Plainedge suffers first loss of season state class A baseball final
Plainedge seniors Jayden Gaghan and Dom Santivasci share a hug after a heartbreaking loss to Averill Park in the in the New York State Championship Game on June 13, 2026 at Mirabito Stadium. Credit: Matthew Crisafulli
BINGHAMTON — Plainedge’s only loss of the season will sting in the short term, but the Red Devils will always remember this spring fondly.
For good reason.
The Red Devils fell, 5-0, to Averill Park (Section II) in the state class A baseball final Saturday at Mirabito Stadium.
Plainedge (28-1) made its second appearance in the state final and first since 1992. The Red Devils claimed their first Nassau and Long Island titles since 2012.
“I couldn’t be more proud of these guys and how they performed all season long,” coach Colin Fratrik said. “This was really a special group. I can’t say anything but how proud I am, how proud the school and the entire community is of what they did. Coming up one game short is nothing to hang your head over.”
Fred Bornn struck out five and allowed three walks in a complete game, three-hit shutout. The 6-5, 215-pound senior Lafayette commit threw 124 pitches to lead Averill Park (22-5) to its first state title since 2022.
“He was outstanding,” Fratrik said. “We had a runner on second base in three of the first four innings and he was able to get out of jams. Then, he was able to pitch with a lead and keep us off balance.”
Jeg Sansone scored on a passed ball in the fourth inning and added an RBI single in the fifth to take a 2-0 lead.
Plainedge’s Taylor Nitsch, a senior Towson commit, struck out 10 and allowed five hits, three walks and one earned run in six innings.
“That Plainedge team is as good as it gets,” Averill Park coach George Brooks said. “Nitsch was the best pitcher we faced all year long. We knew we would have to grind it out and keep it close just to give ourselves a chance. They’re real good. It’s unfortunate to have to go that far and lose your last game. They have a great coaching staff and great players.”
Sansone added an RBI single in a three-run top of the seventh. He went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored.
Dom Santivasci went 2-for-2 with a walk and AJ Calapai added a hit for Plainedge.
The Red Devils defeated Section IX champ Marlboro Central, 7-0, in the semifinal at Binghamton University late Friday night. It was one of the many memories the Red Devils will look back on with a smile for years to come.
“We made a lot of positive and happy memories this season,” Fratrik said. “Twenty-eight wins is nothing to slouch over. Being a state runner-up is something to be proud of. It stings right now, but in time, they’re going to realize what a special thing they just experienced with each other — their best friends.”
Matt Lindsay is a high school sports reporter who joined Newsday in 2022 after graduating from Stony Brook University.
