In a thrilling CVAC showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final out, Peru staged a dramatic comeback to edge out Ticonderoga 5-3 on Saturday. The Sentinels seemed poised for victory, holding a 3-1 lead heading into the seventh inning, but the Nighthawks had other plans.

Peru erupted for four runs in the top of the seventh, turning the game on its head. Kayden Smith was the offensive spark, collecting three of the Nighthawks' six hits. On the mound, Keagan Theriault stepped up in relief of starter Kalib Smith, shutting down Ticonderoga when it mattered most.

The Sentinels had seized control in the fifth inning, scoring three runs to build their lead. But Peru's late surge proved too much. "Lead-off singles by Drew Engstrom and Kalib Smith came around to score the runs needed to tie the game," Ticonderoga coach Dan Dorsett explained. "We were unable to get the outs when we needed in the seventh to secure the win."

Jackson Dorsett pitched valiantly into the seventh for the Sentinels, keeping a potent Peru lineup off balance throughout the contest. "Jackson pitched great the entire game," Dorsett added. "We also stranded eight runners and could not expand our lead in the bottom of the sixth with runners on second and third. Peru capitalized when they needed to come up big in the end."

Kalib Smith struck out eight and walked four in a no-decision effort for Peru, while Dorsett fanned seven and issued three walks. Theriault earned the win in relief, with teRiele taking the loss for Ticonderoga.

In other action, Northern Clinton's Jacob Perkins delivered a standout performance, going 3-for-3 with two triples and three RBIs to lead the Cougars to victory. Perkins also earned the win on the mound, striking out six and walking three in 3.2 innings of relief. Austin Mandy paced Moriah with a single, triple, and RBI, while losing pitcher Joey Kazlo struck out five and walked four in four innings, allowing five runs but only one earned.

"The game was scheduled for Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, but field conditions were unplayable," Moriah coach Casey Nephew said. "The game was played on Sunday morning at Schoharie High School."

Meanwhile, Saranac broke open a tight game with six runs in the fourth inning to cruise past AuSable Forks. Adrian Barnes, Brody Macomber, Wyatt Barton, Ian Lawrenz, and Robbie Squier each contributed two hits for the Spartans, while Barnes allowed just one run on two hits over six innings to secure the pitching win.