch by pitch. I think if we keep battling, the results will swing our way soon.”
LaMountain delivered a standout performance, tallying three hits and driving in four runs, underscoring Watertown’s resilience and willingness to grind through adversity. The Rapids entered the game with a determined energy, and LaMountain’s four driven-in runs highlighted the team’s potential to surge when things click.
The Silversmiths, who registered 14 hits, built a 3-0 lead in the second inning, ignited by RBI singles from David Arroyo and Jordan Hughes, plus a bases-loaded walk from Luke Rizzo. Sherrill added a fourth run in the third inning when Dominic Bullis brought home a run. Watertown answered with a four-spot in the bottom of the inning, tying the game as Peyton Adams and Jorge Rodriguez each singled to drive in a run, and Tommy Ocasal and LaMountain produced RBI groundouts to tie the score.
But Sherrill seized control again, plating five runs in the fourth to regain the lead and hold on for the victory. The Silversmiths’ offense continued to pressure Watertown throughout the game, and a late Watertown push couldn’t overcome the early deficit.
The game showcased both teams’ offensive capabilities and highlighted why this matchup mattered in the race for postseason opportunities. Watertown’s commitment to competing until the final out remains clear, and the Rapids will look to translate that grit into more wins as they chase a playoff push in the New York Collegiate Baseball League.
Looking ahead, Watertown will aim to break its eight-game winless streak and gain momentum in the East Division standings. With continued leadership from Hartenstein and clutch performances from players like LaMountain, the Rapids hope to start a winning streak that can turn the season around and put them back in playoff contention. Meanwhile, Sherrill’s bullpen and timely hitting helped them secure the crucial win, widening the gap for Watertown in the race to reach the postseason.