Bellmore JFK's baseball run comes to an end in state semifinals
Derek Yormack of Bellmore JFK singles in the 6th inning against Cornwall at Mirabito Stadium on June 12, 2026. Credit: Myles Clement
BINGHAMTON — Bellmore JFK appeared in the state semifinals for the first time after winning its first Nassau and Long Island titles, but the Cougars' bid for a state championship ended earlier than they hoped.
Cornwall Central (Section IX) defeated Bellmore JFK, 5-3, in the state Class AA semifinals at Mirabito Stadium on Friday night.
Cornwall Central (24-0) will face West Genesee (Section III) in the state final at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
With the score tied at 3-3, Cornwall Central's Richie Roohan tripled and Mason Lont walked with one out in the bottom of the sixth. A two-out error allowed both runners to score.
“We had a saying, rest in the end, not the middle,” Bellmore JFK coach Mike Gattus said. “We’ll look back at this season and celebrate all the accomplishments we had now that it's over.”
Derek Yormack started for the Cougars. He allowed three runs and one hit in five innings, striking out four.
“Derek was all rested up and ready to go today,” Gattus said. “He’s one of the best players in the country and he’s been huge for us.”
Doubles by the Yormack twins, Ryan and Derek, gave Bellmore JFK a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Lont and Tyler Maus walked in the second and both runners scored on wild pitches to give Cornwall Central a 2-1 advantage.
Ryan Yormack launched an inside-the-park home run to deep centerfield to tie it at 2-2 in the third, but Cornwall Central took a 3-2 lead on a passed ball in the fourth. Derek Yormack singled and Dylan Babek doubled to tie it at 3-3 in the sixth.
“I just wanted them to compete and have fun,” Gattus said. "It’s a special moment to be here and I hope they soaked it all in.”
Christopher Matias covers high school sports for Newsday after spending time in Athletic Facilities and Operation at St. John’s and in Sports Information at CUNY York college.
